Four Hawkeyes sign preferred free agent contracts after going undrafted

The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone. For 257 college athletes, dreams were realized as they joined professional organizations. Multiple former star athletes did not hear their names called and must find another way to realize their NFL dreams.

Four former Iowa Hawkeyes did not hear their names called last week, but were able to join teams through preferred free agent deals.

Jay Higgins, linebacker (Baltimore Ravens)

After being named a First Team All-American (2023) and a consensus First Team All-American, Jay Higgins did not hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Higgins was a stalwart for the Hawkeyes' defense during the past two seasons and filled in admirably after star linebacker Jack Campbell went to the NFL.

Higgins accumulated 342 total tackles (158 solo, 184 assisted), 5.0 interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and 3.0 forced fumbles in five years with the Hawkeyes. That includes 295 tackles (nine tackles for loss), five interceptions, 3.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles over the past two seasons.

Bizarre circumstances left Higgins going undrafted, and the Ravens picked up a stud for the middle of their defense.

Sebastian Castro, defensive back (Pittsburgh Steelers)

After joining the Steelers, Sebastian Castro became the third Hawkeye to stay in black and gold. Castro was a dominant force for the Hawkeyes at the strong safety and "cash" positions.

He joins a list of former Hawkeyes at that position to make it to the NFL, including Amani Hooker, Dane Belton, and Geno Stone.

During his Hawkeye career, Castro tallied 163 tackles (14 tackles for loss), 14 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, four interceptions, and two sacks.

Castro went undrafted after scouts labeled him a "scheme-dependent" safety who lacks the size and speed to play at the back end of the defense at the NFL level. Hawkeye fans nationwide know that Castro brings a high level of intensity and leadership, and the Steelers are lucky to have him.

Luke Elkin, long snapper (Chicago Bears)

It is rare to see a long snapper hear their name called during the NFL Draft. While long snappers are often overlooked, they are crucial in the kicking game. After signing a preferred free agent deal, Luke Elkin reunites with former Iowa punter Tory Taylor in Chicago.

Elkin has been a staple of the Iowa kicking game for the past four years. He has helped kicker Drew Stevens, punters Tory Taylor and Rhys Dakin achieve success.

Elkin hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Hawkeye Casey Kreiter, who has played in the NFL for over a decade.

Jermari Harris, defensive back (Tennessee Titans)

Before joining the Titans, former Iowa defensive back Jermari Harris was a three-year starter at Iowa. Harris was the clear No. 1 defensive back on the Hawkeyes roster when he was healthy. He played in 42 games (28 starts) during his five-year career.

Harris accumulated 105 tackles and eight interceptions in his five-year career. Harris became Iowa's best cover cornerback after inconsistency in his first two seasons. He was slowed down in the beginning of his career due to a gambling suspension and a season-ending injury (2022).

In 2023 and 2024, Harris played his best football at Iowa and became a shutdown corner.

Scouts knocked Harris for his age (25) and lack of speed on the back end, causing him to slip out of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has great instincts and excels in zone coverage, but the Titans are a blitz-happy defense, who tend to play more man coverage on the back end.

If the Titans can utilize Harris's instincts and athleticism, he could be a key addition to a struggling defense.

The Hawkeyes had five players drafted and four signed preferred free agent deals, continuing the Kirk Ferentz pipeline to the NFL.