Luke Lachey Returning to Iowa in '24

Injured Tight End Putting Off NFL Dream for Another Season in College

Iowa tight end Luke Lachey runs after a catch against Utah State on Sept. 2, 2023 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

Iowa Football has retained another important piece of its program. Tight end Luke Lachey announced on social media Friday that he'd be returning for the 2024 season. 

Back For More.@luke_lachey x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/qzrwHAIELQ

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 29, 2023

Lachey caught 10 passes for 131 yards before suffering a season-ending injury during third game of this season. He entered the campaign on the Mackey Award watch list with a chance to turn heads of NFL scouts. 

All-American linebacker Jay Higgins announced earlier this week that he would be returning to Iowa in '24. Fellow starters Sebastian Castro, Jermari Harris, Quinn Schulte, Cooper DeJean and Nick Jackson have said they're weighing whether to come back to college or leave for an NFL opportunity. 

As a third-year sophomore in '22, Lachey hauled in 28 balls for 398 yards (14.2 YPC) and four touchdowns. He started three games as a freshman the year before. 

Lachey committed to Iowa as a member of the '20 recruiting class out of Columbus (Ohio) Grandview Heights High. He was rated as a three-star prospect in the 247 Composite rankings, the No. 11 tight end nationally in that cycle. He also reported scholarship offers from Wisconsin, LSU, Kentucky, Michigan State, Iowa State and others. 

Jim Lachey, Luke's father, was an All-American offensive lineman at Ohio State and enjoyed a long the NFL career. He's been working as a color commentator on the Buckeye radio broadcasts in retirement from playing.