Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins was the first one to decide to skip the NFL draft and come back for another season. And then he waited for his defensive teammates to follow him. They did, and now the Hawkeyes have a defense that coach Kirk Ferentz calls one of his most veteran groups since he became head coach of the program in 1999.
FILE - Iowa ’s Jay Higgins talks with reporters during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days at Lucas Oil Stadium, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Indianapolis. FILE - Iowa defensive back Sebastian Castro brings down Purdue running back Devin Mockobee during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa .
“Honestly, that was the biggest incentive, getting to play with all of the guys who are coming back,” said linebacker Nick Jackson, who is in his sixth season overall and second at Iowa. “We want to do something special.
The only thing missing right now from the defense is coordinator Phil Parker. He was hit during a play in practice recently and had shoulder surgery on Thursday. Higgins’ decision was perhaps the biggest — he ranked third nationally at 12.2 tackles per game and 12th in solo tackles at 5.6.
Jay Higgins Nick Jackson Iowa Hawkeyes Kirk Ferentz Iowa Hawkeyes Football Sports Iowa
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