Iowa Linebacker Jay Higgins Announces Return for 2024 Season
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Linebacker Jay Higgins has made the decision to return for an additional season at Iowa, bolstering the Hawkeyes’ defense for the 2024 campaign. Higgins, one of the top linebackers in the nation, brings a wealth of talent and experience to the team.
Higgins’ Impressive Performance
Higgins currently leads all Power 5 linebackers and ranks second nationally with 155 tackles. He is just 16 tackles away from tying the school’s single-season record, set by Andre Jackson in 1972.
After serving as a subpackage performer in the 2022 season, Higgins seamlessly stepped into the role vacated by Butkus Award winner and first-round draft pick Jack Campbell. His leadership, knowledge, and physical abilities have been instrumental in Iowa’s defensive success.
Higgins, standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 233 pounds, has received numerous accolades for his outstanding performance. He was named a first-team All-American by the FWAA and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both league coaches and media.
Why Higgins Chose to Stay
Higgins’ decision to return for another season was likely influenced by uncertainty about his draft positioning. The financial package offered by The Swarm Collective, coupled with the stability and growing popularity he enjoys among the Iowa fan base, played a significant role in his choice. This decision could also open up long-term opportunities for Higgins beyond football in Iowa.
When asked about his decision, Higgins stated, “It’s just a fine line between is the grass greener on the other side? It’s a real cutthroat business in the next level, and I think everybody’s aware of that. So it’s just a matter of weighing your options.”
Higgins wanted to finalize his decision before leaving for the Citrus Bowl, demonstrating his focused and methodical approach to decision-making. He prefers to tackle tasks individually rather than all at once.
Impact on Iowa’s Defense
Higgins played a pivotal role as the brains, heart, and hammer of Iowa’s defense. The Hawkeyes boasted the second-best yards per play allowed in the nation, despite facing a high number of plays due to offensive issues. With six key players returning to the defensive line, Iowa is poised to maintain its status as one of the nation’s top defenses in 2024.
Nick Jackson, Iowa’s other starting linebacker, has also received NCAA approval for an extra year of eligibility. However, he has yet to announce his intentions publicly.
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(Photo: David Berding / Getty Images)