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Iowa TE Gavin Hoffman plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•04/03/25•

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Iowa Helmets
Mark J. Rebilas | USA TODAY Sports

Iowa tight end Gavin Hoffman plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced via social media. He took a redshirt as a freshman in 2024 and didn’t see any game action.

Hoffman arrived in Iowa City as a four-star prospect. A product of Overland Park (KS) Blue Valley Northwest, he was the No. 205 overall player and No. 2-ranked recruit in the state of Kansas from the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Hoffman will have all four years of eligibility remaining after taking a redshirt. In his post, he not only thanked the Iowa coaching staff, but also his teammates and family before announcing his plans to transfer.

“I would like to thank Coach Ferentz, Coach Hodge, and Coach Bell for recruiting me, and believing in my abilities to play at the next level,” Hoffman wrote in his post. “I appreciate all the time and effort you poured into my development. I am truly grateful for all that you did for my family and me.

“To Coach Rai, Coach Meyers, Coach Drew, Coach Helle, and Coach Reyes, I really appreciate all of the time and energy put in to maximize my growth as an athlete off the field and in the weight room. … Lastly, to my teammates, I love every single one of you and am grateful for the relationships created. It was an honor to share the field with you and grind with you guys day in and day out for the past year in a half.”

Gavin Hoffman is the second notable Iowa player to announce his plans to transfer ahead of the spring window, which opens April 16. Cornerback John Nestor also announced he intends to enter the portal after playing in 10 games each of the last two seasons. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Nestor totaled two tackles in 10 appearances as a freshman in 2023. He got more looks as a sophomore, totaling 14 tackles in 10 games, including a season-high four stops in the rivalry matchup against Nebraska in November.

Iowa started spring practice last week as the Hawkeyes look to build on last year’s 8-5 record. They made a splash in the portal this offseason by landing former South Dakota State quarterback Mark Gronowski. He threw for more than 10,000 yards over his four years with the Jackrabbits, including 2,721 yards this past season to go with 23 touchdowns. His best year came in 2023 when he threw for 3,058 yards and 29 touchdowns as SDSU defeated Montana for its second straight FCS national title.