Certified! Former Iowa football star makes splash play in NFL preseason debut
Every Iowa fan knows how good Jay Higgins was as a Hawk.
Across his final two seasons at Iowa, Higgins had a combined 295 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and five interceptions. He was named an All-American following the 2024 season and was easily one of the best linebackers in the entire country.
That's why everyone was surprised when Higgins went undrafted in April. It seemed like teams judged Higgins based on his measureables, instead of on his play. Regardless of the reason, it was disappointing for the former Hawkeye star not to hear his name called on draft weekend. But he ended up landing in one of the better situations he could've asked for.
Higgins signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent following the draft. The Ravens have a knack for developing talent that other teams passed on, and it seems like Higgins is the next example of that. And it didn't take long for Higgins to remind everyone just how good a linebacker he is.
He made his NFL debut on Thursday night when the Ravens hosted the Indianapolis Colts for their preseason opener. And with the Ravens clinging to a five-point lead halfway through the fourth quarter, Higgins did something he always found a way to do at Iowa: make a big-time play in a big-time moment.
Higgins read the quarterback like a book, undercutting the route and coming up with a big turnover that helped the Ravens secure a 24-16 win. Higgins finished the game with three total tackles and two passes defended, including that big interception. It's the kind of play that can help an undrafted free agent make the roster, which is what Higgins is hoping to accomplish.
It was great to see a former Hawk make a big play in his NFL debut and show everyone why he was a stud at Iowa. Hawkeye fans can catch Higgins and the Ravens play their next preseason game on Saturday, August 16, when they play the Dallas Cowboys at 6 p.m. CT.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
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