Jay Higgins is a linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes, as of 2024. Higgins hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Brebeuf Jesuit Prep High School.
During his high school career at Brebeuf Jesuit Prep in Indianapolis, Higgins was a standout linebacker and tight end, earning numerous accolades for his performance. Higgins was named to the All-State Top 50 as both a junior and senior and was recognized as a first-team all-state, all-conference, and all-county player during those same years. He also received all-state and all-conference honors as a sophomore.
As a team captain in both his junior and senior years, Higgins led his high school team to notable successes, including reaching the state championship game as a sophomore and the state regionals as a junior. Over his four-year high school career, he helped his team to a record of 27-11. Higgins was particularly impressive in his senior year, ranking in the top 10 nationally in tackles and setting a school record with 471 career tackles. He led his conference in tackles for three consecutive seasons.
In his final high school season, Higgins recorded 151 tackles, five pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. His junior year saw him tally 145 tackles, including an interception return for a touchdown, while his sophomore year included 158 tackles and four forced fumbles. His freshman year also contributed to his impressive high school career, with 17 tackles. In addition to his football achievements, Higgins earned three letters in basketball.
What grade is Jay Higgins in?
According to hawkeyesports, Jay Higgins is in his fifth year at Iowa, as of 2024, where he is continuing his college football career as a linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
What does Jay Higgins major in?
According to hawkeyesports, Jay Higgins is majoring in environmental policy and planning at Iowa.
Jay Higgins College
Jay Higgins enrolled at Iowa in 2020. As a freshman in 2020, Higgins played six games and recorded his first career tackles, including two solo stops in a win over Minnesota. His contributions earned him his first letter. During his sophomore year in 2021, Higgins appeared in all 14 games, compiling five tackles and securing his first fumble recovery on special teams, which led to an Iowa touchdown.
In 2022, Higgins's role expanded as he played in 12 games and started at the Leo/cash position against Wisconsin. He recorded 39 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 quarterback sacks. His standout performances included a season-high 11 tackles in a win over Northwestern and a recovered blocked punt in a victory over Wisconsin. He received several honors for his contributions, including the Hayden Fry Award and the Next Man In Award, and was named to the Player Council.
Higgins's senior year in 2023 was particularly noteworthy. He started in all 14 games as the middle linebacker and led the team with 171 tackles, a total that not only led the Big Ten but also ranked third nationally. His performance included leading the Big Ten in solo and assisted tackles and ranking second in fumbles recovered. Higgins tied the school record for most tackles in a season with 171, and his 92 assisted tackles rank second in Iowa's history. He also recorded five tackles for loss, two quarterback sacks, one interception, and several pass break-ups and quarterback pressures.
Heading into the 2024 season, Higgins was recognized with numerous preseason honors, including being named Phil Steele's preseason Defensive Player of the Year and receiving first-team All-America nods from Athlon, Phil Steele, and Walter Camp. In the 2024 season, Higgins led the team with 18 tackles in the first two games, along with an interception, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble. His career achievements include ranking 43rd in program history with 235 career tackles and having 12 games with 10 or more tackles.
How many years of eligibility does Jay Higgins have?
According to hawkeyesports, Jay Higgins has one year of eligibility remaining as a fifth-year player.
FAQ's On Jay Higgins Grade
A. Jay Higgins plays as a linebacker (LB) for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
A. Jay Higgins is 6 feet 2 inches tall.
A. Jay Higgins is from Indianapolis, Indiana.
A. Jay Higgins attended Brebeuf Jesuit Prep in Indianapolis.
A. Jay Higgins wears the number 34 for the Iowa Hawkeyes.