Jay Higgins

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa fifth-year senior Jay Higgins has been named a 2024 Walter Camp Preseason First-Team All-American, it was announced Monday by the Walter Camp Foundation.

It is Higgins’ third preseason honor as he was also selected as a preseason first-team All-American by Phil Steele and Athlon. He was also named the Phil Steele Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

The Hawkeyes had three Walter Camp All-Americans in 2023 (Cooper DeJean, Tory Taylor, Higgins) and the program has had at least one Walter Camp All-American in each of the last 10 years (dating back to 2014).

The Indianapolis native started at middle linebacker in all 14 games in 2023, leading the team with 171 tackles (79 solo, 92 assists). The figure tied an Iowa single season school record, led the Big Ten and ranked third nationally. He finished with 15 or more tackles in three games and 10 or more tackles in 10 contests.

Higgins earned All-America distinction from eight different outlets a season ago and was Iowa’s Roy Carver Most Valuable Player on defense for a unit that ranked fourth nationally, surrendering 14.8 points per game.

The Hawkeyes open the 2024 season on Aug. 31, hosting Illinois State at 11 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium.