First news of a tryout signing from Bucs rookie minicamp — Tampa Bay is signing Iowa linebacker Nick Jackson as an undrafted rookie free agent. Played at Virginia before Iowa — 555 career tackles in 73 college games, both huge numbers, now will compete for a spot on the 53.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) May 11, 2025
Former Iowa linebacker Nick Jackson is signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. Fox Sports’ Greg Auman broke the news of the signing.
Jackson spent two seasons in Iowa City, tallying 201 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. The 6-foot, 237-pound linebacker registered 555 career tackles, which ranked as the second-most in FBS history.
Jackson’s 73 collegiate games are the most in NCAA history.
A highly-productive player at both Virginia and Iowa, Jackson notched four different seasons of 100-plus tackles. Jackson was a second-team All-Big Ten choice by Phil Steele in 2023 and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree by the coaches and media in 2024.
The Atlanta, Georgia, native started 27 games for the Hawkeyes across the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Jackson had previously accepted a rookie minicamp invite with the New York Giants before impressing at the Bucs‘ rookie minicamp and earning the UDFA deal.
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