Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson to Skip Bowl Game, Declare for 2025 NFL Draft; B/R’s No. 4 RB

Taylyn HadleyDecember 2, 2024

Matthew Holst/Getty Images

Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson will miss the team’s bowl game after declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Tyler Tachman @Tyler_T15Kaleb Johnson has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/MT13U4jldQ

The Hawkeye running back rushed for 1,537 yards this season, scoring 21 touchdowns without a single fumble.

“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to take the next step and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft,” Johnson wrote on social media. “This decision was not made lightly but it is with great excitement and anticipation that I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Hawkeye Football @HawkeyeFootballWould not be denied.@Kj_Superman2 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/oYjgD4OOMl

The junior played three seasons for the Hawkeyes and became the first player in Iowa history to score a touchdown in every game of a season, an achievement he accomplished this year. He also ranks sixth all-time in Iowa scoring with 32 career touchdowns, according to The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman and Dane Brugler.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz gave high praise to the accomplished quarterback, with whom he worked for three years.

“Kaleb is a quality guy who wants to be a really good football player, and he has demonstrated that week in and week out,” Ferentz said, per Dochterman and Brugler. “His consistency and performance have been great. You guys don’t get to see him during the week. He is upbeat, positive.”

Hawkeye Football @HawkeyeFootballGratitude.@Kj_Superman2 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Txm4i078Ki

Johnson gained significant draft buzz throughout the season, something he had very little of at the start of the year. Brugler, a veteran of NFL draft coverage, has expressed strong confidence in Johnson’s chances of being a first-round pick.

“A one-cut, north-south runner, Johnson is physically put together and makes tacklers feel it when they attempt to bring him down,” Brugler said. “But he also runs with terrific patience and processing, which allows him to accelerate through holes because of his ability to read blocks and anticipate developing lanes. NFL coaches also will appreciate that Johnson doesn’t fumble and is reliable catching the ball out of the backfield.”

With Johnson absent, sophomore Jaziun Patterson and redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton will likely step up to fill his big shoes as the Hawkeyes prepare for their bowl game.