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Iowa’s Nwankpa prepares for his final season

Sports

July 13th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

A career that began with so much hype has come down to a final season for Iowa safety Xavier (X-zay-vee-ir) Nwankpa (waum-puh). The former five star recruit out of Southeast Polk High School has appeared in every game the past three seasons and is penciled in at free safety for the upcoming season. He is listed as a second team All Big Ten selection in the preseason. Nwankpa is trying not to think about this being his final season.

Nwankpa has dealt with pressure since he arrived on the Iowa campus.

The Hawkeyes open the season at home against the University of Albany on August 30th.