Iowa RB Leshon Williams announces plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

On Monday, Iowa running back Leshon Williams announced he plans to enter the transfer portal. The 2024 campaign is his fourth season with the Hawkeyes. Now, he will look for a new home in the college football landscape.

“I appreciate the love and support throughout my time in the black and gold, with the countless moments of excitement on the field, you’ve made every game unforgettable,” Williams wrote. “To my teammates, I’m beyond grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made for me as well as the program. The bond we’ve built will last a lifetime.

“However, after careful consideration, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal to pursue new opportunities. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the best path forward for my personal as well as athletic growth.”

Leshon Williams played in the Hawkeyes’ first three games this season but missed the team’s last two contests due to a leg injury. Evidently, Williams is not willing to risk a return and will now redshirt to preserve his final season of eligibility.

In his three appearances this season, Williams recorded 11 carries for 21 yards. In total, Williams made 32 appearances and 13 starts at Iowa. He finished his time in Iowa City with 318 carries for 1,323 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

His ground game wasn’t his only threat. Williams also hauled in 27 career catches for the Hawkeyes, notching 172 receiving yards and a score.

For his efforts in the 2023 campaign, Williams was named an Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection by the league’s coaches and media. Additionally, Williams was named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List ahead of this season.

Williams is only the latest Hawkeye to end their season early with plans to enter the transfer portal. Earlier on Monday, Iowa wide receiver Kaleb Brown announced his decision to redshirt the remainder of the 2024 campaign and enter the portal.

This season, Brown played in just three games and caught one pass for 18 yards. He appeared in 11 games last season and made four starts, tallying a career-high 22 receptions for 215 yards and a touchdown.