KJ #20

Kaleb Johnson

Running Back · Iowa

A bruising, record-setting Iowa back who arrived in Pittsburgh as the first Hawkeye running back drafted since Shonn Greene in 2009.

Kaleb Johnson put together one of the best rushing seasons in Iowa history in 2024, and Pittsburgh took him in the third round of the 2025 draft to inject a physical, downhill presence into its backfield. His rookie year, though, was more about waiting his turn than seizing a role.

★ Third-round pick, 2025 NFL Draft (No. 83 overall)

★ First Iowa running back drafted since Shonn Greene in 2009

★ Set Iowa single-season records for total touchdowns (23) and points (138) in 2024

Path to the league

Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards in 12 games in 2024, the sixth-most in the country and third-most in Iowa program history, while setting school single-season records with 23 total touchdowns and 138 points. The Steelers drafted him in the third round, No. 83 overall, of the 2025 NFL Draft, making him the first Iowa running back drafted since 2009.

Career highlights

At 6-foot, 225 pounds, Johnson profiles as a one-cut, zone-scheme runner who was viewed as one of the top running back prospects available in his draft class after his standout 2024 season with the Hawkeyes.

2025 season recap

Johnson's rookie season was limited by a crowded Pittsburgh backfield behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. He carried the ball 28 times for 69 yards and no touchdowns, adding one catch for nine yards, and never carved out a consistent role.