Kaleb Johnson's 2024 season with the Iowa Hawkeyes was nothing short of legendary. Fans will fondly remember how he carried the team through a challenging year, becoming the heart of their offense amidst a turbulent quarterback situation. Despite Iowa cycling through quarterbacks, including fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton, Johnson's performance remained stellar.
In that unforgettable season, Johnson racked up 1,537 rushing yards and set a school record with 21 rushing touchdowns. His efforts didn't go unnoticed, as the Pittsburgh Steelers picked him 83rd overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, Johnson's transition to the NFL hasn't been as smooth. His rookie season in Pittsburgh didn't quite live up to the high expectations, leading to some pointed remarks from Steelers GM Omar Khan.
Khan expressed disappointment in Johnson's performance, stating, "It's got to be better, but we see it on the practice field. We knew what he did in college and I'd expect Kaleb to turn the corner."
The critique seems harsh, especially considering Johnson had just 28 carries throughout the season. This limited opportunity makes it challenging for any player to find their rhythm and showcase their true potential.
Johnson found himself deep in the depth chart, with most of the snaps going to Jaylen Warren and veteran Kenneth Gainwell. But change is in the air for Pittsburgh, as Mike McCarthy steps in as the new head coach. This coaching shift could be exactly what Johnson needs-a fresh start and a fair shot to prove his worth.
With McCarthy at the helm, there's hope that Johnson will get the volume of carries necessary to demonstrate the talent that made him a standout at Iowa. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if this new chapter will allow Johnson to shine in the NFL as he did in college.