Joe Evans Bio
Joe Evans is an American professional football linebacker who has built his career through determination and consistent performance. Born on June 29, 1999, in Ames, Iowa, Evans developed into a notable collegiate pass-rusher at the University of Iowa before pursuing professional football. Despite going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, his production and physical tools earned him an opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens organization.
Early Life and Background
Joe Evans grew up in Ames, Iowa, where he attended Ames High School. During his junior season, Evans took over as the starting quarterback after the initial starter suffered injuries. In that role, he completed 106 of his 178 pass attempts for 1,276 yards and 17 touchdowns through the air, while also adding 439 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
His dual-threat ability and football intelligence shaped his early development. Rather than seeking a guaranteed scholarship elsewhere, Evans chose to walk on at the University of Iowa, a decision that would define his collegiate journey and eventual path to professional football.
Path to American Football
Evans joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a walk-on player in 2018. He redshirted during his true freshman season, using that year to adapt to the college-level speed and complexity of the program. The 2019 season marked his first meaningful contributions, as he recorded seven tackles including four tackles for loss and four sacks.
His work ethic paid off when, during the shortened 2020 season affected by the pandemic, the Iowa coaching staff awarded Evans a scholarship. This recognition validated his development and established him as a building block for the Hawkeyes defense.
Evans broke out as a full-time contributor in 2021, posting 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss, seven sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble. That breakthrough season laid the foundation for his most productive years at Iowa.
Joe Evans Career
Iowa Hawkeyes (2018-2023)
Evans established himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s most disruptive edge rushers during his later collegiate years. His 2022 season served as a statement campaign. In the season opener against South Dakota State, he recorded two sacks and a safety in a 7-3 victory. In week eight, Evans delivered a career-defining performance against number-two ranked Ohio State, sacking quarterback C.J. Stroud, forcing a fumble, and returning it 12 yards for his first career touchdown. Iowa upset the Buckeyes that day.
For the 2022 season, Evans finished with 41 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks earned him second-team All-Big Ten honors. He followed that with an even more productive 2023 campaign, compiling 46 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble. In the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee, Evans recorded a career-high four sacks despite the Hawkeyes losing. His performance in 2023 earned him third-team All-Big Ten recognition.
Professional Career
Despite his productive collegiate career, Evans went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. His production, physical measurements of 6-foot-1 and 252 pounds, and positional versatility attracted interest from NFL teams. On May 3, 2024, Evans signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent, officially beginning his professional career.
Evans appeared in training camp with the Ravens during the 2024 season. He was waived on August 27 during final roster cuts but was re-signed to the practice squad shortly after. The Ravens released Evans from the practice squad on September 24, 2024, ending his first professional season opportunity.
Professional Outlook
At 27 years old, Evans possesses the youth and collegiate production that could attract future NFL opportunities. His 19.5 career sacks over his final two college seasons demonstrates a high-level skill set as a pass-rusher. Teams seeking depth at linebacker or edge defender may view his tape favorably. His journey from walk-on to All-Big Ten honoree reflects the determination that drives his professional aspirations.
Joe Evans Career Highlights
Evans accumulated impressive statistics during his six seasons at Iowa, highlighted by consistent pass-rushing production and signature performances against top competition.
College Statistics
Evans finished his Hawkeyes career with increasing production each season. His 2021 breakthrough included seven sacks, followed by 6.5 sacks in 2022 and 9.5 sacks in 2023. His multi-sack games against Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl and his forced fumble return for a touchdown against Ohio State stand as memorable career highlights. His ability to collapse the pocket and finish sacks made him a reliable presence on Iowa’s defense.
Recognition and Honors
Evans earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition in 2022 and third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023. His progression from redshirt freshman to All-Conference selection underscores his development trajectory and the consistency of his on-field performance at the highest level of college football.
| Season | Tackles | Sacks | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | 4 | – |
| 2020 | 7 | 1 | Scholarship awarded |
| 2021 | 33 | 7 | – |
| 2022 | 41 | 6.5 | Second-team All-Big Ten |
| 2023 | 46 | 9.5 | Third-team All-Big Ten |
Joe Evans Family
Family Background
Joe Evans grew up in Ames, Iowa, where he attended local schools before his collegiate career at Iowa. Details about his family members, parents, or siblings are not extensively documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Evans maintains a public presence on Instagram under the handle bigjeaux_. His journey from a high school quarterback to a Division I walk-on to an NFL player exemplifies the pathway many professional athletes navigate. His story reflects the perseverance required to reach the professional level without the fanfare of being a high-profile draft pick.
2025 Season Performance
Following his release from the Baltimore Ravens practice squad in September 2024, Evans entered the 2025 NFL landscape as a free agent. His collegiate track record of increasing sack production and his physical profile continue to generate interest among teams seeking defensive line depth. The 2025 season presents Evans with opportunities to earn a roster spot through training camp performance and preseason play. His ability to pressure the quarterback and defend the run remain his strongest selling points for NFL scouts evaluating his professional potential.