Ethan Hurkett, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was a standout defensive lineman for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. In 2024, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and received the Hayden Fry Award for his defensive excellence. Starting all 13 games in his junior season, Hurkett led the team with 6.5 sacks and a Big Ten–leading three forced fumbles. In his senior season, he helped anchor one of the nation’s top defenses, recording six sacks and being named a defensive permanent team captain.