On Thursday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz announced that redshirt junior defensive back Deavin Hilson is departing the program.

Hilson played on special teams in five games this year. The 6-foot-1, 194 pound defensive back appeared in 27 games over his Hawkeye career.

Ferentz said in his statement that Hilson is leaving the football program to focus on his academics.

"Deavin has decided to focus on academics with the goal of graduating next August. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best in the future," Ferentz said.

Hilson was recognized with a Team Leader Award on offense following the 2022 season in which he saw action in eight games. The Des Moines product was also honored with a Team Hustle Award in 2023 for his work on the special teams units. Hilson saw action in all 14 games during the 2023 season.

The North High School alum ends his Iowa career with three tackles.

Hilson signed with Iowa in the 2021 class. According to 247Sports, Hilson was a three-star signee, the nation's No. 152 athlete and the No. 23 player in the state of Iowa.

ESPN ranked Hilson as a three-star signee, as the 145th athlete and as the No. 20 player in Iowa. Lastly, Rivals regarded Hilson as a two-star signee.

Hilson chose Iowa over an offer from Northern Iowa.

Iowa's 2021 signing class also included players such as Cooper DeJean, Connor Colby, Max Llewellyn, Jeremiah Pittman, Keagan Johnson, Joe Labas, Arland Bruce IV, Brody Brecht, Gennings Dunker and Beau Stephens.