Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson will declare for the NFL draft

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who started the season as a reserve but was a Doak Walker Award finalist, will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Johnson announced his intention on Instagram Sunday evening, writing that his “heart is full of gratitude and appreciation for the incredible journey I have experienced as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes.” The junior from Hamilton, Ohio, did not specifically announce that he will opt out of the upcoming Iowa bowl game, but wrote that he will “carry the Hawkeye spirit with me as I move forward.”

“Iowa will always be home and I will forever be a Hawkeye,” he added.

His announcement came two days after he scored Iowa’s only touchdown on a 72-yard reception in a 13-10 win over Nebraska at Kinnick Stadium. The 72-yarder made for Johnson and Iowa’s longest play of the season.

Johnson added 45 rushing yards and ranks fourth in the FBS with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries. He scored a team record 23 touchdowns – 21 rushing, 2 receiving – and scored at least one touchdown in all 12 regular season games, also a team record.

Last week, Johnson was named a finalist alongside Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. Johnson was also named a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, which goes to college football’s best player.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranks Johnson as the third draft-eligible running back behind Jeanty and Hampton. Johnson was listed as Iowa’s backup on the team’s preseason depth chart after gaining 463 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 while playing behind Leshon Williams. Another Hawkeyes running back, Kamari Moulton, started the team’s opener against Illinois State before Johnson became the team’s leading ball carrier.