The Iowa Hawkeyes continue to solidify their reputation as an NFL talent factory, with five players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, collectively securing contracts worth approximately $23 million, per a May 7, 2025, X post by
@HawkeyeFBNotes. This marks the seventh time in the last nine years—and the third consecutive year—that four or more Hawkeyes have heard their names called in the draft, underscoring the program’s consistent pipeline to the pros under head coach Kirk Ferentz. From a record-breaking running back to a trio of seventh-round steals, Iowa’s 2025 draft class has fans buzzing about the program’s present and future. Here’s why this haul is a point of pride for Hawkeye Nation.
The Five Hawkeyes: A Diverse, Impactful Class
Iowa’s 2025 draft class spans offense and defense, showcasing the versatility and grit that define Ferentz’s program. The group includes:
- Kaleb Johnson, RB (Pittsburgh Steelers, Third Round, No. 83): The headliner of Iowa’s class, Johnson rewrote the Hawkeye record books in 2024, rushing for 1,537 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning Big Ten Running Back of the Year and second-team AP All-American honors. His 4.57-second 40-yard dash and explosive 6.0 yards per carry make him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s physical ground game. Johnson’s four-year, $5.6 million deal, including a $1.1 million signing bonus, reflects his Day 2 value.
- Yahya Black, DL (Pittsburgh Steelers, Fifth Round, No. 164): At 6’5” and 336 pounds, Black was a space-eating force on Iowa’s defensive line. His 83 career tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks don’t tell the full story—his ability to draw double teams freed up teammates like linebacker Jay Higgins. Black’s $4.3 million contract, with a $450,000 signing bonus, signals Pittsburgh’s belief in his potential as a 3-4 end. “His length could cause disruption,” noted NFL.com’s Eric Edholm.
- Mason Richman, OL (Seattle Seahawks, Seventh Round, No. 234): A durable left tackle who started all 37 games from 2022-24, Richman anchored an Iowa offensive line that ranked second in the Big Ten in rushing (186.4 yards per game). His honorable mention All-Big Ten nod and Joe Moore Award semifinalist status highlight his reliability. Richman’s $4.1 million deal, including a $150,000 signing bonus, makes him a cost-effective depth piece for Seattle.
- Connor Colby, OL (San Francisco 49ers, Seventh Round, No. 249): Colby, a first-team All-Big Ten right guard in 2024, started 50 career games, the second-most by an Iowa offensive lineman in the Ferentz era. His 5.11-second 40-yard dash and 9’2” broad jump at the combine showed NFL-caliber athleticism. Colby’s $4.1 million contract, with a $140,000 signing bonus, reunites him with ex-Hawkeye George Kittle, who tweeted, “Needed some Iowa in the locker room!!!”
- Luke Lachey, TE (Houston Texans, Seventh Round, No. 255): Iowa’s “Tight End U” legacy continues with Lachey, who caught 74 passes for 893 yards and four touchdowns over 24 starts. Despite a 2023 ankle injury, his 6’6”, 253-pound frame and 35-inch vertical jump drew comparisons to Sam LaPorta. Lachey’s $4.1 million deal, with a $130,000 signing bonus, positions him as a developmental gem for Houston’s tight end-friendly offense.
Together, these five players’ contracts total roughly $23 million, a testament to Iowa’s ability to produce NFL-ready talent across positions. The Hawkeyes’ draft streak—47 consecutive years with at least one player selected since 1978—remains intact.
A Legacy of Draft Success
Iowa’s 2025 draft performance is no fluke. It’s the seventh time since 2017 that four or more Hawkeyes have been drafted, joining 2017 (4), 2019 (4), 2020 (5), 2021 (4), 2023 (4), and 2024 (4). The three straight years of four-plus selections (2023-25) match the program’s golden era of 2010-12, when Iowa averaged 5.3 draftees annually. “It marks the seventh time in the last nine years, including three straight, that four or more #Hawkeyes have been selected in an NFL Draft,”
@HawkeyeFBNotes posted, capturing the program’s pride.
Under Ferentz, Iowa has produced 94 draft picks since 1999, including 13 first-rounders and 19 defensive backs, offensive linemen, and tight ends each. The 2025 class adds two more linemen (Richman, Colby) and another tight end (Lachey) to the tally, reinforcing Iowa’s reputation for developing premium positions. The program’s 39 players on active NFL rosters in 2024, plus seven free agents, further highlight its reach.
Undrafted Gems Add Depth
Beyond the drafted five, several Hawkeyes signed as undrafted free agents, keeping the NFL pipeline flowing. Linebacker Jay Higgins, a two-time AP All-American with a school-record-tying 171 tackles in 2023, inked a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. Long snapper Luke Elkin joined the Chicago Bears, cornerback Jermari Harris signed with the Tennessee Titans, and linebacker Nick Jackson, a transfer from Virginia with 555 career tackles, earned a rookie minicamp invite from the New York Giants. These players could push Iowa’s 2025 pro footprint past the seven who landed NFL deals post-2024 draft.
Why This Matters for Hawkeye Nation
The 2025 draft class showcases Iowa’s formula: develop tough, disciplined players who thrive in the NFL. Johnson’s star power gives Pittsburgh a workhorse back, while Black’s size bolsters their defensive front. Richman and Colby, unsung heroes of Iowa’s 2024 rushing attack, bring blue-collar grit to Seattle and San Francisco. Lachey, the latest in a storied tight end lineage, has the tools to carve out a role in Houston.
The $23 million in contracts reflects the financial reward for Iowa’s prospects, but the real prize is the program’s sustained excellence. With seven combine invites and a deep 2024 roster, Iowa nearly matched its modern record of six draftees (2010-12). Looking ahead, 2026 could be even bigger, with offensive linemen Gennings Dunker and Logan Jones projected as potential first- or second-rounders, per Hawk Central. “Iowa may have two offensive linemen chosen in the first three rounds of the 2026 draft for the first time in 23 years,” the outlet noted.
The Hawkeye Pride Runs Deep
For Iowa fans, the 2025 NFL Draft is a celebration of resilience and tradition. The five draftees, plus undrafted signings, carry the black-and-gold banner into the pros, joining legends like Tristan Wirfs, George Kittle, and Cooper DeJean. The $23 million payday is icing on the cake—what matters most is Iowa’s knack for molding overlooked recruits into NFL starters. As
@HawkeyeFBNotes put it, this is “a testament to the culture and development in Iowa City.”
Hawkeye Nation, keep your eyes on Green Bay (Seahawks, 49ers), Pittsburgh (Steelers), and Houston (Texans) this fall. Johnson, Black, Richman, Colby, and Lachey are ready to make their mark, proving once again that Iowa breeds NFL talent like few others. The draft streak lives on, and the future looks golden.
