Iowa Defense has Two AP All-Americans

When we learned about Kentucky’s rematch with Iowa in the Music City Bowl, we warned you about the Hawkeyes’ defense. You’ve seen the final score projections, the lowest total in college football history. This is not just a unit that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Iowa has multiple dudes on its defense. Today we received more evidence when the Associated Press unveiled its All-American teams and it featured three Iowa football players.

Linebacker Jack Campbell was a first team All-American selection. Last week he became the first Hawkeye to ever win the Butkus Award, given annually to college football’s top linebacker. Campbell had 118 tackles in 2022, ranking in the top 15 nationally and second in the Big Ten. He was also named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year after Iowa came up just short of winning its second straight western division title.

Iowa safety Kaevon Merriweather also earned All-American honors. He was selected to the second team after picking off three passes and forcing a fumble. He scored not one, but TWO defensive touchdowns this fall. Merriweather lines up next to Riley Moss, a future NFL defensive back that will probably have revenge on the front of his mind after the way last year’s game ended in Orlando.

Field position will be vital in a game between two of the country’s top 10 defenses. Iowa will have the upper hand with second team All-American punter Tory Taylor. The Australian averaged more than 45 yards per kick and downed punts inside the 20-yard line 32 times.

Kentucky will face one of the best defenses in America without its top two offensive weapons, Will Levis and Chris Rodriguez. They also will be without an offensive coordinator. It’s not exactly a recipe for success in Nashville on New Year’s Eve.