Nick DeJong Returning to Hawkeyes

O-Lineman Announces He'll Use 6th Year at Iowa

Iowa OL Nick DeJong (56) and Rusty Feth (60) celebrate a touchdown during a game against Illinois on Nov. 18, 2023 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HN)

Iowa picked up good news on the high school recruiting front Saturday when 2025 Indiana quarterback Jimmy Sullivan announced his verbal commitment. A few hours later, Hawkeye fans learned the program was keeping offensive lineman Nick DeJong. 

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DeJong (6-6, 305) will use the sixth season of eligibility granted by the NCAA for the 2020 Covid campaign. He comes back with 24 college starts, including seven this fall. 

The Pella (IA) High graduate could have company from teammates considering the extra season. The list includes Jay Higgins, Sebastian Castro, Erick All Jr., Quinn Schulte and others. 

The Hawkeyes improved on the offensive line this season after being inconsistent on it the previous two years. They're only expected to lose one starter in Rusty Feth. 

DeJong walked on at Iowa in the '19 recruiting cycle. He chose the Hawkeyes ahead of reported scholarship offers from Air Force and some of the top FCS programs, including South Dakota State, North Dakota State and Northern Iowa.