Jay Higgins Iowa NFL Future: Sleeper Pick Or Star?
- 01. Jay Higgins Iowa NFL: The Definitive Answer
- 02. Who Is Jay Higgins?
- 03. College Statistics and Performance Metrics
- 04. 2025 NFL Draft Outcome and Ravens Signing
- 05. Preseason Performance and Roster Confirmation
- 06. Scouting Report and NFL Projection
- 07. Key Career Milestones and Accolades
- 08. Why Iowa Players Succeed in the NFL
- 09. Future Outlook for Jay Higgins
Jay Higgins Iowa NFL: The Definitive Answer
Jay Higgins is a former Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker who went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft but quickly signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens, where he successfully made their 53-man roster after an impressive preseason performance in August 2025.
Who Is Jay Higgins?
Jay Higgins emerged as a defensive powerhouse during his five-year tenure at the University of Iowa, transforming from a three-star recruit into a unanimous All-American linebacker. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Higgins attended Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School before committing to Iowa in the 2020 class. His career exemplifies the Iowa football program's reputation for developing high-floor prospects who outperform their draft position through reliability and football acumen.
Higgins played 45 games for the Hawkeyes, accumulating 341 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions. His standout 2023 season featured 171 tackles (79 solo), earning him semifinalist status for the 2023 Butkus Award and first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media. In 2024, he was named Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and secured first-team All-Big Ten selection again, cementing his status as a consensus All-American.
College Statistics and Performance Metrics
The following table presents Higgins' complete college statistics across all five seasons, demonstrating his consistent production and improvement trajectory:
| Year | Team | Solo Tackles | Assisted Tackles | Total Tackles | TFL | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries | Interceptions | Pass Deflections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Iowa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Iowa | 3 | 2 | 5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Iowa | 20 | 19 | 39 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Iowa | 79 | 92 | 171 | 5.0 | 2.0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| 2024 | Iowa | 53 | 71 | 124 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Totals | Iowa | 157 | 184 | 341 | 10.0 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
2025 NFL Draft Outcome and Ravens Signing
Despite being a unanimous All-American in 2024, Higgins went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, a outcome attributed primarily to his combine performance rather than his on-field production. NFL Draft analysts had projected him as a late fifth to early sixth-round pick prior to the combine, with \"The Draft Network\" categorizing him as a day three prospect and Kyle Crabbs of \"The 33rd Team\" labeling him a fifth-rounder.
Within hours of the draft concluding on May 3, 2025, Higgins signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. John Steppe of \"The Gazette\" noted that Higgins \"has a decent chance of actually making the team\" due to Baltimore's relatively favorable path to a 53-man roster for linebackers. Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr stated, \"He was an outstanding player in college. His track record speaks volumes. He should have been drafted, but his physical measurements may have affected his draft stock\".
Preseason Performance and Roster Confirmation
Higgins transformed his undrafted status into a roster spot through dominant preseason play. In two preseason games before August 23, 2025, he accumulated nine tackles (five solo, four assisted), one interception, one forced fumble from a sack, and one defensive stop. His exhibition performances drew considerable acclaim throughout the league and convinced Ravens management of his immediate value.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, when NFL rosters were cut to the 53-player limit, Higgins learned he had made Baltimore's roster in an emotional meeting with General Manager Eric DeCosta. He became one of 29 former Iowa players currently on NFL rosters and was reunited with former Iowa teammate Tyler Linderbaum, who starts at center for the Ravens.
Scouting Report and NFL Projection
Scouts project Higgins as a potential three-down WILL linebacker in a 4-3 front, with the instincts and coverage chops to stay on the field in sub-packages. His tackling prowess and run-stuffing ability should translate immediately, making him a day-one contributor against the ground game and on passing downs.
- Strengths: Exceptional football acumen, reliable tackling, high football IQ, special teams versatility, consistent production over five seasons
- Weaknesses: Tweener size, average athleticism at the NFL level, combine measurables低于 expectation
- Best Scheme Fit: 4-3 defense with a stout front four that can protect him from offensive linemen
- Projected Role: Special teams contributor evolving into rotational linebacker, potential starter with high floor
While Higgins may not possess the elite physical traits scouts typically prioritize, his production and well-rounded skill set make him a high-floor prospect likely to outplay his draft position thanks to reliability.
Key Career Milestones and Accolades
- 2020: Freshman season with 2 tackles, redshirt year development
- 2022: Breakout season with career-high 11 tackles versus Northwestern in Week 9
- 2023: 171 total tackles, Butkus Award semifinalist, first-team All-Big Ten
- 2024: Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, unanimous consensus All-American, first-team All-Big Ten
- May 2025: Undrafted but signed by Baltimore Ravens as UDFAs
- August 2025: Made Ravens 53-man roster after standout preseason
Why Iowa Players Succeed in the NFL
Higgins' trajectory reinforces the longstanding reputation that Iowa players are hard to bet against in the NFL draft and beyond. The program's emphasis on fundamental tackling, football intelligence, and scheme discipline produces pros who consistently outperform draft expectations. His success follows a pattern seen with previous Iowa linebackers who became NFL contributors through preparation and reliability rather than elite athletic testing.
With one more preseason game remaining against Washington in late August 2025 at the time of his roster confirmation, Higgins appeared a strong candidate for the 53-man roster, which he ultimately secured. His journey from undrafted free agent to roster member demonstrates that production and football IQ can overcomeCombine limitations in professional football evaluation.
Future Outlook for Jay Higgins
Higgins' NFL future looks promising as he joins a Ravens defense that values versatile linebackers capable of contributing on special teams while developing into rotational or starting roles. His reunion with Tyler Linderbaum provides familiarity and chemistry that could accelerate his adaptation to the professional game.
As a sleeper pick who defied odds to make an NFL roster, Higgins embodies the undervalued prospect narrative that draft analysts predicted before the 2025 draft. His continued development will depend on maintaining his special teams value while expanding his defensive responsibilities within Zach Orr's scheme.
Everything you need to know about Jay Higgins Iowa Nfl Future Sleeper Pick Or Star
Did Jay Higgins get drafted in the NFL?
No, Jay Higgins went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft despite being a unanimous All-American, but he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent immediately after the draft concluded.
What team is Jay Higgins on in the NFL?
Jay Higgins plays for the Baltimore Ravens, where he made their 53-man roster in August 2025 after an impressive preseason performance.
Why did Jay Higgins go undrafted?
Higgins went undrafted primarily because of his combine performance and physical measurements, which lowered his stock from \"interesting sleeper pick\" to undrafted despite his unanimous All-American status.
What are Jay Higgins' college stats?
Higgins finished his Iowa career with 341 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions across 45 games.
Is Jay Higgins a good NFL prospect?
Yes, Higgins is considered a high-floor prospect with solid starter potential who should outplay his draft position due to his reliability, football acumen, and diverse skill set despite average athleticism.
What position does Jay Higgins play?
Jay Higgins plays linebacker, specifically projecting as a three-down WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defensive scheme.