By Hawk Fanatic

IOWA CITY, Iowa – For just the third time under Kirk Ferentz, an Iowa running back has been selected in the NFL Draft.

Kaleb Johnson earned that distinction on Friday when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the third round, and with the 83rd pick overall, meaning he will stay in the black and gold.

Johnson joins Ladell Betts and Shonn Greene as the only Iowa running backs under Kirk Ferentz to be picked in the draft.

Betts was taken by Washington Redskins in the second round in 2002, while Shonn Greene was picked by the New York Jets in the third round in 2009.

Johnson, who is from Hamilton, Ohio, bypassed his senior year to enter the 2025 NFL draft, and that decision has since paid dividends.

Johnson had shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons at Iowa, but was hampered by injuries.

Everything then came together last season as Johnson thrived under new offensive coordinator Tim Lester.

Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing with 1,537 yards, and he set a program single-season record with 21 rushing touchdowns, and with 23 touchdowns overall.

He skipped playing in the Music City Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft.

Johnson was a big play waiting to happen this past season as he had 20 runs that gained at least 20 yards, nine of which went for touchdowns.

He was also the first Hawkeye recipient of the Ameche-Dayne Award Big Ten Running Back of the Year Award since it was introduced in 2011.