The Iowa Hawkeyes have a few players who will be selected throughout the 2025 NFL Draft. While the biggest name of the bunch is standout running back Kaleb Johnson, there is another intriguing name to keep an eye on.

Jay Higgins, the team’s star linebacker, will also be selected at some point in the draft.

Arguably one of the most underrated linebackers in the 2025 draft class, Higgins put together a very strong college career at Iowa. He has been projected to end up being selected anywhere from the third to the fifth round.

Being selected in any round lower than the third round would make him a major steal.

That being said, a new projection has been made for where Higgins will end up.

Scott Salomon of Pro Football Network has predicted that the Los Angeles Rams will end up taking Higgins with the No. 98 overall pick.

Landing with the Rams would be a great opportunity for him. Los Angeles needs help at the linebacker position and he could come in and earn playing time right off the bat.

Throughout the course of the 2024 season with the Hawkeyes, Higgins ended up totaling 124 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and five defended passes.

In his entire Iowa career, Higgins produced massive numbers. He racked up 341 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, five interceptions, and nine defended passes.

While there are some concerns about his athleticism and ability to translate to the NFL, his production speaks for itself. Sometimes, teams have to look past the tape and focus on how a player plays on the field. That is how Higgins should be looked at.

Hopefully, Higgins is able to land with a good team and earn playing time early on. He is one of the best defensive players that the Hawkeyes have had in recent years and fans will continue rooting him on at the next level.

Associated Press

Iowa State Cyclones (17-2, 8-1 Big 12) at Arizona Wildcats (13-6, 7-2 Big 12)

Tucson, Arizona; Monday, 10:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: No. 3 Iowa State visits Arizona after Curtis Jones scored 33 points in Iowa State’s 76-61 victory against the Arizona State Sun Devils.

The Wildcats are 9-1 in home games. Arizona leads the Big 12 in rebounding, averaging 36.6 boards. Tobe Awaka leads the Wildcats with 7.8 rebounds.

The Cyclones have gone 8-1 against Big 12 opponents. Iowa State ranks sixth in the Big 12 shooting 35.0% from 3-point range.

Arizona’s average of 6.9 made 3-pointers per game this season is only 0.7 fewer made shots on average than the 7.6 per game Iowa State gives up. Iowa State scores 15.7 more points per game (84.6) than Arizona allows to opponents (68.9).

The Wildcats and Cyclones meet Monday for the first time in conference play this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Awaka is averaging 7.4 points and 7.8 rebounds for the Wildcats. Caleb Love is averaging 2.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.

Jones is averaging 18.6 points for the Cyclones. Keshon Gilbert is averaging 14.6 points over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Wildcats: 9-1, averaging 82.0 points, 34.7 rebounds, 18.3 assists, 8.0 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 67.0 points per game.

Cyclones: 9-1, averaging 81.7 points, 35.0 rebounds, 14.5 assists, 10.3 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 65.5 points.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Cycling and trail use across the state of Iowa brings at least $1.4 billion into Iowa every year. That’s according to a study released today by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

The Economic Impacts of Cycling and Trails Study, conducted by Scioto Analysis, focuses on how cycling supports Iowa’s local economies, workforce, talent attraction and retention, rural revitalization, and quality of life. It shows an estimated 900,000 Iowans ride their bicycles on Iowa’s 2,000 miles of multi-use trails every year.

Luke Hoffman, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, said, “This study shows that we are the world capital of trails. Our investments in bicycling infrastructure not only enhance economic and health outcomes, but also position Iowa as a leader in outdoor recreation and bike tourism. Prioritizing safety and expanding infrastructure can further boost quality of life and economic & health benefits for the entire state.”

According to the study, bicycle-related tourism generates $13 million annually, supporting local economies. Trail construction and maintenance investments have a $24 million annual economic impact, supporting rural revitalization with 260 jobs, primarily in construction.

Additionally, Iowa’s bicycle retail sector generates an additional $56 million in economic impact annually, supporting workforce development with 800 jobs statewide and attracting and retaining talent in the state. The study also shows that bicycle commuting prevents at least 1,000–1,500 tons of carbon emissions annually, helping to combat climate change.

Bicycle clubs and organizations contribute 250,000 volunteer hours in Iowa annually, valued at $7.1 million, fostering social and community connectivity.

Cycling also improves health outcomes and quality of life, with active cyclists showing a 28% reduced risk for breast cancer, 77% reduced risk for colorectal cancer, and a variety of other mental and physical health benefits. Most notably, the study demonstrates that active cyclists are 49% less likely to experience chronic poor mental health.

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