By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – For the second time as a member of the Iowa football team, walk-on tight end Johnny Pascuzzi has entered the transfer portal.

A person close to the situation confirmed it with Hawk Fanatic Tuesday afternoon.

Pascuzzi’s latest decision to enter the portal comes approximately seven months after he had briefly entered the portal this past May.

Pascuzzi appeared in 10 games this season and he had one catch for 40 yards, which came against Northwestern.

A native of Olathe, Kansas,  Pascuzzi joined the Iowa program as a walk-on in 2021.

Last season, he started three games and was used mostly as a blocker.

Tight end is typically one of Iowa’s deepest positions and that should also be the case again next season, even with multi-year starter Luke Lachey using up his eligibility this season.

Junior Addison Ostrenga and sophomore Zach Ortwerth both have played extensively at tight end.

The source told Hawk Fanatic that Pascuzzi is leaving Iowa on good terms and with no hard feelings. He simply wants to play a more expanded role in his final season of eligibility.

The source also spoke highly of Kirk Ferentz, saying that Pascuzzi had a good relationship with Iowa’s veteran head coach.

Pascuzzi is the fourth Iowa player to enter the transfer portal this season.

The others are receiver Kaleb Brown, defensive lineman Jeff Bowie and running back running back Leshon Williams, who recently committed to Kansas.