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This year, the Iowa linebacker is among the best in college football, and Phil Steele ranks him as the best defensive player going into the 2024 campaign.

By: Iowa Athletics Communication Contact James Allan

IOWA CITY, Iowa: Jay Higgins, a fifth-year linebacker at the University of Iowa, was selected Phil Steele’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday, the college football journal announced. Three Hawkeyes players were named preseason All-America, and twelve were named preseason All-Big Ten.

Preseason first-team All-American Higgins was also selected, along with graduate linebacker Nick Jackson on the fourth team, senior center Logan Jones on the third team, and Higgins on the first. Preseason first-team All-Big Ten honors were also given to each of the three players.

In addition, Mason Richman, a senior offensive tackle, and Sebastian Castro, a graduate safety, were named to the preseason second team All-Big Ten.

Preseason third-team All-Big Ten was named to four players: graduate Nick DeJong (guard), senior Yahya Black (defensive tackle), senior Deontae Craig (defensive end), and junior Drew Stevens (placekicker). The fourth team was made up of senior Luke Lachey (tight end), senior Connor Colby (guard), and senior Luke Elkin (long snapper). Higgins had a strong senior campaign, earning him the highest defense award. With 171 tackles in the regular season, he tied the Iowa record, led the Big Ten, and finished third nationally. The Indianapolis native received second-team honors from AFCA, CBS, Walter Camp, and the Associated Press, and first-team recognition from FWAA, Phil Steele, and Sports Illustrated.