Iowa wide receiver Keagan Johnson to enter transfer portal

Johnson beleaguered with injuries in 2022, but was key part of receiving corps in 2021

Dec. 1, 2022 11:32 am, Updated: Dec. 2, 2022 7:40 am

Iowa wide receiver Keagan Johnson (6) scores the Hawkeyes’ third touchdown of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Geoff Stellfox/The Gazette)

IOWA CITY — Iowa football will be losing a key part in its receiving corps via the transfer portal.

Wide receiver Keagan Johnson plans to enter the transfer portal, he said Thursday in a tweet.

Johnson missed most of the 2022 season because of injury, but he showed what he was capable of as a true freshman in 2021 when he led Iowa’s wide receivers with 352 yards and three touchdowns.

“I would like to thank the University of Iowa and the Iowa City community for welcoming me with open arms throughout my time here,” Johnson said in the tweet. “I have made memories that will last forever, and I have created bonds that I will always cherish.”

Johnson has three years of eligibility remaining.

He joins quarterback Alex Padilla and offensive lineman Josh Volk on the list of Iowa players to indicate their intentions to enter the transfer portal since last week’s regular season finale.

Wide receiver has especially been an area of attrition for Iowa recently. Four scholarship wide receivers left the Hawkeyes via the transfer portal after the 2021 season, and Iowa did not gain any scholarship players at the position via the portal to replace them.

Johnson’s departure leaves Iowa with four returning scholarship players at wide receiver — Arland Bruce IV, Diante Vines, Brody Brecht and Jacob Bostick — unless others also enter the portal. Nico Ragaini has the option to return for his extra COVID-19 year of eligibility.

Wide receivers Alex Mota, Jarriett Buie and Dayton Howard will be joining the program as freshmen in 2023.