For 2005, Hodge was listed as first the team linebacker following spring practice. Hodge started at linebacker in opening week win over Ball State. He recorded two tackles while seeing limited action. Hodge, started at linebacker at Iowa State. He tied for team lead at ISU with 13 tackles, including 12 solo and one tackle for loss. Hodge started at linebacker in win over Northern Iowa Panthers, recording 16 tackles, including seven solo, and one recovered fumble. At Ohio State, Hodge recorded four solo tackles, five assists and a forced fumble. In the win over Illinois he recorded a career-best 18 tackles, including 11 solo, to earn Big Ten Defensive Player of the week honors. He also had three tackles for loss and a forced fumble. At Purdue he recorded two solo tackles and two assists, with one tackle for loss. Against Indiana he recorded 11 solo tackles and seven assists, with one tackle for loss. Against Michigan, Hodge recorded 20 tackles, including 14 solo, one tackle for loss and a forced fumble. At Northwestern Hodge led team with 12 tackles, including six solo, one tackle for loss and one QB pressure. At Wisconsin, Hodge recorded three solo tackles and five assists, including two tackles for loss. Against Minnesota Hodge recorded 13 solo tackles and six assists. Against Florida in the 2006 Outback Bowl, Hodge set an Iowa bowl record and Outback Bowl record with 19 tackles, including 14 solo, he also had one tackle for loss.