​CHICAGO – Jayden Montgomery is all business. Literally. When he’s not busy playing linebacker for Phil Parker’s nationally-recognized Iowa defense, Montgomery is working towards a goal of starting his own business someday. If he does decide to start a business, it may be a law-mowing venture, something Montgomery did while in high school. He doesn’t consider that an official business, but he did get an early start by printing flyers and posters to place around his hometown of Suamico, Wisconsin. With this passion for business engraved inside of him, Montgomery decided to major in both finance and enterprise leadership – allowing him to combine both worlds. “I’ve always had a little bit of entrepreneurship mindset,” Montgomery said at Big Ten Media Days on July 28. “So I’ve really enjoyed those classes and kind of learning from from people who have who have done that and started their own business.”If this business strategy sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Former Iowa basketball standout Bennett Stirtz ran a lawn mowing business with his brothers in high school, a story that has gained notoriety since the Hawkeyes’ Elite Eight run in March. Stirtz won’t be mowing lawns anytime soon, though, as he was selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. Montgomery hopes he too can join Stirtz in the professional ranks, but a crucial 2026 campaign lies ahead. Expecting Iowa’s defense to be outstanding year in and year out is the closest thing you can get to a guarantee in the sport these days, but Parker’s unit does have some large question marks. Most of these concerns are targeted towards the front seven, which features nearly a brand-new lineup except for one man – Montgomery. The fifth-year is the lone returning starter of the bunch, and the Hawkeyes will probably need every single bit of Montgomery’s experience to remain a formidable defensive team in 2026. Montgomery started seven games at linebacker in 2025, tallying 44 tackles, two quarterback pressures, and two pass break-ups. It’s a smaller sample size compared to other returning starters in the conference, but the experience has helped Montgomery prepare to be a better player in 2026.”You learn to continue to prepare each and every single day,” Montgomery said. “And I think seeing yourself on on the tape versus seeing someone else on the tape it helps in that process as well because you kind of coach yourself up.” Like teammate Zach Lutmer, Montgomery has focused on growing into a better leader, too. Fellow linebacker Cam Buffington said earlier in the spring that everyone listens when Montgomery speaks, a sign that goal is coming to fruition. Hearing that praise from his teammates means a lot to Montgomery, and he in turn praised his parents, Natalie and Jerry, for their work in raising him. Jerry played at Iowa from 1998-2001 and currently serves as the run game coordinator and defensive line coach for the Cincinnati Bengals, and that NFL professionalism has carried over