Iose Epenesa

Iose Epenesa is an American football defensive end for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Early life

Epenesa grew up in Edwardsville, Illinois and attended Edwardsville High School, where he played football, basketball, and was on the track and field team. He holds the school record in shot-put and is second in the discus throw, behind his brother A.J. Epenesa.As a junior Epenesa, he had 46 tackles, seven sacks, ten tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles as a junior. He was selected to play in the 2025 All-American Bowl.
Epenesa was rated a five-star recruit by 247Sports. He committed to play college football at Iowa over offers from Penn State, Miami, and Utah.

College career

Epenesa enrolled at Iowa on June 1, 2025.

Personal life

Epenesa's older brother, A. J., played defensive end at Iowa and currently plays in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. Another brother, Eric, is a linebacker at Iowa. Epenesa's father also played defensive line at Iowa.