
Jay Higgins is an American foot linebacker who played five years of college football with the Iowa Hawkeyes before announcing for the 2025 NFL Draft. He began his high school football career at the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, where he was a four-year letterman as a linebacker and tight end. Higgins was ranked in the top 10 in tackles nationally. He also holds the record for prominent career tackles with 471. The Indiana native was a consensus three-star recruit and made the Top 50 All-State in his junior and senior years. Higgins also led his school to the State Championship game as a sophomore.
Jay Higgins embarked on his collegiate football journey with Iowa over offers from the Air Force, Ball State, Kent State, and Miami, among others. His first two seasons at Iowa were predominantly on special teams, but he stepped into a larger role in Iowa’s defense in his junior season. In 2022, the former three-star prospect saw action in 12 games and recorded 39 tackles (1.5 for loss) and 0.5 QB sacks. Last year, Higgins had a breakout campaign with the Hawkeyes as he led the Big Ten and ranked third in the nation with 171 tackles while starting in all 14 games. Higgins was named the unanimous winner of the 2023 Duke Slater Golden Award. He decided to forego the 2024 NFL Draft and return to Iowa for his final year of eligibility in 2024. Last season, Higgins started in all 13 games and led the Hawkeyes with 71 total tackles, one sack, and four interceptions.
Jay Higgins’ parents

Jay Higgins’ parents are Shelley Higgins and Roy Higgins, according to his official Iowa Hawkeyes roster.
Jay Higgins’ mother
Shelley Higgins is the mother of Jay Higgins.
Jay Higgins’ father
Jay Higgins' father is Roy Higgins. He was a Pastor at a church in Indiana and was also the Minister at Jay’s Baptism, as per the Daily Iowan.
What is the nationality of Jay Higgins’ parents?
Higgins’ parents, Shelley Higgins and Roy Higgins are American nationals.
Also Read: Where is Jay Higgins from?
FAQs on Jay Higgins
A. Jay Higgins was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
A. Jay Higgins stands at a height of 6ft 0in (1.83m).
A. Roy Higgins is the father of Jay Higgins.
A. Jay Higgins attended the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School.