By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football team has to replace its top two linebackers from last season, including 2022 Butkus Award winner Jack Campbell, so there is an opportunity for playing time.

Nick Jackson, a graduate transfer from the University of Virginia, hopes to seize that opportunity.

Jackson announced Wednesday via Twitter that he had committed to Iowa. He also has since signed with the Hawkeyes.

The Atlanta, Georgia native started 33 of the 46 games he played at Virgina and compiled 354 tackles, including 161 solo tackles and 193 assists. He also had 20 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, with eight pass break-ups and one forced fumble.

Jackson made second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in each of the past two seasons and third-team in 2020.

He also appeared in all 14 games as a freshman in 2019 with two starts.

In addition to Campbell, Iowa also to replace Seth Benson, who started all 13 games at weakside linebacker this past season, and Jestin Jacobs who transferred to Oregon after only appearing in just two games this past season because of an injury.

But when healthy, Jacobs was a key contributor in Iowa’s 4-3 defensive alignment.

So, to add a player with Jackson’s experience and track record should help to fill one of the voids at linebacker.

Excited to announce my commitment to The University of Iowa! #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/ruNjQMsC8c

— Nick Jackson (@nickjhoops) February 8, 2023