One of the biggest offseason wins for the Iowa Hawkeyes heading into the 2023 season was the transfer portal addition of linebacker Nick Jackson.
A three-time All-ACC selection at Virginia, Jackson brought three straight seasons of 100-plus tackles in production with him from the Cavaliers. Joining an Iowa program that was replacing the Butkus Award winner and longtime starters Jack Campbell and Seth Benson, that type of proven production was a welcome sight.
Alongside senior linebacker Jay Higgins, Jackson formed another tremendous Iowa duo. Higgins has racked up 155 tackles heading into the Hawkeyes’ bowl game versus Tennessee, while Jackson is zeroing in on another triple-digit tackles season. The 6-foot, 237 pound linebacker currently has 99 tackles on the season with the bowl game left to be played.
After exercising his additional season of eligibility due to the COVID-19 exemption, Jackson’s eligibility was set to expire following this season.
According to David Eickholt of HawkeyeInsider (subscription required), Jackson got good news from the NCAA on a waiver for an additional season of eligibility.
Jackson applied for a sixth season of eligibility and it has reportedly been approved by the NCAA per Iowa SWARM CEO Brad Heinrichs. Virginia’s 2022 season ended with each of its final two games being canceled after three Cavaliers players died in a shooting.
Merry Christmas Hawkeye Fans: Per Iowa SWARM CEO Brad Heinrichs, The NCAA has approved Iowa LB Nick Jackson’s waiver for an additional season. Jackson can return to the #Hawkeyes for one more season.
Now, Jackson has a decision to make. https://t.co/K9IRrCsggT
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) December 26, 2023
Now, Jackson officially has a decision to make on his future. Does he want to try to make the leap to the NFL or would he like to return to Iowa City for one more season in the black and gold?
If Higgins exercises his extra season of eligibility with the COVID exception, Iowa could potentially return both of its starting linebackers in 2024.
“It’s a good problem to have. The opportunity of going to the next level, or the opportunity to come back here. There’s good on both sides of the decision. I’m happy to be having to make that decision,” Higgins said recently.
This waiver for Jackson is a potentially huge development for Iowa’s prospects in 2024.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnREF
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Hawkeyes Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.