Talk about a buzzkill.

After Iowa improved to 6-0 for the first time in six years, it got some crushing news. Defensive leader Drew Ott is out for the season with a torn ACL, according to Cedar Rapids Gazette reporter Marc Morehouse.

Ott went down in the third quarter with a right knee injury and was visibly frustrated on the sideline after he was helped off the field. He returned to the sideline on crutches with ice on his right knee.

Unfortunately for the rolling Hawkeyes, it was a worst-case scenario outcome. And he’s likely played his last game in an Iowa uniform, barring a medical redshirt miracle.

The Giltner, Nebraska native had already dealt with a hyperextended elbow injury that sidelined him in non-conference play but had returned to form in the last two weeks.

The All-Big Ten selection had 7.5 tackles for loss and five sacks on the season and was instrumental for a dominant run defense that hadn’t allowed a rushing score until Saturday.

Iowa will look to continue their fast start without their senior leader when they travel to take on Northwestern next Saturday.