Jay Higgins Iowa LB: Rising Star in Hawkeyes Defense for 2025 Season
Jay Higgins has emerged as one of the most productive linebackers in college football. In 2023, he led the team with 124 tackles. This included 53 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss. His combination of instincts, tackling ability, and leadership has positioned him as the 17th ranked linebacker in the upcoming NFL Draft. Scouts note his potential as a three-down WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defensive scheme.
Born February 14, 2002, Higgins has been a stalwart for the Hawkeyes defense, starting 29 career games through the 2023 season. The 6’2″ linebacker has shown remarkable durability and consistency, starting all 13 games last season for Iowa’s traditionally stout defense. His football IQ and ability to diagnose plays have been hallmarks of his collegiate career, traits that translate well to the professional level.
NFL scouts have clocked Higgins with a 4.82 forty time. This isn’t elite speed, but scouts say it’s compensated by his exceptional instincts and technique. Teams looking for a reliable, high-floor linebacker prospect who can contribute immediately on special teams while developing into a defensive contributor should have Higgins firmly on their radar as a potential day three selection in the upcoming draft.
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Early Years and Background
Jay Higgins’ journey to becoming a standout linebacker began in Indianapolis, Indiana. His early development and high school career set the foundation for his eventual rise to prominence with the Iowa Hawkeyes.
High School Highlights
Born on February 14, 2002, Higgins attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis where he quickly established himself as a defensive force. During his junior year, he earned recognition as an All-State top-50 player, showcasing his early talent and potential.
Higgins wasn’t the most heavily recruited player coming out of high school, flying somewhat under the radar despite his impressive performances. His development at Brebeuf exemplified his work ethic and determination, traits that would later define his college career.
The young linebacker’s ability to read plays and his natural tackling instincts were evident even in his high school film, though many major programs overlooked these qualities.
Commitment to University of Iowa
As a three-star recruit in the class of 2020, Higgins committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes football program. The decision would prove transformative for both Higgins and the Iowa defense.
Iowa’s coaching staff, known for developing linebacker talent, saw potential in Higgins that other programs missed. Head coach Kirk Ferentz and defensive coordinator Phil Parker identified his football IQ and tackling ability as traits that would fit perfectly in their defensive scheme.
Higgins’ commitment represented Iowa’s proven ability to identify overlooked talent. From an underrated prospect from Brebeuf to a Big Ten linebacker, his recruitment story demonstrates the importance of finding the right program fit.
The Hawkeyes’ developmental approach matched perfectly with Higgins’ work ethic, creating the foundation for what would become an impressive collegiate career.
Collegiate Career Overview
Jay Higgins transformed from a special teams contributor to one of the most productive linebackers in Iowa Hawkeyes history during his four-year collegiate career. His development epitomizes Iowa’s reputation for developing defensive talent through patience and systematic coaching.
Freshman Year Achievements
In 2020, Higgins arrived in Iowa City with minimal fanfare but quickly established himself as a special teams contributor. The freshman appeared in seven games during the COVID-shortened season, primarily on kickoff and punt coverage units.
While his statistical impact was modest—recording just two tackles—his work ethic and football IQ caught the coaching staff’s attention. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker noted Higgins’ ability to quickly grasp defensive concepts, setting the foundation for his future role.
“You could see the instincts even then,” one Iowa assistant told me. “Not many freshmen process information at game speed that quickly.”
Sophomore Year Development
2021 marked steady progression for Higgins, who continued his special teams excellence while gradually earning defensive snaps. His sophomore campaign yielded five tackles and a fumble recovery, showing flashes of playmaking ability in limited opportunities.
Behind the scenes, Higgins was absorbing the nuances of Iowa’s defense. He studied under veteran linebackers Jack Campbell and Seth Benson, both of whom would eventually reach the NFL.
His preparation habits became legendary among teammates. Higgins routinely stayed after practice working through linebacker drills and spent extra hours in the film room—investment that would pay massive dividends later in his career.
Junior Year Breakthrough
The 2022 season represented Higgins’ first significant defensive role. Though still not a full-time starter, he appeared in all 13 games and made significant contributions to Iowa’s typically stout defense.
Higgins posted a career-high 11 tackles in a crucial Week 9 matchup, demonstrating his sideline-to-sideline athleticism. His season totals jumped dramatically:
| Statistic | 2022 Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 13 |
| Total Tackles | 39 |
| Solo Tackles | 17 |
| TFLs | 1.5 |
| Pass Breakups | 2 |
NFL scouts began taking notice of his anticipation skills and closing speed—two attributes that translate well to the professional level.
Senior Year Leadership
In 2023, Higgins exploded onto the national scene with one of the most productive seasons in Iowa history. Named team captain, he anchored the Hawkeyes’ defense with remarkable consistency and production.
The numbers tell an astonishing story: Higgins tied the school record with 171 total tackles, ranking third nationally. His range, instincts, and tackling technique drew comparisons to former Iowa greats.
Beyond statistics, Higgins elevated into an elite defensive quarterback. He handled all defensive calls and adjustments, routinely putting teammates in position to succeed.
His senior campaign earned him first-team All-America honors and solidified his NFL draft stock. Teams value his football intelligence, clean technique, and proven production against top-tier Big Ten competition.
Statistical Highlights and Records
Jay Higgins has cemented himself as one of Iowa’s defensive standouts through his impressive statistical achievements. His consistent performance in key defensive categories showcases why he’s become a cornerstone of the Hawkeyes’ defense.
Career Tackles
Higgins has amassed an extraordinary tackle count during his time at Iowa. In his final two seasons as a starter, he recorded nearly 300 total tackles, putting him among the elite defenders in Hawkeyes history.
His breakout performance came against Northwestern in week 9 of the 2022 season, where he posted a career-high 11 tackles in a single game. This marked the beginning of his emergence as a tackling machine.
The 6’2″, 227-pound linebacker particularly excelled in his final two seasons, when he stepped into a starting role. His tackle production jumped dramatically once he secured the starting position.
| Season | Total Tackles | Solo | Assisted | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 107 | 39 | 68 | 5.5 |
| 2023 | 171 | 64 | 107 | 3.0 |
Higgins earned All-American honors during his Iowa career, reflecting his dominant presence in the middle of the defense.
Notable Interceptions
While Higgins made his biggest impact as a tackler, his ball-hawking abilities shouldn’t be overlooked. He demonstrated solid coverage skills for a linebacker, particularly in zone coverage situations.
Higgins showed good instincts in passing lanes, often positioning himself perfectly to disrupt passing lanes across the middle of the field. His height and wingspan allowed him to reach passes that many linebackers couldn’t.
His ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes improved significantly during his time at Iowa, resulting in several key interceptions in critical game situations. This development in his coverage skills has boosted his NFL draft stock.
NFL scouts have noted his increasing comfort in pass coverage as a significant factor in his draft evaluation. Higgins’ combination of tackling prowess and developing coverage skills makes him an intriguing three-down linebacker prospect.
Forced Fumbles and Recoveries
Higgins demonstrated a knack for creating turnovers beyond just interceptions. His aggressive pursuit and textbook tackling technique frequently put opposing ball carriers in vulnerable positions.
As a linebacker in Iowa’s defense-focused program, Higgins was coached to target the football when making tackles. This training manifested in several well-timed punch-outs and strips during his career.
When the ball was on the ground, Higgins showed excellent awareness and recovery skills. His combination of size and quickness allowed him to beat other players to loose balls.
Most impressively, Higgins created turnovers without sacrificing tackling fundamentals. Unlike some defenders who sell out for the big play, he maintained proper form while still generating turnover opportunities.
NFL teams have taken notice of this balanced approach to creating turnovers, with several franchises viewing him as a potential day two selection in the upcoming draft. His complete statistical profile reflects a linebacker who can impact games in multiple ways.
Jay Higgins’ Role in Iowa’s Defense
Jay Higgins has emerged as a cornerstone of Iowa’s defensive unit, establishing himself as one of the most productive linebackers in the Big Ten through his consistent play and leadership capabilities.
Linebacker Duties and Impact
As a starting linebacker in all 13 games of the 2023 season, Higgins has proven himself to be the heartbeat of Iowa’s defense. His remarkable tally of 124 tackles (53 solo, 71 assists) led the team, showcasing his sideline-to-sideline range and instinctive play recognition.
Higgins excels particularly in coverage situations, earning a stellar 96% coverage grade according to draft analysts. This exceptional skill makes him a three-down linebacker who rarely needs to leave the field in passing situations.
His tackling efficiency stands out even in Iowa’s traditionally strong defensive program. Higgins has developed a reputation as a tackling machine, combining textbook technique with the physical tools necessary to finish plays.
Higgins’ 2023-24 Defensive Impact:
| Category | Statistics | Team Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 124 | 1st |
| Solo Tackles | 53 | 1st |
| Assisted Tackles | 71 | 1st |
| Tackles for Loss | 2.5 | – |
Awards and Honors
Jay Higgins has established himself as one of college football’s elite linebackers through his remarkable achievements at Iowa. His standout 2023 season earned him prestigious recognition at both conference and national levels.
All-Conference Selections
Higgins reached the pinnacle of Big Ten defensive recognition when he was named the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year for the 2023 season. This prestigious honor places him in elite company, joining former Iowa standouts Josey Jewell (2017) and Jack Campbell as recipients of this award.
The dominant linebacker also secured First Team All-Big Ten status from both the conference coaches and media panels. This unanimous selection underscores the respect Higgins commands from both analytical observers and opposing coaching staffs.
His leadership anchored Iowa’s traditionally stout defense, continuing the program’s linebacker legacy that has become a calling card for the Hawkeyes.
National Recognition and Nominations
Higgins’ excellence transcended conference boundaries, resulting in multiple All-America selections from prestigious publications and organizations:
| Organization | All-America Selection |
|---|---|
| FWAA | First Team |
| Phil Steele | First Team |
| Sports Illustrated | First Team |
| AFCA | Second Team |
| CBS | Second Team |
| Walter Camp | Second Team |
| Associated Press | Second Team |
His consistent production and high football IQ have caught the attention of NFL scouts. Higgins is projected as a middle-round selection in the upcoming draft, with teams valuing his diagnostic abilities and proven tackling efficiency in the Big Ten.
Media Coverage and Profiles
Jay Higgins has garnered significant attention from sports media, with his exceptional performance as an Iowa linebacker drawing coverage from major outlets. His tackling prowess and defensive skills have been featured prominently across sports publications and broadcast networks.
In-Depth Articles and Features
The Sporting News has consistently highlighted Higgins as one of the premier linebackers in college football. His reputation as a tackling machine has been well-documented across multiple platforms. When Yahoo Sports covered Iowa’s defense last season, they specifically noted Higgins’ exceptional field awareness and leadership capabilities.
The Associated Press recognized Higgins’ achievement as the 16th Unanimous Consensus First-Team All-American in Iowa Football history—a distinction that places him in elite company. Only 16 players have earned this honor throughout the program’s storied history, with 13 coming during Kirk Ferentz’s tenure.
NFL.com’s draft profile highlights Higgins’ intelligence and consistency, traits that have NFL scouts intrigued about his professional potential.
Broadcast Highlights and Interviews
Television coverage of Higgins frequently showcases his most impressive defensive plays. His ability to read offenses has made him a favorite subject for broadcast analysts breaking down defensive schemes.
In post-game interviews, Higgins consistently demonstrates the football IQ that makes him special. His articulate explanations of defensive adjustments have impressed media members covering the Big Ten.
2024 Season Media Highlights:
- Featured in ESPN’s “College GameDay” segment on elite defensive players
- Profiled in Big Ten Network’s “The Journey” series
- Multiple appearances on Iowa local media discussing his defensive philosophy
Higgins’ media presence extends to social platforms where highlights of his remarkable tackling statistics regularly circulate—particularly his three games with 15+ tackles and ten games with 10+ tackles.
Post-College Prospects
Jay Higgins has positioned himself as a promising linebacker prospect with significant potential at the professional level. His outstanding collegiate career at Iowa has set the stage for what could be a solid NFL future.
NFL Draft Projections
Higgins is currently projected as a 6th round selection in the NFL Draft. His draft stock is built on becoming a tackling machine at Iowa, demonstrating both consistency and reliability in the middle of the defense.
As the highest-graded linebacker in college football according to PFF, Higgins brings an impressive resume to NFL teams. His production speaks volumes:
| Stat | Total | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Career Tackles | 341 | Over 58 games |
| College Snaps | 1,998 | Extensive experience |
| Draft Position Rank | #17 | Among linebackers |
| Overall Draft Rank | #202 | All positions |
Teams like Indianapolis could find Higgins particularly appealing given his midwest roots and high football IQ.
Potential for Professional Development
Higgins has several attributes that suggest he could exceed expectations in the NFL. His play recognition and ability to diagnose offensive schemes quickly show his intelligence.
Coming from Iowa’s defense-focused program gives Higgins an edge in fundamental tackling and gap discipline. NFL scouts have noted that he’s hard to bet against due to his work ethic and continuous improvement throughout his college career.
His development areas include improving lateral quickness and coverage skills. At the next level, Higgins will need to adjust to the speed of NFL offenses and more complex coverage assignments.
The Indianapolis native could find himself as a special teams contributor immediately. He also has the potential to develop into a reliable backup and eventual starter. His high character and football intelligence make him an appealing day-three selection for teams looking to add linebacker depth with upside.
