Iowa RB TJ Washington to Enter Transfer Portal as Backfield Depth Shifts
Attrition is part of the deal in college football, and Iowa’s backfield is starting to feel that familiar shake-up. Running back TJ Washington is officially set to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal when it opens in early January, according to multiple sources. He becomes one of the first Hawkeyes to make that move this cycle, joining quarterback Jackson Stratton.
Washington’s season started with promise. In Iowa’s opener against Albany, he logged 69 yards on 15 carries - a solid debut that hinted at a potentially significant role in the rotation.
But as the season wore on, his touches dwindled. After the third game, he saw the ball just five more times over the final nine contests, finishing the year with 98 yards on 28 carries.
It’s a tough break for a player who showed flashes early, but the writing was on the wall. Iowa’s backfield grew increasingly crowded as the season progressed, with a handful of younger backs carving out meaningful roles. Kamari Moulton, Nathan McNeil, Jaziun Patterson, and Xavier Williams all factored into the ground game at various points, giving the Hawkeyes a solid core to build on heading into 2026.
That depth likely played into Washington’s decision. With limited carries available and a short window to make an impact, the portal offers a fresh start - and potentially a clearer path to playing time.
As for the timing, the NCAA’s updated transfer rules lay it out clearly. The FBS transfer portal officially opens from January 2 to January 14.
Coaches can’t initiate official contact with players until the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. on January 2. Players can still commit after the window closes, but unless they’re graduate students, they won’t be able to enter the portal after the 14th.
Graduate transfers, on the other hand, have more flexibility - they can enter at any time after finishing their degree.
For Iowa, the loss of Washington is notable but not destabilizing. The program appears confident in its current stable of backs, and with a strong emphasis on physical, run-heavy football, there will be plenty of opportunities for the next man up.
Still, Washington’s early-season production showed he has something to offer. Don’t be surprised if he finds a new home where the fit - and the carries - come more freely.