5 most important Hawkeyes for 2023 success

This is a duo here grouped as the linebackers. Losing Jack Campbell and Seth Benson is a large void for this defense. There is no denying it. Replacing 216 tackles isn’t easy, but the Hawkeyes may have the duo to step right in.

While losing Campbell and Benson hurts, Jay Higgins got the chance to learn from them in the film room and on the field. That is truly invaluable knowledge to possess. The young linebacker flashed in 2022 with 40 tackles and is someone to keep an eye on as this defense’s next great linebacker.

Accompanying Higgins and bringing some serious experience is Virginia transfer and All-ACC linebacker Nick Jackson. Jackson brings a career tally of 354 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and eight pass breakups.

The 2022 season saw him tally 104 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and his career high in sacks with five. Jackson and Higgins could be a plug-and-play linebacking duo to spur on this defense.