Iowa DL Noah Shannon pulls out of Big Ten Media Days due to NCAA investigation, replaced by LB Jay Higgins

One week before Big Ten Media Days get underway, Iowa announced a change to its attendees. Defensive lineman Noah Shannon is out and linebacker Jay Higgins is in, the Hawkeyes said Wednesday.

Shannon is involved in an NCAA investigation for gambling and told head coach Kirk Ferentz he thought it’d be best to stay back from Indianapolis. As a result, Higgins will take his place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

“Being selected to represent the Iowa Hawkeye football team at Big Ten Media Day is a tremendous honor and privilege,” Shannon said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity. However, given the circumstances I told Coach Ferentz it would best for him to select another player. Since the NCAA review is not yet complete, I don’t feel it is right for me to represent the team.”

Ferentz said he supported Shannon’s decision, calling it an example of leadership by thinking about the team instead of himself.

“Noah’s decision to share this information and suggest that another player take his place is reflective of his character,” Ferentz said in a statement. “Noah is a committed and dedicated teammate, and this is a fine example of him always wanting to put the team first.”

In May, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission launched an investigation into Iowa Athletics that alleged 26 athletes across multiple teams — football, men’s basketball, baseball, men’s track and field, and wrestling — violated NCAA rules. A full-time Iowa athletics employee was also implicated. The investigation does not include current or former coaches. Shannon is the first Iowa player named in the investigation.

Shannon has been a starter the last two seasons at Iowa and has put up solid numbers. In 2022, he totaled 44 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks to play a key role in Phil Parker’s defense. That came after a breakout 2021 season that saw him finish with 47 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks.

Now, Higgins — an Indianapolis native — will take Shannon’s place at Lucas Oil Stadium. He’s coming off his best year in an Iowa uniform, totaling 40 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sack. He also played a key role on special teams in 2022 and will look to take another leap with Jack Campbell off to the NFL.

Big Ten Media Days run July 26-27 from Lucas Oil Stadium. Higgins will join defensive back Cooper DeJean and tight end Luke Lachey as Iowa’s attendees.