Kirk Ferentz has some questions to address as Iowa heads into 2024. However, the status of star linebacker Jay Higgins and tight end Luke Lachey are not among those questions.

The veteran leaders and captains of the program have already confirmed they will be back for next season, giving the offense and defense some key pieces. During his Citrus Bowl press conference, Ferentz admitted those kinds of moves do not hurt at all.

“Yeah, it certainly does not hurt. Those guys are so respected in the program. Rightfully so. They have earned it. That does not hurt,” said Ferentz.

Ferentz went on to point out the decision-making process for draft-eligible players can sometimes be distracting. Fortunately, Higgins and Lachey have taken that distraction off the table for the bowl game.

“My only request for our players, particularly the last ten days was if you have not made a decision, compartmentalize that stuff. It is like high school kids with recruiting,” Ferentz explained. “Do not let that dominate your life. You will spend the whole time looking over the fence.

“It could be really distracting. It is hard. It is a really hard thing for the young people to go through two years ago. I thought Riley Moss was a little distracted down here, quite frankly, and then he surprised us all and came back. He was not distracted his senior year.”

Lachey is a star TE and veteran contributor. Though he missed most of the 2023 season, he’ll be looked at to produce consistently for the offense in 2024.

Meanwhile, Higgins is an All-American linebacker who ranked among the national leaders in tackles with 155 this season. He solidifies the middle of the defense heading into the offseason.