The hype continues to grow for former Iowa Hawkeyes’ star running back Kaleb Johnson as we approach the 2025 NFL season.

In a recent episode of ESPN’s NFL Live, NFL insider Jeremy Fowler mentioned that the Pittsburgh Steelers believe Johnson will have an “instant impact” with the organization when discussing the team’s signing of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

“When I talked to someone with the Steelers last night about [Aaron] Rodgers, first guy they mentioned was Kaleb Johnson,” Fowler said on an episode ESPN’s NFL Live. “They believe he’s gonna make an instant impact.”

After an impressive 2024 campaign with the Hawkeyes that included 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 attempt, Johnson was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by Pittsburgh. Iowa fans rejoiced with the pick, as Johnson now seems primed for an immediate starting role due to the franchise failing to resign former 2021 first-round pick Najee Harris this offseason.

Now, the 21-year-old talented rusher will join the Steelers’ current running back room of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Both rushers are known for their explosive playmaking ability, which gives Johnson the chance to receive work in early-down situations for Pittsburgh’s offense. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is known for utilizing halfbacks that excel in the “bruiser” role, with Harris totaling over 1,000 yards in 2024.

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AMES — Dru Dorsey had to give Davenport Assumption girls soccer coach Elizabeth Maus a huge hug after the Class 1A girls state soccer championship game between the Knights and No. 1 Denver on June 7.

Assumption just won its record 12th state championship with a 2-0 victory over the Cyclones. But it was the Knights’ first title since 2021, when Dorsey and her classmates were in eighth grade.

“I always felt like we had let her down, even though we knew that we didn’t,” Dorsey said. “Coming in my freshman year and (we) started a losing streak instead of continuing the winning streak. I was just really happy we could win it back for her.”

Dorsey scored one goal and assisted on the other during the championship game.

It took the Knights just five minutes and 21 seconds to get on the board

Dorsey connected with freshman Ruby Stevens with a cross from near the right corner of the field. Stevens got the ball near the far post and connected with the ball, sending it into the net for a quick score.

“I thought Ruby did absolutely amazing,” Dorsey said. “You never know how freshmen are going to do with the pressure. It’s a big field, you know, you get to play at Iowa State, so it was huge. I think that’s what set the momentum for the game.”

But Denver was not phased by the early deficit.

The Cyclones outplayed the Knights for much of the first half. Addyson Shepard had two crosses in the first half, going just over Assumption keeper Alyssa O’Neal on the first attempt. On the second cross, she found midfielder Kenzie Snyder, who went a little high with her shot attempt.

Shepard had another chance with nine minutes left in the half, but O’Neal came out to knock the ball away and the Cyclones’ follow-up attempt went high once again.

In the second half, Denver struggled on offense. Assumption, led by 1A all-tournament captain Camryn Menke and defender Maddi Tolle, contained Shepard over the final 40 minutes.

“They kind of played us three back with their two sixes in the front and it was kind of to eliminate balls to Addy,” said Denver coach Derek Krebsbach. “She’s really dangerous when she’s on the ball, so they did a good job of taking her out.” 

With the Knight midfield and defense turning it up a couple of notches in the second half, Dorsey was able to put Denver away less than 10 minutes into the second half.

Dorsey got a ball near the 18-yard box and fired a shot that went into the far corner of the net to give her team an all-important two-goal cushion.

“I just kicked it, and it found the corner,” Dorsey said. “It started raining, so you never know what’s going to happen. It’ll slide through a few people, so I mean, you’ve just got to be ready.”

Assumption controlled the tempo of the game the rest of the way to end its three-year state championship drought.

“This moment is absolutely incredible,” Dorsey said. “I can’t even explain it. Doing this as a senior with all of them — it’s amazing.”

Assumption finished the season at 15-4-1.

Denver ended its campaign with a 21-1-1 record. It was the second year in a row the Cyclones suffered a 2-0 loss in the title game, falling to Nevada by the same score in 2024.

“It hurts,” Krebsbach said. “I’m still really proud of the girls. We could’ve, after last year, said ‘Well, we’re not going to be up for it again,’ and whatnot. Well, we were up for it. We made a run at it again and we played hard today.”

Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman

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