Tag: Kaleb Johnson

Three Iowa football players named Sporting News All-Americans

Sporting News tabs three Iowa football stars as 2024 All-Americans.

As the college football regular season has officially come to a close, Sporting News released its end-of-season All-American teams, with three Iowa football stars highlighting the announcement.

In the release, Hawkeyes‘  senior linebacker Jay Higgins, running back Kaleb Johnson, and punt returner Kaden Wetjen were recognized. Higgins and Johnson both were named to the first-team All-American roster, while Wetjen landed on the second-team squad.

As a result of the nominations, Higgins became a unanimous consensus All-American, while Johnson became a consensus All-American.

As for Higgins, the 6-foot-2, 232-pound senior was also honored as the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten.

A semifinalist for the Lombardi, Lott IMPACT, and Butkus awards, Higgins has racked up 118 total tackles this fall, which ranks second most in the Big Ten and 13th-most nationally. He also is the only player in the nation with over 100 tackles and four interceptions (tied for the most amongst linebackers from a Power 4 conference).

Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Johnson’s impressive honors include a first-team All-America honoree by Walter Camp, Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Sporting News, and second-team by the Associated Press (AP) and American Football Coaches Association of America (AFCA).

The junior running back was also voted Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and finalist for the Doak Walker Award. He posted school single-season records in points (138), total touchdowns (23) and rushing scores (21). Johnson (6-foot, 225 pounds) rushed for 1,537 yards in 12 games, sixth-most in the country and third-most in program history.

Regarding Wetjen, the second-team Sporting News honoree was tabbed a first-team All-American punt returner by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and was previously awarded the 2024 Rodgers-Dwight Return Specialist of the Year, first-team All-Big Ten, and is a finalist for the Jet Award.

Wetjen, a 5-foot-10, 196-pound senior, is second in the FBS in punt return yards (312) and sixth in kickoff return yards (576) this season, including an 85-yard punt return touchdown against Northwestern.

These honors now provide Iowa with the distinction of being the only school to have a consensus All-American each of the last six seasons.

In program history, the Hawkeyes now have 33 consensus All-Americans, including 18 total in the Kirk Ferentz era and 12 over the last 11 seasons. The Hawkeyes have had multiple consensus All-Americans seven times throughout their illustrious history (1981, 1984, 2002, 2003, 2017, 2023, and 2024).

Iowa will play in the Dec. 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl vs. No. 19 Missouri in Nashville, Tenn., at 1:30 p.m. CT, with the game televised on ESPN and on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

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Iowa specialist named as AFCA All-American

Three Iowa football stars were honored with AFCA All-American distinctions.

On Dec. 13, the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) revealed their end-of-season All-American rosters, with three Iowa football stars earning recognition.

Per the announcement, seniors Luke Elkin and Jay Higgins landed on the first-team list. At the same time, junior Kaleb Johnson claimed a spot on the second-team roster.

The AFCA is one of five outlets recognized by the NCAA to determine consensus All-Americans, along with the Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp, Sporting News, and Associated Press.

Jay Higgins

Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Higgins, the Hawkeyes‘ defensive leader and permanent captain, was also honored as the Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and first-team All-Big Ten, semifinalist for the Lombardi, Lott IMPACT, and Butkus awards.

Higgins totaled 118 tackles this season, ranking second most in the Big Ten and 13th-most nationally. He also is the only player in the nation with over 100 tackles and four interceptions (tied for the most amongst linebackers from a Power 4 conference).

Luke Elkin

Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Elkin, who has been Iowa’s long snapper the past four seasons, gives the proper appreciation given his impact on the team during his tenure.

In addition to being named as a second-team all-conference honoree last week, he earned the team’s Next Man In Award (special teams) as a freshman, Hayden Fry Award winner as a sophomore and Coaches Appreciation Award as a junior. During his four seasons with Iowa, Elkin snapped for Rhys Dakin, Drew Stevens, and former Hawkeyes legend Tory Taylor.

Kaleb Johnson

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Rounding out the three is Kaleb Johnson, whose historic season earned him honors as a Walter Camp first-team All-American, the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year winner, first-team All-Big Ten selection, and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.

On the season, he posted school single-season records in points (138), total touchdowns (23), and rushing scores (21), as well as the third-most rushing yards in program history (1,537).

With Johnson declaring for the NFL draft, he will finish his stellar 35-game career (22 starts) with 30 rushing touchdowns and 2,779 yards on 508 rushing attempts for an average of 5.5 yards per carry and 79.4 yards per game. Johnson also recorded 29 receptions for 240 yards and two scores during his tenure.

Iowa (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) will play in the Dec. 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl vs. No. 19 Missouri (9-3, 5-3 SEC) from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., at 1:30 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on ESPN and available on the Hawkeyes Radio Network.

Two Iowa Hawkeyes among CBS Sports Top 150 college football players of 2024

Two Hawkeyes are among the elite.

The 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes were buoyed by stars on both sides of the ball, a bit of a contrast to what felt like the norm for prior years.

This season, they ran the ball well on offense and were absolutely stifling against the run game on defense.

That can be credited to running back Kaleb Johnson and linebacker Jay Higgins, both consensus All-Americans this year.

Both now find themselves included in CBS Sports Top 150 college football players of 2024.

Coming in at No. 34 on the list is Kaleb Johnson after his historic season for the Hawkeyes.

34. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Johnson is an exceptional zone runner with patience, vision, and speed to break away. He rushed for more than 1,500 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry, and scored 21 touchdowns despite being the focal point of opposing defenses. His success also highlights the strength of Iowa’s offensive line. – Blake Brockeymeyer, CBS Sports

Kaleb Johnson ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns behind Iowa’s much-improved offensive line. He added two more touchdowns and 188 receiving yards.

He set Iowa’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns and total touchdowns.

The second Hawkeye on the list, linebacker Jay Higgins, comes in at No. 68.

68. Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa

Higgins continued his excellent play for Iowa’s stingy defense, finishing the season with 118 tackles and a career-high four interceptions. Known for his instincts and nose for the ball, Higgins has also improved his coverage ability, solidifying his reputation as one of the most consistent defenders in Hawkeye history. – Blake Brockeymeyer, CBS Sports

Jay Higgins did it all for Iowa this year on defense. He had 118 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a sack, and two forced fumbles while also contributing to the pass defense with nine pass deflections and four interceptions

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Chiefs scouting report: Iowa Hawkeyes RB Kaleb Johnson

The Kansas City #Chiefs could look to select a player like Iowa #Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson in the 2025 NFL draft.

Losing Isiah Pacheco to an injury for more than a month revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs need to add depth to their running back room. The 2025 NFL draft features several prominent running backs who could come off the board as early as the second round.

Iowa Hawkeyes standout Kaleb Johnson is a thickly built 225-pound running back with superb vision and contact balance. He uses precise footwork to make quick decisions and pick the right gaps. Johnson patiently presses close to the line of scrimmage while the run lane develops before fearlessly accelerating into the hole.

Johnson makes the most of his size by breaking through arm tackles, churning his legs through contact, and finishing plays falling forward. He makes defenders miss in open space with stiff arms, spin moves, and head and shoulder fakes. Johnson makes surprisingly sharp cuts and side steps for a running back with his size.

Johnson lacks the elite speed to erase pursuit, but analysts underrate his second-level burst. He challenges linebackers with his mid-play acceleration and uses his excellent open-field vision to set up blockers or find cutback opportunities.

Johnson’s agility puts a cap on his creativity. He struggles to make defenders miss in tight spaces and lacks the lateral explosiveness for sudden jump cuts. Johnson keeps his quarterback clean in pass protection but doesn’t have much experience running routes.

Kaleb Johnson becomes Iowa football’s next consensus All-American

Iowa gains another legendary consensus All-American.

On the heels of linebacker Jay Higgins etching his name into Iowa Hawkeyes lore, he gets to do so with a teammate who resides on the offensive side of the ball.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson has officially become Iowa’s next consensus All-American. The breakout year from the Hawkeyes running back had him among the best backs in the nation all year long and he is receiving proper recognition for it.

With being named a First-Team All-American by more than half of the outlets, Johnson secured his spot among Iowa greats.

Johnson is now Iowa’s 33rd consensus First-Team All-American in school history and the 12th for the Hawkeyes in 12 years to continue an incredible run of talent and development.

Kaleb Johnson was awarded First-Team All-American recognition from Sporting News, Walter Camp, and the Football Writers Association of America.

Johnson received a Second-Team All-American nod from the Associated Press and AFCA.

On the year, Kaleb Johnson ran for 1,537 yards on 240 carries and 6.4 yards per rush. He found the endzone 21 times and averaged 128.1 rushing yards per game.

Through the air, Johnson added 22 receptions as Iowa’s third-leading receiver for 188 yards and two more touchdowns.

Kaleb Johnson set Iowa single-seasons records for total points scored, total touchdowns, and rushing.

He is destined for the NFL where he is sure to make a team very happy in the future, but for now, Kaleb Johnson is forever etched into Iowa Hawkeyes greatness.

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Trio of Iowa football stars named to USA TODAY Sports All-American team

Three Hawkeyes find themselves among the nation’s best.

Football is the ultimate team game with 11 players on the field for both teams at all times, but it can’t be missed that star players make teams better.

This season, the Iowa Hawkeyes had three stars that stood out not only against their opponents but among the entire college football world.

In the USA TODAY Sports All-American Team, Iowa is represented by three players between the first and second team selections.

Kaleb Johnson and his historic season was selected as a First-Team All-American running back alongside Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.

Jeanty ran for at least 128 yards in every game against FBS competition and closed with a 209 yards and a score in the Mountain West championship game against UNLV. Johnson led the Big Ten by a wide margin in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21). – Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

Johnson carried the ball 240 times for 1,599 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He added 22 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

Kaleb Johnson set Iowa’s single-season touchdown record with 23 total touchdowns and is now headed to the NFL Draft, where he will almost certainly hear his name called early.

At linebacker, Jay Higgins represents Iowa as a First-Team All-American selection. He is joined by Chris Paul of Ole Miss and Jalon Walker of Georgia.

Paul (88 tackles, 11 for loss) had a terrific second half to the regular season as the Rebels came up just shy of the playoff. One of the most productive linebackers in Iowa history, Higgins (118 tackles) finished second in the Big Ten in stops. Walker stepped into a full-time starting role as a junior and came up big in Georgia’s biggest games, tallying a combined four sacks in two wins against Texas. – Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY Sports

Jay Higgins once again led the Hawkeyes in tackles this year and had arguably his best all-around year with the program. Higgins tallied 118 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, five pass deflections, a fumble recovery, and forced two fumbles.

Rounding out the Hawkeyes’ selection is a special teams player who burst onto the scene for Iowa this season. Kaden Wetjen was selected as USA TODAY Sports’ Second-Team All-American returner.

Kaden Wetjen returned 23 kickoffs this year for an average of 25 yards per kick return. His bigger impact came in the punt return game. He returned 25 punts averaging 12.5 yards per return to go with a season-long 85-yard punt return touchdown.

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Kirk Ferentz compliments running back Kaleb Johnson’s commitment to Iowa

In a vastly different landscape of college football, Kirk Ferentz applauded junior running back Kaleb Johnson’s commitment to Iowa in 2024.

Iowa football (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) received word of their invitation to the Dec. 30 TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Missouri (9-3, 5-3 SEC) from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Sunday afternoon.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz spoke this week about the program’s excitement for the upcoming bowl game, its looming transfer portal activity and how the roster may look come late December.

During his latest meeting with the media, Ferentz made a point to compliment junior running back Kaleb Johnson for his outstanding play and commitment to playing the entire 2024 regular season despite a climate in college football that sometimes encourages the opposite.

“I want to really compliment Kaleb in the way that he’s done things,” Ferentz said. “Because, I don’t mind telling you, if somewhere in the last month he had walked in and said he’s done, I would’ve been really disappointed and I would’ve felt bad for him because it would’ve been a terrible decision. But at the same time, I would’ve understood because of the world we’re living in.”

Matthew Holst/Getty Images

Johnson finished 2024 with Hawkeye single-season records in points (138), total touchdowns (23) and rushing touchdowns (21).

Johnson’s 1,537 rushing yards on 240 carries ranks third all-time in single-season rushing yards. The Hamilton, Ohio, product announced on Dec. 1 that he would be forgoing his senior year at Iowa and declare for the 2025 NFL draft.

Ferentz added that he appreciated how Johnson had grown during the season, handled his declaration for the NFL draft respectfully, and wished the junior running back good fortune at the professional level.

“I think he’s handling it really well. He’s done a good job with his teammates. And to me, if you’re not going to finish it out, which in this case he’s not, he did it in a way that really I think is really admirable, and did it really in a good way,” Ferentz added.

“I’m not going to pass judgment on him playing or not playing. I appreciate what he’s done, and I wish him nothing but the best moving forward. He’ll do a good job. He’s really grown up a lot.”

Iowa will turn to redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton and sophomore Jaziun Patterson to lead the backfield against the Tigers in the upcoming bowl game, scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. CT kickoff on ESPN.

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Chargers bolster backfield in Dane Brugler’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft

The Chargers select a running back in Dane Brugler’s latest projections.

With the regular season nearing an end, talk about the offseason, free agency, and the upcoming draft will only continue to surface.

In The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft, he has the Chargers selecting Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with the No. 25 overall pick.

Here is what Brugler said about sending Johnson to Los Angeles:

Jeanty deserves every bit of praise he gets, but he isn’t the only running back in this class who will be considered in the first round. Johnson is a well-put-together athlete who runs with equal amounts power, patience and quickness. Add in that he doesn’t fumble and is reliable on passing downs, and you don’t have to squint to see why Jim Harbaugh might go this direction.

For some Chargers fans, neglecting other positions of need and taking a running back in the first round might be rich.

But look at who the head coach of the team is. Jim Harbaugh has made it clear that he wants to be a line-of-scrimmage team and gash opposing defenses on the ground.

The status of the running back room will be up in the air. J.K. Dobbins is currently injured and set to be a free agent. Gus Edwards will still be under contract but hasn’t proven himself as a three-down back.

Johnson ended the 2024 regular season with 1,537 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns. At 6 feet and 225 pounds, he is a well-rounded back who displays decisiveness as a runner, technically sound footwork, and upside in the passing game, both as a blocker and receiver.

 

Iowa Hawkeyes Kaleb Johnson named Big Ten Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year

The historic season receives the proper recognition.

Kaleb Johnson’s historic season for the Iowa Hawkeyes will live on forever.

The numbers and production he put up this season are among the greatest single-season efforts in Iowa Hawkeyes’ history and have earned him among the place of Iowa greats.

He is departing for the NFL, a move he has more than earned but is seeing his production and talent awarded properly with the conclusion of the college football regular season.

Kaleb Johnson has been named the Big Ten Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year.

After a few years of splitting time in a backfield, Johnson blossomed into a bell-cow this year that the Iowa Hawkeyes’ offense and offensive coordinator Tim Lester could lean on.

Johnson became the workhorse for Iowa when they needed first downs, touchdowns, and to close out games. He was able to take on the entire load of the running game and leave it much better than he found it.

He ran for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns this year while also reeling in 22 receptions for 188 yards and two more touchdowns. His 23 touchdowns are the single-season touchdown record for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

The junior out of Hamilton, Ohio ends his career with the Iowa Hawkeyes having ran for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns with 29 receptions for 240 yards and two more scores.

Kaleb Johnson is destined to be playing on Sundays and he will certainly hear his name come off the NFL draft board in the first few rounds after the unforgettable season he gave the Iowa Hawkeyes.

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Iowa star declares for 2025 NFL draft

Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson declared for the 2025 NFL draft.

Following a record-setting season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, junior running back Kaleb Johnson announced that he is declaring for the 2025 NFL draft.

Johnson authored a truly memorable 2024 season. The 6-foot, 225 pound running back set Iowa single-season records in points (138), total touchdowns (23) and rushing scores (21).

Johnson ends his 2024 season with 240 carries for 1,537 rushing yards and 22 receptions for 188 receiving yards.

Johnson concludes his Hawkeye career with 508 rushes for 2,779 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes for 240 receiving yards and a pair of scores during his time in the black and gold.

Johnson took to social media to share the announcement.

“As I write this letter, my heart is filled with gratitude and appreciation for the incredible journey I’ve experienced as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes. It has been an honor to wear the black and gold and represent this program, this university, and this community that means so much to me.

“To the fans: Thank you for your unwavering support, week in and week out. Whether it was under the bright lights at Kinnick or on the road, your energy and passion have been a driving force behind every game, every moment. From the iconic ‘Iowa Wave,’ to the chants and cheers that echo throughout the stadium, you’ve made this experience unforgettable. You’ve shown me what it truly means to be a part of something bigger than myself, and for that, I am forever grateful.

“To my coaches: Thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and pushing me to become the best version of myself both on and off the field. The lessons you’ve taught me go far beyond football. They are lessons I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Your guidance and mentorship have not only shaped me as a player but as a man, and I’m incredibly thankful for the impact you’ve had on my journey.

“To my teammates: You are more than just teammates. You are family. The bonds we’ve built, the challenges we’ve faced, and the memories we’ve created together will always hold a special place in my heart. Every practice, every game, every moment we shared has made me better, and I am proud to have battled alongside each and every one of you.

“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to take the next step in my journey and declare for the 2025 NFL draft. This decision was not made lightly, but it is with great excitement and anticipation that I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. The foundation I’ve built here at Iowa has prepared me for this moment, and I carry the Hawkeye spirt with me as I move forward.

“Thank you for shaping me, supporting me, and believing in me. Iowa will always be home, and I will forever be a Hawkeye,” Johnson wrote in his social media announcement.

A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Johnson chose Iowa over offers from schools such as California, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kentucky, Michigan State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and West Virginia.

Johnson was a three-star signee per 247Sports in Iowa’s 2022 signing class.

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