Iowa QB Jackson Stratton to Enter Transfer Portal After 8-4 Season
The regular season is in the books for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a solid 8-4 record. But as any college football fan knows, the end of the season doesn’t mean the action stops-it just shifts to a different kind of intensity. Welcome to transfer portal season.
Quarterback Jackson Stratton is the first domino to fall for Iowa. On November 30, Stratton announced that he intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it officially opens on January 2. It’s a move that signals a new chapter for the redshirt sophomore, who saw meaningful action this past season.
Stratton made two starts during the 2024 season-and won both. While he wasn’t the full-time starter, he proved he could step in and deliver when called upon. That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in today’s college football landscape where quarterback depth is more valuable than ever.
In his announcement, Stratton made it clear that his time in Iowa City meant something to him. “I will always be a Hawkeye,” he said, while also expressing excitement about the road ahead. “I’m looking forward to the next chapter, new challenges, and the chance to keep doing what I love.”
Under the current NCAA rules, the FBS transfer portal window opens from January 2 to January 14. During that time, players can officially enter the portal and start engaging with other programs.
Coaches, however, are prohibited from initiating contact with players until the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. on January 2. That means any announcements made before then-like Stratton’s-are more of a heads-up than a formal start to the recruiting process.
It’s also important to note that while the window to enter the portal closes on January 14, players can still commit to new programs after that date. And for graduate transfers, the rules are even more flexible-they can enter the portal at any time after earning their degree.
For Iowa, Stratton’s departure opens up questions about the quarterback depth chart heading into 2026. But for Stratton, it’s a chance to reset, find a new fit, and potentially earn a larger role elsewhere. He showed flashes of poise and control in limited action, and with two wins under his belt as a starter, he’ll likely draw interest from programs looking for a steady hand under center.
As the portal window approaches, expect more movement across the Hawkeyes’ roster and the rest of college football. This is the new normal-roster management in December and January is just as critical as game planning in October.
Stay tuned. The offseason chessboard is just getting set.