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Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson declares for 2025 NFL Draft

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•12/01/24
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Photo by Dennis Scheidt, HawkeyeReport.com.

Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson told On3’s Hayes Fawcett that he’s declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday. He rushed for 1,537 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2024, which both ranked second in the nation in college football.

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

For his storied career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Johnson finished with 508 carries for 2,779 total rushing yards and 30 touchdowns. He currently ranks fifth in all-time rushing yardage in Iowa football history, just behind Akrum Wadley, who ranks fourth. Johnson figures to be one of the top running backs selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, firmly in the mix with the top running backs such as Ashton Jeanty of Boise State and Omarion Hampton of North Carolina. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has expressed strong confidence that Johnson could potentially be a first-round pick.

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His 1,537 total rushing yards this year ranks third most all-time in a single season for Iowa football, right behind Shonn Greene and Tavian Banks. Johnson also set the Iowa freshman rushing yardage record with 779 yards.

In high school, Kaleb Johnson enjoyed his senior season in which he had 155 carries for 1,004 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. As a junior, he had 114 carries for 786 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Johnson also competed in basketball and track in high school. He played his high school football for Hamilton (Hamilton, Ohio), where he was tabbed as a three-star prospect according to the On3 Industry Rankings for the 2022 cycle. He was also ranked as the No. 421 overall player in America and the No. 32 overall running back prospect.

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Johnson will not play in Iowa’s bowl game and will instead begin preparations for the 2025 NFL Draft. Iowa sophomore Jaziun Patterson and redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton will likely step up to fill his shoes as the Hawkeyes prepare for their bowl game.