Hawkeye All-American Says No to the NFL and Returns to Iowa

I can't imagine what it would be like knowing that a future in the NFL is in your future. And that if you wanted to, that future could be just a matter of months away. Many players and their families simply can't afford to turn down that first big payday. But some college athletes want one more year at their respective schools. One more chance to win a title and improve their draft stock.

The Iowa Hawkeye football team got news on Tuesday that one of its leaders on defense has said 'thanks, but no thanks' to the NFL and will return to Iowa City in 2024. The Daily Iowan reports that linebacker Jay Higgins, who leads Iowa and ranks second in the nation with 155 tackles, will return to Iowa for one last season in the black and gold.

As he stated on his social media post, Higgins feels he still has more to prove playing for the Hawkeyes in 2024. The linebacker is just one of several high-profile players that the Hawkeyes are waiting to hear from when it comes to plans.

The NCAA granted fellow linebacker Nick Jackson an additional year of eligibility, but he has yet to announce his future plans. The Daily Iowan also reports that Iowa fans are also waiting to hear from Cooper DeJean. Despite suffering a season-ending injury on November 15th, DeJean still went on to win defensive back and returner of the year honors in the Big Ten Conference. DeJean is projected as a first-round NFL Draft pick.

The Hawkeyes are also waiting on word from DB Sebastian Castro and S Quinn Schulte, as well as tight ends Luke Lachey and Eric All.