Iowa QB Jackson Stratton Enters Transfer Portal After Unlikely Journey with the Hawkeyes
In a move that closes one chapter and opens another, Iowa quarterback Jackson Stratton announced on Nov. 30 that he’s entering the transfer portal as a graduate transfer. Stratton, who still has two years of eligibility remaining, made the announcement via social media, thanking the University of Iowa, the coaching staff, teammates, and the Hawkeye fanbase for their support.
“I will always be a Hawkeye,” Stratton wrote, adding that he’s looking forward to “new challenges” and continuing to play the game he loves.
It’s the latest twist in what’s already been a remarkable journey for Stratton - one that few saw coming when he arrived in Iowa City.
From Walk-On to Starter
Stratton joined the Hawkeyes as a walk-on transfer from Colorado State ahead of the 2024 season. At the time, he was buried on the depth chart and wasn’t expected to see the field.
But college football has a way of throwing curveballs, and Iowa’s quarterback room was hit hard by injuries last season. That opened the door for Stratton - and to his credit, he stepped through it.
After Brendan Sullivan’s second-half outing against UCLA in 2024, Iowa turned to Stratton. He started the final two games of the regular season, guiding the Hawkeyes to back-to-back wins.
His numbers weren’t flashy - 18-of-29 passing for 191 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions - but context matters. Stratton was thrust into a high-pressure situation and managed to keep the offense steady.
That lone touchdown? It came on a 72-yard effort from running back Kaleb Johnson against Nebraska, a play more about Johnson’s brilliance than quarterbacking finesse.
Still, Stratton did his job, protected the football, and helped Iowa close out the season strong.
A Taste of the Spotlight
Stratton’s brief stint as a starter gave him a front-row seat to what it really means to lead a college football program. “You can’t really explain it until you experience it,” he said when reflecting on the experience. “The day-to-day of being a starter, what it takes, what that morning is, what the preparation is like - until you’re actually there, it’s not the same.”
It’s a quote that speaks volumes. Stratton didn’t just get a chance to play - he got a crash course in what it takes to be a starting quarterback in the Big Ten. And while his time in the spotlight was short-lived, it was meaningful.
Depth Chart Realities
Fast forward to 2025, and the quarterback room in Iowa City looked very different. With a healthier group ahead of him, Stratton didn’t see any game action this season.
That’s not uncommon in college football, especially at a program like Iowa where competition is fierce and reps are limited. But for a player who’s already proven he can step in and manage a game, the desire for a fresh opportunity makes sense.
Now, Stratton is headed back to the portal - this time as a graduate transfer with experience under his belt and two years of eligibility to offer a new program.
What’s Next?
Stratton’s story isn’t defined by gaudy stats or viral highlights. It’s defined by resilience, preparation, and seizing the moment when it came.
He walked on to a Big Ten program, earned his shot, and helped his team win. That’s not nothing.
In fact, it’s the kind of experience that can be invaluable to a team looking for a steady hand in its quarterback room.
Where he lands next remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: Stratton isn’t done yet. And wherever he goes, he’ll bring with him the lessons learned at Kinnick Stadium, the grit of a walk-on, and the mindset of a player who’s already beaten the odds once.