ORLANDO, Fla. — The biggest news for Iowa on Friday didn’t come from inside a news conference or a side interview session, but from a tight end who won’t even play in the Citrus Bowl.

Luke Lachey, arguably the Mackey Award favorite for next year, chose to return next fall rather than go through the NFL Draft process. Lachey missed the last 10 games since breaking his leg in the first quarter of Iowa’s third game. But he has remained a team captain for nearly every contest, save for the Hawkeyes’ trip to Penn State the week following his surgery.

“I think it’s really just about leaving a legacy,” Lachey said Friday night. “That’s something that I’ve always dreamed about. I felt like if I came back, I could have a big impact there. And it’s also being able to play with your brothers for another season.”

Lachey said he leaned on several people, including his father, Jim, who was a three-time All-Pro with San Diego, and former teammate and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. His father told him if he could play one more game at any level, it would be in college.

“I just love it here,” Lachey said. “There’s no other place for me to be. I felt like I could use another year to develop and hone my skills.”

In nine quarters, Lachey (6-feet-6, 253 pounds) caught 10 passes for 131 yards this year. His production came one year after leading the Hawkeyes with four touchdown receptions competing alongside LaPorta, who leads NFL tight ends with nine touchdown catches this year.

Of Iowa’s NFL prowess at that position group — T.J. Hockenson sits second in catches (95) and yards (960), while George Kittle has the most yards per reception (16.0) and ranks second in touchdown receptions (six) — Lachey might have the greatest upside. He’s taller and heavier than Iowa’s four NFL starting tight ends (LaPorta, Hockenson, Kittle and Noah Fant), and Lachey matches their athletic ability. Lachey’s speed is close to his predecessors, and he has made similar strides as the others as a blocker.

Lachey worked toward playing in the Citrus Bowl and conducted side workouts at Celebration High School. But coach Kirk Ferentz ruled him out before making the trip.

workouts at Celebration High School. But coach Kirk Ferentz ruled him out before making the trip.

“He might be close, but it just didn’t make any sense right now,” Ferentz said.

With Lachey’s return, Iowa’s tight end unit appears as a strength for 2024. Sophomore Addison Ostrenga has filled in for the injured Lachey and Erick All (torn ACL), and is tied for the team lead in receptions (29). That combination could rank among the nation’s best next season.

Scholarship count, more returnees

As of Friday afternoon, the Hawkeyes now stand at 88 scholarships for 2024 with five more players set to decide in the coming days. All-American defensive back Cooper DeJean, a junior, is a possible first-round pick. Fellow defensive backs Sebastian Castro, Quinn Schulte and Jermari Harris are debating about returning for an extra season, as is linebacker Nick Jackson. Castro, Schulte and Jackson all said this week they haven’t finalized their choices.