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Iowa CB John Nestor plans to enter NCAA transfer portal

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

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Iowa CB John Nestor
© Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Iowa cornerback John Nestor plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, he announced via social media. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Nestor played largely a reserve role at cornerback for Iowa, but still appeared in 10 games each of the last two seasons. He was expected to compete for a larger role this season, but with spring practice on the horizon, will now enter the transfer portal. The spring football window opens April 16 and will close April 25.

Nestor also posted a message about his decision. He thanked the coaching staff and his teammates for his time in Iowa City before announcing his plans to transfer.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for giving the opportunity to play at the University of Iowa!” Nestor wrote. “I would like to thank Coach Ferentz, Coach Parker, Coach Wallace, Coach Woods, and Coach TP for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to play for the Hawkeyes.

“I will forever be grateful for what you guys have done for me and my family! … With that being said, I will be entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility. Time to roll the dice!”

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.

John Nestor played high school football at Chicago (Ill.) Marist, where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 738 overall player and No. 14-ranked recruit in the state of Illinois from the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Iowa is set to get spring practice underway Wednesday 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.

However, Gronowski will not be available for spring ball. Kirk Ferentz previously announced the new Iowa QB underwent a procedure for a “common” injury, but should be back in time for summer workouts.