Iowa linebacker Nick Jackson to return for sixth season

IOWA CITY — Iowa football will have another year of Nick Jackson after all.

Jackson will use an NCAA waiver to stay at Iowa for an extra year of eligibility, a source confirmed to The Gazette on Sunday.

The Virginia transfer was second on the Hawkeyes in 2023 with 110 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and four sacks. He also had seven quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles in his first season in an Iowa uniform.

When Jackson committed to Iowa via the transfer portal in early 2023, he was only expected to have one remaining year of eligibility. His 2022 season was cut short because of the University of Virginia shooting, which prompted the waiver for a sixth season of eligibility.

Jackson joins fellow linebacker Jay Higgins and defensive backs Jermari Harris and Sebastian Castro as key defensive players who are coming back for a sixth season of college football.

Iowa’s defense, which led the country in yards allowed per play, will have at least seven returning starters next year. Iowa safety Quinn Schulte, who has not announced yet whether he will use his extra COVID-19 year of eligibility, could potentially be an eighth returning starter.

The deadline for players to choose whether to use their extra eligibility or enter the NFL Draft is Jan. 15.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com