Iowa Hawkeyes Football

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 226

HAND: 9½”  

ARM: 31” 

WINGSPAN: 75"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.82

3-CONE: 7.01

SHUTTLE: 4.35

VERTICAL: 33"

BROAD: 9'2"

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POSITIVES

— Good size for a modern NFL linebacker.

— Has solid instincts as a run defender against traditional handoffs (non-option plays) to put himself in a position to take on blocks and beat offensive linemen to the spot.

— Physical and not afraid to come downhill and hit people, likes contact.

— Enough strength to be solid at holding ground against offensive linemen.

— Good pad level and wraps up when tackling, he had few misses in college.

— Impressive awareness and eye discipline in zone coverage to locate threats and help teammates.

— Solid at clicking and closing in coverage.

— Hustle player who factors into gang tackles down the field, constantly rallying to the ball.

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NEGATIVES

— Lateral movement skills and change of direction are sub-par, leading to issues in man coverage and impacting his ability to make offensive linemen miss in the running game.

— Hips are a little stiff, making it difficult to flip his hips and take away crossing routes.

— Appears to have shorter arms, making it difficult to stack and shed against the run.

— Struggles to locate the ball against read options, often guessing and getting caught out of position.

— Occasionally doesn't bring his feet with him when tackling.

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NOTES

— Born Feb. 14, 2002

— A 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— 2024: First-Team All-American; Big 10 Linebacker of the Year; First-Team Big 10

— 2023: First-Team All-American; First-Team All-Big 10; Tied school record for most tackles (171)

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OVERALL

Jay Higgins is a well-decorated and highly productive linebacker. He is a two-time All-American and has racked up nearly 300 tackles over the last two seasons combined. The biggest reason he's been able to put up those numbers is his relentless motor and good instincts, which allow him to be in the right spot more often than not.

As a run defender, Higgins is quick to key and diagnose gap and zone runs to beat offensive linemen to the spot and create opportunities to get unblocked tackles. This can cause him issues against read options, as he'll get over-aggressive and be out of position, but that shouldn't be as big of a problem in the NFL, where traditional handoffs are more common.

The biggest question mark about the Hawyeke's ability to play the run is how well he can stack and shed. He has solid strength and takes on blocks with his hands, but he has shorter arms, limiting how much extension he can get. That could cause him to get swallowed up by offensive linemen at the next level so he'll need to develop a move to escape.

In coverage, Higgins is best when playing zone. He has the eye discipline to locate threats and isn't a robot in coverage, recognizing opportunities where he can help teammates instead of covering grass. Also, he stays deep in his area to play it back to front and bait throws while also showing the ability to click and close.

However, he did record the slowest 40-yard dash and 10-yard split (1.64 seconds) among the linebackers who tested at the NFL Combine. So his click-and-close ability may not transfer to the NFL.

Also, Higgins shows subpart lateral movement skills on tape which causes him issues in man coverage against running backs and tight ends. With that, he'd be best as an inside linebacker in a zone-heavy scheme.

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GRADE: 6.5 (Potenial Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 173

POSITION RANK: LB12

PRO COMPARISON: Micah McFadden

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 215

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POSITIVES

— Excellent length and size. Has the frame to add more weight and hold up well in the box.

— Versatile player who can play at all 3 levels of the defense but does his best work when playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

— Physical and aggressive player who shows to have very good functional strength. Looks for contact with offensive linemen and has the power to knock them back.

— Secure tackler who shows the willingness to front up ball-carriers in the hole and run his feet through contact.

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NEGATIVES

— Slower reaction to the run at times. Doesn't trigger as quickly as he can due to inconsistent eye discipline.

— Not a big banger for his size. Though he's strong and physical, he often looks to catch and absorb blows. He doesn't throw his body around or deliver big blows.

— Ridgid backpedal and tight hips when playing deep in coverage. Lacks the fluidity to cover twitchier receivers on an island. He can also lose track of threats in underneath coverage, due to his below average vision and propensity to stare at the quarterback.

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2024 STATISTICS

— 13 Games, 41 Tackles, 1 PBU

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NOTES

— Born Dec. 8, 2003

— Games Started: 23

— 5-Star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports

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OVERALL

Xavier Nwankpa is a versatile safety prospect with excellent size and length, fitting well as a box safety with the ability to add weight. His physical playstyle and willingness to engage with offensive linemen make him an intriguing defender near the line of scrimmage. Though he needs refinement in his reaction time and coverage skills, Nwankpa's motor and functional strength set him apart.

Nwankpa is best suited for roles closer to the line of scrimmage, as his tight hips and rigid backpedal hinder his effectiveness in deeper coverage. He can struggle to stay with twitchier receivers, often losing track of threats underneath. His vision and eye discipline in zone coverage need improvement, as he tends to stare down quarterbacks. However, his length and strength allow him to contribute when defending shorter routes and helping in the box.

Nwankpa thrives as a run defender. He is aggressive in the box, consistently engaging with offensive linemen and demonstrating the strength to shed blocks. His secure tackling technique is another highlight, as he fronts up ball-carriers and drives through contact. However, his slower reaction time and inconsistent eye discipline in diagnosing run plays can lead to delayed triggers.

Xavier Nwankpa projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to be a role player, particularly as a box safety. His physicality and secure tackling make him valuable in run support, but his limitations in coverage and reaction speed may limit his ceiling at the next level.

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GRADE: 6.8 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 148

POSITION RANK: S13

PRO COMPARISON: Grant Delpit

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 191

HAND: 9¾”

ARM: 31⅜”

WINGSPAN: 76"

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VERTICAL: 37"

BROAD: 10'0"

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POSITIVES

— Long athlete with smooth backpedal and quick feet to get out of breaks. Plays under control showing very good lateral movement in press, keeping his leverage and getting hands on.

— Instinctive player with good vision and awareness in zone coverage. Does a very good job of baiting the quarterback and jumping the ball in air.

— Good in run game, comes up quickly to support, showing physicality and aggression. Willing tackler who throws his body around, delivering a blow at the point of attack.

— Very good ball skills and timing to swipe through catch points, as well as catching the ball away from his body. Shows timing and ability to judge the ball in the air.

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NEGATIVES

— Good but not great top end speed. Plays with good positioning but loses a foot race with faster receivers.

— Limited scheme versatility. Zone defender who excels best with eyes on quarterback and ball.

— Some tightness in space. Average breaking, slower to sink his hips and transition.

— Inconsistent tackling, especially in the open field. Struggles to break down and secure a wrap tackle.

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2024 STATISTICS

— 10 Games, 27 Tackles, 1 TFL, 3 INT, 10 PBU, 1 TD

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NOTES

— Born Sept. 19,2000

— Games Started: 28

— 3-Star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports

— 2024: Opted out of the last two regular season games to get ready for the NFL draft.

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OVERALL

Jermari Harris is a long, instinctual cornerback from Iowa whose physical tools and competitive mindset make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking a zone-heavy defender. At 6'1" and 189 pounds, Harris has the length and smooth movement skills to compete on the outside, paired with a high football IQ that allows him to anticipate and disrupt plays. While his play style and strengths align best with zone coverage schemes, Harris's ball skills and physicality in the run game add to his overall appeal as a mid-round prospect.

Harris is an aggressive and willing participant in run defense, frequently coming up quickly to support the edge. He uses his physicality effectively to shock and shed blockers, helping to contain outside runs and maintain leverage. As a tackler, Harris throws his body around with intensity, delivering impactful hits at the point of attack. However, his tackling consistency is a concern, particularly in the open field, where he can struggle to break down and secure wrap tackles. His tendency to dive at ball-carriers' legs can result in missed opportunities, highlighting an area for improvement.

Harris excels in zone coverage, where his vision, awareness, and ability to read the quarterback shine. He uses his instincts to bait throws and jump routes, consistently putting himself in position to make plays on the ball. His lateral movement and controlled footwork in press coverage allow him to stay square and maintain leverage, while his length aids in disrupting receivers' timing at the line of scrimmage. Harris displays very good ball skills, showing the ability to track and attack the ball in the air, both by swiping through catch points and securing interceptions. However, his top-end speed is only adequate, which can leave him vulnerable against faster receivers on deep routes. Additionally, Harris's transitions can be slowed by occasional tightness in his hips, impacting his ability to recover or react to sudden changes in direction.

Jermari Harris projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to develop into a reliable zone cornerback at the next level. His instincts, ball skills, and physicality make him a strong fit for schemes that allow him to keep his eyes on the quarterback and play with leverage. While his limitations in tackling consistency and deep speed may restrict his versatility, Harris' competitive edge and ability to disrupt plays in coverage give him the tools to be a valuable contributor in the right system.

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GRADE: 6.9 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 115

POSITION RANK: CB15

PRO COMPARISON: Bryce Hall

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson will miss the team's bowl game after declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Kaleb Johnson has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/MT13U4jldQ

— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) December 2, 2024

Bleacher Report's scouting department ranks Johnson as the No. 4 running back in the 2025 draft class.

The Hawkeye running back rushed for 1,537 yards this season, scoring 21 touchdowns without a single fumble.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided to take the next step and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft," Johnson wrote on social media. "This decision was not made lightly but it is with great excitement and anticipation that I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead."

Would not be denied.@Kj_Superman2 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/oYjgD4OOMl

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 30, 2024

The junior played three seasons for the Hawkeyes and became the first player in Iowa history to score a touchdown in every game of a season, an achievement he accomplished this year. He also ranks sixth all-time in Iowa scoring with 32 career touchdowns, according to The Athletic's Scott Dochterman and Dane Brugler.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz gave high praise to the accomplished quarterback, with whom he worked for three years.

"Kaleb is a quality guy who wants to be a really good football player, and he has demonstrated that week in and week out," Ferentz said, per Dochterman and Brugler. "His consistency and performance have been great. You guys don't get to see him during the week. He is upbeat, positive."

Gratitude.@Kj_Superman2 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Txm4i078Ki

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 30, 2024

Johnson gained significant draft buzz throughout the season, something he had very little of at the start of the year. Brugler, a veteran of NFL draft coverage, has expressed strong confidence in Johnson's chances of being a first-round pick.

"A one-cut, north-south runner, Johnson is physically put together and makes tacklers feel it when they attempt to bring him down," Brugler said. "But he also runs with terrific patience and processing, which allows him to accelerate through holes because of his ability to read blocks and anticipate developing lanes. NFL coaches also will appreciate that Johnson doesn't fumble and is reliable catching the ball out of the backfield."

With Johnson absent, sophomore Jaziun Patterson and redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton will likely step up to fill his big shoes as the Hawkeyes prepare for their bowl game.

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 290

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POSITIVES

— Very good initial quickness and burst to close space and establish first meaningful contact on defenders in the zone run game and on back blocks

— Can hook shades, complete overtakes on combination blocks and transition into the drive-phase late in the rep to steer and widen defenders out of lanes

— Takes adequate angles on climbs but closes space very quickly to square up, latch and steer slow-trigger backers away from the ball

— Fluidly shifts his weight and redirects to mirror and slow down counter moves across his face

— Can work his way around power moves in pass protection using jump sets to eliminate the rusher's runway, gain quick control and die slowly in his anchor

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NEGATIVES

— Below average mass, length and play strength leave him routinely stalemated and pried open on base blocks

— Will get lifted, pressed and walked back in his anchor against the bull-rush from head-up rushers

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NOTES

— 4-star recruit from the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Two-way starter in high school at offensive tackle and defensive line

— Four-year letterman in track, three years in basketball and an Iowa state champion in the shot put and discus as a junior

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OVERALL

Logan Jones is a three-year starter at center and first inside Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester's run-heavy (64-36 run-pass split), zone-based run scheme with gap principles sprinkled in. Jones has a sawed-off frame with a lean, athletic build, very good athletic ability, and adequate play strength.

Jones has very good initial quickness and burst to close space and establish first meaningful contact on defenders in the run game. He is able to consistently get his hat across and hook shades on the front side, overtake his man-on combinations, line up targets on back blocks, and close space quickly on climbs to give him a chance at intersecting backers. His short arms and mediocre mass leave him scrambling and pried open on base blocks, and he takes erratic angles on climbs that quick-trigger backers too easily evade.

In pass protection, Jones is a loose, fluid mover who can match up with sub-package rushers and die slowly against defensive tackles using jump sets, but is too easily stacked, kept at the fingertips of bigger rushers, and walked back into the pocket.

Overall, Jones is a very athletic center-only prospect who has shown steady improvement on film in his first season in a new scheme. Still, his short arms and middling play strength cap his ceiling, making him more of a developmental prospect without positional or scheme versatility.

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GRADE: 6.4 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 110

POSITION RANK: IOL11

PRO COMPARISON: Luke Wypler

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 5'11"

WEIGHT: 205

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POSITIVES

— Stout run-first defender who isn't afraid to bang around with offensive linemen. Castro aligns all over the field for the Hawkeye defense, primarily in the box and at the nickel spot.

— High-motor player with tenacity to get to the ball who triggers extremely quickly to the run. Comes screaming downhill looking for contact, closing in with good angles.

— Lacks elite twitch, but his footwork in coverage is clean, showing above-average feet and hips to drive on the ball. He may take some time to get going, but has good speed in the open field.

— Showcases ball skills and timing necessary to play the ball and receivers when the ball is in the air.

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NEGATIVES

— He can be heavy-footed at times, leading to slower change of direction and separation in coverage. This also shows itself in the run game, where he may lose leverage and overrun the ball-carrier.

— His aggressiveness can get him in trouble with play fakes. He can't afford to give up his leverage and cushion in coverage.

— Once Castro gets to his initial drop, he may lose sight of his threats and struggle to find the play.

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2024 STATISTICS

— 12 Games, 57 Tackles, 3 TFL, 1 INT, 2 FF, 2 PBU

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NOTES

— Born Oct. 14, 2000

— Games Started: 30

— 3-Star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports

— 2024 Fourth Team All-America; Second Team All-Big Ten

— 2023 Second-Team All-Big Ten

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OVERALL

Sebastian Castro is a tough, run-first safety with versatility who can play multiple spots within Iowa's defense. Primarily functioning in the box and as a nickel defender, Castro brings a high football IQ and physicality to the field. With his hands-on approach, he excels at shedding blocks to get to the ball, making him a valuable asset in run defense.

Castro is at his best in run support, triggering quickly downhill and consistently taking good angles to the ball. His high motor and physicality allow him to confidently take on blockers, using his hands well to shed them and disrupt plays. However, his aggressive play-style can occasionally backfire, as he may overrun ball-carriers or bite on play fakes, compromising his positioning. He is best when flowing to the ball in the open field, but his lack of athleticism can show up in close quarters.

Castro is reliable but limited in coverage. His footwork is clean, and he can drive on the ball with above-average feet and hips. However, he lacks the elite acceleration and twitch required for man-to-man coverage on an island, making him more suited for zone or underneath responsibilities. His ball skills are solid, showing good timing and the ability to play the ball in the air. His tendency to be heavy-footed can result in separation against quicker players, especially in change-of-direction scenarios.

Sebastian Castro projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to be a high-level backup or rotational safety in the NFL. His strengths in run defense, versatility, and football IQ make him a valuable piece in defensive schemes that prioritize physicality and box play. While he will need to refine his coverage abilities, particularly in man-to-man situations, Castro has the tools to contribute on defense and special teams.

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GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 108

POSITION RANK: S11

PRO COMPARISON: Adrian Amos

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Iowa will be without head coach Kirk Ferentz for the first game of the 2024 season due to a suspension for a recruiting violation, the school announced on Thursday.

Iowa announces self-imposed 1 game suspension for Kirk Ferentz & WR coach Jon Budmayr vs. Illinois State pic.twitter.com/EP4IFMTS8d

— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 22, 2024

The Athletic's Scott Dochterman first reported Ferentz's suspension stems from pursuing quarterback Cade McNamara before the transfer portal opened in 2022.

Kirk Ferentz’s admission of wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/wvbERK9T7h

— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) August 22, 2024

McNamara played at Michigan for three seasons from 2020 to 2022, including starting all 14 games in 2021. He competed with J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in 2022, but an injury to his right knee that required surgery ended his season after three games.

After McCarthy established himself as the Wolverines' No. 1 quarterback, McNamara entered the transfer portal on Nov. 28, 2022—the day it opened.

Per Dochterman, there was "mutual interest" between McNamara and the Hawkeyes as soon as Nov. 29. He committed to Iowa on Dec. 1.

New beginning #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/qrK2PJY4NX

— Cade McNamara (@Cademac_12) December 2, 2022

McNamara entered last season as Iowa's starter, but he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during a win over Michigan State that ended his 2023 campaign after five games.

The 24-year-old announced in October that he would be returning to the Hawkeyes for his final season of eligibility in 2024. He is projected to be the starter again, with redshirt freshman Marco Lainez and junior Brendan Sullivan likely to be the backups.

Wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr also received a one-game suspension as part of the investigation.

According to Dochterman, Budmayr previously recruited McNamara when he was an assistant coach at Wisconsin and that relationship contributed to the quarterback committing to Iowa.

Iowa will open the 2024 season against Illinois State at Kinnick Stadium on Aug. 31. Ferentz is entering his 26th season as the Hawkeyes head coach. He owns a 196-119 record with 20 bowl game appearances and two Big Ten titles.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have added another talented piece to their defensive unit.

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic reported that five-star defensive end Iose Epenesa announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes over program's like Miami, Utah, Missouri and Penn State.

"Five-star defensive end Iose Epenesa committed to Iowa on Thursday night, choosing the Hawkeyes over Miami, Utah, Penn State and Missouri," Dochterman wrote. "Epenesa, the son of former Iowa defensive tackle Eppy Epenesa and the younger brother of former Iowa defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa and current Iowa linebacker Eric Epenesa, hails from Edwardsville, Ill. He has attended numerous Hawkeyes games nearly every year of his life."

Epenesa hails from Edwardsville, Illinois and is rated as the No. 42 player nationally, the No. 5 defensive lineman and the top player in the state of Illinois, per 247 Sports' composite rankings.

Iowa was the only school he visited and his commitment shows further family loyalty to the Hawkeyes. He is the 14th hard commit of the 2025 class and is the second commit that is rated above a four-star, per 247.

He joins a Hawkeyes team that has had 11 consecutive winning seasons and that won 10 games in 2023. His brother Eric is heading into his junior season with the Hawkeyes and could overlap with Iose in 2025.

Twenty-six current and former collegiate athletes who played in the state of Iowa filed a federal lawsuit Friday against the state and its Division of Criminal Investigation of its Department of Public Safety, alleging that their civil rights were violated.

According to ESPN's Paula Lavigne and Adam Rittenberg, the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa alleges that investigators illegally used geolocation software to track the athletes' online betting accounts.

Of the 26 plaintiffs, 16 are from the University of Iowa, nine are from Iowa State University and one is from a community college. Among them are 13 football players, six wrestlers and seven baseball or basketball players.

Sixteen of the athletes had criminal charges brought against them based on the information found by GeoComply. Twelve of them pleaded guilty to underage gambling since the legal gambling age in Iowa is 21, and four of them were charged with felony identity theft, although those cases were dismissed in March.

Per KCCI, the charged athletes included Iowa football players Aaron Blom, Arland Bruce IV, Harry Bracy and Jack Johnson; Iowa State football players Hunter Dekkers, Enyi Uwazurike, Dodge Sauser, DeShawn Hanika, Isaiah Lee, Jake Remsburg and Jirehl Brock; Iowa State basketball player Jeremiah Williams; Iowa basketball player Ahron Ulis; Iowa baseball player Gehrig Christensen; and Iowa State wrestler Paniro Johnson.

While 10 of the plaintiffs were not criminally charged, the lawsuit states that they were subjected to "loss of playing time, the threat of NCAA or NFL sanctions and/or damage to their athletic career" as a result of the investigation, per ESPN.

The plaintiffs' attorneys, Matt Boles, Adam Witosky and Van Plumb, said the following regarding the lawsuit in a statement: "The lives of these young men have been disrupted and altered in way[s] still yet to be fully seen. It is our hope that through the civil action we can help these young men put their lives back on track and gain a measure of justice for the violation of their rights."

Investigators said they had warrants to search the athletes' cellphones, but the lawsuit argues that the warrants were "invalid and unconstitutional."

Those who sign up for sports betting companies, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, "consent to share their location data with GeoComply, who in turn provides this data back to the companies," and in the written policies for DraftKings and FanDuel, it is stated that the companies can provide "personally identifying information" to law enforcement.

NCAA rules state that athletes cannot bet on any sport sponsored by the NCAA.

Attorneys are seeking actual and punitive damages for each of the 26 plaintiffs listed in the lawsuit.