Everyone knows that the Iowa Hawkeyes are often a deep, experienced, veteran roster. It is a huge part of what makes the program so successful. But, like any great program, that requires top-end talent.
Iowa has top-end talent on both sides of the ball and has a few guys that they can count on to make big plays and show up when it matters. That is why they have three players among CBS Sports’ top 151 college football players for 2024.
Those three stars are Sebastian Castro, Luke Lachey, and Jay Higgins. Coming in at No. 104 on the list, which is a bit underrated, is Iowa defensive back Sebastian Castro.
104. Iowa DB Sebastian Castro
One of the top returning corners in the country on a Hawkeye defense that’s always stifling and suffocating. Excellent coverage skills and rarely allows much space before or after the catch, Castro is also a physical presence in run support. c
Castro does it all for Iowa and he proved so last year. He has the ability to cover in the slot and take the ball away but one of his most promising traits is his ability to tackle in the open field, which is often lost among defensive backs.
Coming in at No. 69 and set up for a big year coming off of an injury is tight end Luke Lachey.
69. Iowa TE Luke Lachey
Lachey is one of the better in-line tight ends in the game, we just haven’t seen much of it as he’s coming off a shortened season where an injury held him to three contests. Lachey is a plus-blocker who can hold his own in the zone and gap schemes and is a large target to work the middle of the field in the passing game. Tight End U needs Lachey healthy. If he is, he will be a huge part of Iowa’s success. – Brockermeyer, CBS Sports
Another year, another great tight end for the Hawkeyes. When healthy and playing, Lachey has flashed his brilliance. He has unfortunately been behind Sam LaPorta who is an NFL star and was off to a great start in 2023 before a lower leg injury.
If Lachey can stay healthy, he completely changes this offense and opens things up in the middle.
Coming in highest on the list for the Hawkeyes is returning linebacker Jay Higgins at No. 21.
21. Iowa LB Jay Higgins
Higgins is an extremely productive player who has a nose for the ball and seems to be involved on almost every tackle. He led the country last season with 171 tackles in his first season as a true starter, including 18 against Penn State.
A good athlete who seems to always be in the right spot and is a sure tackler, Higgins only missed seven attempts on the season. He is solid in coverage as well. My hunch is the NFL takes notice in 2025. – Brockermeyer, CBS Sports
Choosing to forego the NFL draft last offseason and return to Iowa has bolstered this defense to another level. Higgins is the center of Phil Parker’s unit and does everything right.
Jay Higgins is primed for another massive year and could skyrocket himself up NFL scouts’ draft boards.
Contact/Follow on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7