JH #49

Jay Higgins IV

Linebacker · Iowa

A two-time All-American tackling machine at Iowa who went undrafted in 2025 before forcing his way onto the Ravens' roster.

Jay Higgins IV spent his entire five-year college career at Iowa, leading the FBS in tackles as a full-time starter before questions about his size and speed pushed him out of the 2025 draft entirely. He signed with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent and made the final 53-man roster, validating the doubters wrong almost immediately.

★ Two-time All-American at Iowa (2023, 2024)

★ FBS tackles leader with 171 (2023)

★ Made Baltimore's 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie (2025)

Path to the league

Higgins started at linebacker for Iowa in each of his final two seasons, leading the entire FBS with 171 tackles in 2023 and following that with 124 tackles and a team-high four interceptions in 2024. Despite being a two-time All-American, his 6-foot frame and 4.82-second 40-yard dash caused him to go unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent.

Career highlights

Higgins racked up nearly 300 tackles across his final two seasons at Iowa, twice earning All-American recognition despite being viewed as undersized for the position at the next level. His instincts and tackling production made him one of the more decorated college linebackers to go undrafted in recent memory.

2025 season recap

Higgins made Baltimore's 53-man roster when final cuts were announced in late August, capping an underdog path from undrafted free agent to active roster. He drew immediate attention for his NFL preseason debut, delivering a standout performance that reinforced why many considered his draft slide surprising.