Kaleb Johnson

GREEN BAY, Wis. –University of Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson will stay in the black and gold after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of Friday’s NFL Draft. Johnson was the 83rd player picked.

The Hamilton, Ohio, native is the third running back selected in the Kirk Ferentz era, joining Ladell Betts (2022) and Shonn Greene (2009). Johnson is the 10th Iowa running back drafted in the top three rounds in program history.

“He has great size and is a downhill runner. I think (Kaleb) is a really good fit for the Steelers,” said ESPN analyst Nick Saban.

As a junior in 2024, Johnson earned consensus All-America honors and was voted the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year. The Doak Walker Award finalist and Maxwell and Walter Camp semifinalist rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in 12 games — the third-most rushing yards in program history.

Johnson finished the season ranking sixth nationally, averaging 128.1 yards on 20 attempts per game.