By Russell Vannozzi

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester freely admitted how important All-Big Ten running back Kaleb Johnson was for the Hawkeyes’ run-heavy offense in 2024.

Lester didn’t always need an elaborate game plan.

“This year sometimes handing inside zone to No. 2 was our most explosive play,” Lester said before Monday’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl, which Johnson missed to prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Hawkeyes still rolled out a formidable backfield in their 27-24 loss to Missouri, providing a glimpse of what the future could look like sans-Johnson.

Redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton led the way with 96 yards and one touchdown on 14 carries, while sophomore Jaziun Patterson added 74 yards on just nine attempts. Terrell Washington Jr., another redshirt freshman who can play running back or wide receiver, caught three passes for 26 yards and a score.

“I thought all three really did a nice job,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “It doesn’t seem like (the game) is too big for them at all. I think they were eager to get a chance to go out there and play. All three are different players, but they’re all really good football players.”

Johnson is viewed as one of the best draft-eligible RBs and could hear his name called as early as the first or second round next April.

He earned that opportunity with a memorable junior season in which he rushed for the sixth most yards (1,537) and TDs (21) in the Football Bowl Subdivision. His rushing yards are the third most in program history and his marks for rushing TDs and total scores (23) set program records.

Moulton said Johnson’s consistent approach has rubbed off on the rest of the Iowa RBs. Johnson scored a TD in all 12 games he played this season and didn’t fumble a single time.

Boosted by encouraging texts from their now-former teammate in Johnson, Iowa’s backfield youngsters performed like veterans at Nissan Stadium.

“We did great,” Moulton said. “We had a little chip on our shoulder. We had to prove that we’re still a (capable) running back group. We feel like we’re one of the best running back groups.

“Whenever our name is called, we all can compete. That’s all it is – competing. Every practice we give it our all and see from there.”

Patterson was the most efficient of the three backs, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Washington’s 6-yard receiving TD – which came on a pop pass from quarterback Brendan Sullivan – was the first of his college career. And Moulton supplied the most explosive highlight, a 38-yard scamper just before halftime to set up his 1-yard scoring run three plays later.

“I wish I would’ve scored, truthfully,” Moulton said. “It felt good to make a move, break free and just show what I’ve got.”

Iowa was also without All-Big Ten center Logan Jones due to a hand injury. Senior Tyler Elsbury took his place to help pave the way for Moulton, Patterson and Washington to make plays.

The trio held up their end of the bargain.

“I’m happy for the way they stepped in there,” Ferentz said. “… That’s part of football. I’m really proud of those guys especially.”