Few teams recruit and develop better than the Iowa Hawkeyes. Each year it is on display as they reap the rewards of turning an under-recruited talent into one of the best in America.

This year, that individual is All-American linebacker Jay Higgins. After another strong year across the national football landscape, Higgins was littered among All-American teams.

He found himself on all the right teams and has earned himself a spot in Iowa history forever. Jay Higgins is Iowa’s newest consensus All-American.

Seth Wallace, linebacker coach and assistant head coach, took to X to congratulate Higgins on the accomplishment and give recognition to the way Jay Higgins made it happen.

On the wall at @HawkeyeFootball forever…
Jay Higgins!

Consensus 1st Team All-American.

Jay’s story is one for the ages…

The path to where Jay is, as a player/person, in today’s CFB landscape, is refreshing, impressive, an outside the norm.

Patience, Belief, and Never Quit! pic.twitter.com/O8qKZPDqRo

— Seth Wallace (@CoachSWallace) December 16, 2024

Consensus All-American status requires one to be named a first-team selection by over half of the outlets recognizing All-Americans. The outlets include the Walter Camp Foundation, the Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News, the American Football Coaches Association, and the Associated Press.

Higgins recorded 118 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a sack, two forced fumbles, nine pass deflections, and four interceptions during the 2024 campaign.

Iowa has had a consensus All-American for the last six years and 11 since 2014 which displays their ability to develop talent at the highest level across college football.

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