Highlight to watch: Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson's game-winning touchdown

Highlight to watch: Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson’s game-winning touchdown

The second-year back didn’t even get a snap two weeks ago, but 14 days later, scores on a 30-yard rush to push the Hawkeyes ahead for good.

November 19, 2023

Cody Blissett

Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill hands off the ball to Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson during a football game between Iowa and Rutgers at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Johnson carried the ball 10 times for 54 yards. The Hawkeyes defeated the Scarlet Knights, 22-0.

Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson entered Saturday as the third-stringer on the Hawkeyes’ depth chart but would walk off the field at Kinnick Stadium as the hero in a 15-13 win over Illinois to clinch the Big Ten West title.

Following a first down via penalty, Johnson took quarterback Deacon Hill’s handoff up the right hash marks, then angled towards the right sideline to evade one last Illini defender. Cross the goal line for the score, Johnson’s touchdown gave Iowa a 15-13 lead with less than five minutes to go in the game.

KALEB JOHNSON 30 YD TOUCHDOWN RUN IOWA pic.twitter.com/mirpL9Pnta

— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) November 18, 2023

Hailing from Hamilton, Ohio, Johnson finished the day with 10 carries for 53 yards as Iowa’s second-leading rusher.

About the Contributors

Matt McGowan, Pregame Editor

he/him/his Matt McGowan is The Daily Iowan's Pregame Editor. He is a sophomore double majoring in journalism and mass communications and American studies with a minor in sport studies. This is his second year with the DI.

Cody Blissett, Visuals Editor

he/him/his

Cody Blissett is a visual editor at The Daily Iowan. He is a third year student at the University of Iowa studying cinema and screenwriting. This is his first year working for The Daily Iowan.