Career Summary

Ethan Hurkett is an Iowa defensive end who became a two-year starter before joining Kansas City's 2026 offseason roster.

Hurkett played 55 games with 26 starts for Iowa and totaled 30.5 tackles for loss with 15.5 sacks. Kansas City signed him as an undrafted free agent before releasing him in final 2026 roster moves.

His final Iowa season included eight sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.

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Early Life

Hurkett is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Iowa lists Hurkett's hometown as Cedar Rapids and his high school as Xavier.

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High School

Hurkett was an all-state player at Xavier High School.

Iowa lists Hurkett as a first-team all-state selection in his junior and senior years. His Xavier teams won Class 3A state titles in his sophomore and junior seasons.

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College Career

Hurkett developed into a productive Iowa defensive end.

In 2024, Hurkett recorded 56 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. In 2025, he added 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and a team-leading eight sacks.

In 2023, his interception with 15 seconds left at Nebraska set up Iowa's walkoff field goal.

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Path to the NFL

Kansas City signed Hurkett as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 draft.

The Chiefs included Hurkett in their 2026 undrafted free-agent class and described him as a two-year Iowa starter.

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NFL Career

Hurkett's documented NFL experience includes Kansas City's 2026 offseason and preseason.

Kansas City waived Hurkett among its August 30 roster moves ahead of the 2026 regular season.

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Career Accomplishments

Hurkett earned academic and conference recognition at Iowa.

Iowa lists Hurkett as a 2024 honorable-mention All-Big Ten selection, a National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society inductee, and a multiple-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

Section reviewed 2026-09-12