Jayden Montgomery's potential breakout campaign just got a massive vote of confidence

Iowa has been blessed with stellar linebacker play for multiple years, showcased by Jack Campbell and Jay Higgins.

Both former Hawkeye stars are now in the NFL, and the stellar player continued last season with Karson Sharar, Jaxon Rexroth, and Jaden Harrell anchoring the middle of the defense. Unfortunately for Harrell, he couldn't stay healthy and was supplanted by Jayden Montgomery. Montgomery played in all 13 games, earning seven starts as he burst onto the scene as a redshirt junior (fourth-year player), and he isn't flying under the radar this season.

Montgomery was added to the Butkus Award Watch List

The Hawkeye program and fans have been spoiled by great defenses year after year, with a dominating field general at linebacker. Jay Higgins waited behind Jack Campbell, who in turn waited behind Josey Jewell, with all three playing their best football later in their careers. Campbell recently notched the rare feat of winning the Butkus Award at both the college and NFL level, and now Montgomery has a chance to follow in his footsteps.

After spending his first few seasons primarily as a reserve, Montgomery paid his dues and made a solid impact for the defense last season. Kirk Ferentz does not often switch horses mid-race, but Montgomery was playing so well that he had to be in the lineup. Harrell was plagued by injuries, and the defense didn't skip a beat with Montgomery in there. By the ReliaQuest Bowl, Montgomery was the full-time starter and is projected to be this season. Cam Buffington will surely eat into some of his snaps, but he will be the guy to start the year. Montgomery played in all 13 games last season, earning seven starts, and tallied 44 total tackles, including one tackle for loss and two pass breakups.

After a solid season, Montgomery has earned his place on the Butkus Award Watch List, which is presented annually to the best linebacker in college football. Jack Campbell (2022) is Iowa's only winner of the award, with Larry Station finishing second (1985). Montgomery will be in elite company if he wins the award, and he is the unquestioned leader of one of the deeper groups on the Iowa defense.

The Hawkeyes' linebacker group is expected to be very deep with Montgomery, Buffington, Derek Weisskopf, and Landyn Van Kekerix all in the mix, and it wouldn't be surprising if first-year players Julian Mason and Billy Weivoda also make an impact. Even though there are some question marks up front on the defensive line, there definitely aren't in the middle. Iowa will be tested early in the season with an extremely tough five-game stretch at Michigan (Sept. 26), vs. Ohio State (Oct. 3), at Washington (Oct. 9), at Minnesota (Oct. 24), and vs. Wisconsin (Oct. 31), and the defense will be crucial to keeping the Hawkeyes in games. If the defense falters even a little bit, Iowa could easily pick up three-straight losses or more during that stretch.

Especially with a first-year starter at quarterback, the defense could be heavily relied upon early and often this season. Montgomery will play a key role for the Iowa defense next season, and he has the potential for not only a breakout campaign but also to be one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten.

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