Shortly after Iowa’s 2024 regular season came to a close, the school found out that its top running back won’t be returning for the 2025 campaign.
On Sunday, Hawkeyes junior running back Kaleb Johnson shared a post on his personal Instagram account that revealed his decision to leave school early and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to take the next step in my journey and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision was not made lightly, but it is with great excitement and anticipation that I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. The foundation I’ve built here at Iowa has prepared me for this moment, and I carry the Hawkeye spirit with me as I move forward,” Johnson wrote.
In the current state of college football, where it’s becoming uncommon for players not to suit up for more than one school during their careers, Johnson spent all three years of his college career at Iowa.
It turned out to be a good decision for him since he was able to develop into one of the best running backs in the nation during his tenure with the Hawkeyes.
After showing some flashes in his first two seasons at Iowa, Johnson came into his own this year. In 12 games this season, the junior running back rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in addition to catching 22 passes for 188 yards and two more scores.
Measuring 6-foot and 225 pounds, Johnson already has a prototypical frame to succeed in the NFL. He’s got the size to run defenders over and the speed and quickness to get past his opponents for big gains.
In addition to his announcement to declare for the NFL Draft, Johnson will not be taking part in whatever bowl game the Hawkeyes play this season.
Considering how we’ve seen some top draft prospects suffer significant injuries in their school’s bowl games in the past, this is probably a wise decision by the young running back.
With that being said, Johnson’s final appearance in an Iowa uniform looks like it is going to be the school’s 13-10 win over Nebraska this past Friday.
During the contest, the Hawkeyes running back caught a pass and turned it into a 72-yard touchdown, which also ended up being the school’s only trip to the end zone in the matchup.
Johnson set multiple Iowa all-time records in what is now his final season at the school, and he’s hoping he can continue to set records when he begins his career in the NFL next year.
