The transfer portal is still open, and it will take some time to get a complete picture of Iowa football’s offseason. Nevertheless, the Hawkeyes’ early departures are already providing some crucial hints about the program’s future and the potential makeup of the roster in 2026. Not every exit is shocking, as is typically the case in today’s college football environment. A few were anticipated. Others, however, pause and encourage more in-depth reflection. Contributors from both sides of the ball have entered Iowa’s portal early, the majority of whom are looking for easier routes to playing time or just a new beginning. When combined, these actions show a program that is prepared to change some roles while feeling secure in its youth at others.
Let’s break down what Iowa’s early transfer portal departures really mean.
Running backs Jaziun Patterson and Terrell Washington Jr.
Running back was one position group where attrition seemed unavoidable. It became more evident as the 2025 season went on that Iowa was relying more on its younger players. In the end, that tendency only got stronger. The Hawkeyes started giving Xavier Williams and Nathan McNeil more chances behind starter Kamari Moulton. The writing was pretty much on the wall because both backs had substantial future eligibility. The fact that Patterson and Washington enter the portal is not as shocking, and it probably indicates Iowa’s confidence in the room’s direction.
After four seasons, Patterson leaves Iowa with 858 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 195 carries. Washington, on the other hand, ends his Hawkeye career with 51 receiving yards and a touchdown on 10 receptions in addition to 182 rushing yards on 49 carries. Both offered depth and flashes at different times, but it’s obvious that the younger backs currently in line have the best chance of succeeding at the position.
Defensive end Brian Allen Jr.
This is the departure that turns heads.
Brian Allen Jr. appeared to be the next in line for Iowa, which has established a national reputation for producing defensive linemen. Allen showed a lot of promise during his three seasons in Iowa City, making big plays and displaying the kind of explosion that usually leads to a bigger role in the future. He’s going to the portal instead. Even though Allen’s chances of becoming an every-down starter were hampered by that confidence, Allen’s departure might indicate that Iowa feels particularly confident about its younger defensive linemen. There will be defensive end opportunities now that Ethan Hurkett and Max Llewellyn are gone, but Allen might have preferred more assurance than Iowa could provide.
In terms of statistics, Allen departs after playing in 24 games over the previous two seasons and recording 34 tackles, five sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss. Iose Epenesa now has more options thanks to his departure, which also makes portal additions more crucial. Elon edge rusher Kahmari Brown and Holy Cross defensive tackle Brice Steverson have already scheduled visits with Iowa, indicating that assistance is on the way.
Safety Kael Kolarik
Although it may go unnoticed nationally, Kael Kolarik’s departure is significant. Kolarik made 40 appearances in three seasons with Iowa, including 14 as a true freshman. This is a noteworthy accomplishment in a program that doesn’t take early playing time lightly. Kolarik was a reliable member of the team, even though the majority of his recent contributions came on special teams. His departure may be a sign of future portal movement as well as a reflection of how crowded Iowa’s secondary has become. The Hawkeyes have already started hosting defensive backs, such as Anthony Hawkins, a safety from Villanova, indicating that there is still a lot of competition in the backfield.
Quarterback Jackson Stratton
This was the most predictable departure of all. During his tenure at Iowa, Jackson Stratton gained respect, particularly for filling in when injuries left the quarterback room empty. Hawkeye supporters won’t soon forget the way he handled the situation. However, there was just no practical way forward with the current depth chart. Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski, Jimmy Sullivan, and the upcoming, highly anticipated freshman Tradon Bessinger are currently in Iowa’s quarterback room. Stratton’s choice to look for an opportunity elsewhere makes sense because that is a crowded group.
Stratton led Iowa to a 2-1 record in three games by completing 21 of 35 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown. He fulfilled his obligations when it mattered most, and he will now try to pursue a career where he can contend for regular snaps.
