Iowa defensive back Reggie Bracy enters transfer portal

Bracy had limited opportunities on defense, but was key special teams contributor

Dec. 5, 2022 2:36 pm, Updated: Dec. 5, 2022 4:27 pm

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Reggie Bracy (7) pulls in a pass before the Big Ten Conference football game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Purdue Boilermakers at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

Iowa defensive back Reggie Bracy has entered the transfer portal Tuesday.

The safety from Mobile, Ala., had a limited role on defense, but contributed significantly on special teams.

Bracy was behind senior Kaevon Merriweather on the depth chart in 2022. He played in 26 defensive snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

“I want to thank my family and friends for believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be,” Bracy said in a tweet. “I would also like to thank the coaching staff at the University of Iowa for giving me a chance to complete a lifelong dream and pursue my goals.”

If Merriweather does not use his extra COVID-19 year of eligibility — a likely scenario considering Merriweather already accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl — Xavier Nwankpa and Sebastian Castro could be among the candidates to fill that role.

Bracy will have two years of eligibility remaining, including his extra COVID-19 year.

Monday marked the first day of the 45-day transfer portal window when players who are not graduate transfers can officially enter the portal.

Bracy is the first defensive player from Iowa to enter the transfer portal.