After his efforts this season, Hawthorne was named to the FCS Freshman All-American team. He did not see much playing time right away with the Jackrabbits after redshirting during his first season in 2023 after three games, but he went on to play in every game this season and was a force on South Dakota's defensive line.

A native of Osseo, Minn., the 6-foot-3, 285 pound defensive tackle joins Iowa with three seasons of eligibility remaining. After appearing in just three games and redshirting during the 2023 campaign, Hawthorne burst onto the scene for the Jackrabbits this year.