Cornerback Matt Hankins is a native of Lewisville, Texas where he played his prep football at Marcus High School. He was a two-time First-Team All-District honoree as both a junior and senior. Following graduation, Hankins chose to continue his career at the University of Iowa.
Hankins saw the field for the Hawkeyes as a true freshman in 2017 where he recorded 21 total tackles and a pair of pass breakups. He became a starter in 2018 where he began eight games, ending the year with 48 total tackles and another three pass breakups.
The 2019 season saw Hankins start another 10 games for the Hawkeyes, producing a career-high 58 tackles, his first two interceptions of his career, and seven pass breakups.