athletic, physical Iowa safety with a knack for impact plays
Nwankpa finished the 2025 season as Iowa’s starting free safety in all 13 games, posting 76 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and an interception, which matches the profile of a reliable, downhill defensive back who can affect both the run and pass game.[1][8] He stands out for his size-athleticism blend and verified speed—he ran a 4.48-second 40 at the 2026 combine—which helps explain why evaluators view him as a versatile, NFL-caliber safety with strong playmaking traits.[9][12] If your team wants a tough, assignment-sound defensive back who can trigger quickly and finish plays, he is a strong fit.[1][3][16]
