Former Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins has had a busy 2024-2025. Last season for the Hawkeyes, Higgins started at linebacker in all 13 games.
Higgins tallied a team-leading 124 tackles (53 solo, 71 assisted) and four interceptions. He also added six quarterback pressures, five pass breakups, and forced two fumbles.
After the season, Higgins was named an All-Big Ten First Team selection by the coaches and media, a Walter Camp First Team All-American, and the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year award winner.
Higgins finished his Hawkeye career with 341 total tackles, five interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in five seasons.
On Sunday, Higgins returns to Iowa in a different capacity to benefit one of Iowa's name, image, and likeness (NIL) collectives.
Grand Marshals for IndyCar weekend at Iowa Speedway:
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) July 9, 2025
Saturday: Joshua Jefferson
Sunday: Jay Higgins
Photos: AP @WHO13news pic.twitter.com/cXHTKv4QsT
On July 13, Higgins will serve as the Grand Marshal as a part of the Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.
For the first time, Sukup INDYCAR Race Weekend is partnering with NIL collectives at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University to benefit athletes at both programs.
All the proceeds from Sunday's activities with Higgins as the Grand Marshal will go towards "The Swarm Collective" to benefit Hawkeye athletes.
On Sunday, the race track will transform into a Hawkeye-themed track, with Higgins giving the command to the racers to start their engines at the Farm to Finish 275 race.
Higgins will also participate in multiple pre-race activities, including an autograph session with fans at Turn 4.
Fans can demonstrate their school pride and support their favorite athletes by taking advantage of exclusive ticket offers for the weekend.