Iowa football defensive back enters NCAA transfer portal
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Iowa redshirt junior defensive back Kael Kolarik announced on Friday that he was entering the NCAA transfer portal.
The 6-foot, 210-pound defensive back played in all 13 Iowa games this season and 41 across his four years in Iowa City. Per Pro Football Focus, Kolarik played in five games defensively in 2025 as one of the Hawkeyes' safeties, seeing 55 defensive snaps.
Entering its bowl date against Vanderbilt, Kolarik was listed as one of the Hawkeyes' backups at free safety behind starter Xavier Nwankpa and alongside Koen Entringer.
"I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play the game I love. I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support throughout this process. To my coaches, thank you for pushing me to be a better football player, but, more importantly, a better man. The lessons, wisdom, and skills I have learned from our outstanding coaches will stay with me for life.
"To my teammates, you know I love y'all boys. I will cherish every moment we have shared together. I leave with nothing but love. I am thankful for all of you. I made brothers for life. To Hawkeye nation, your love and support for this team is truly unmatched and so special. There is truly no place like Kinnick.
"After many conversations, prayers and thoughtful reflection, I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my final year of eligibility," Kolarik wrote in his social media announcement.
During his time with the Hawkeyes, Kolarik totaled 13 tackles. An in-state prospect out of Indianola High School, Kolarik will have one season of eligibility remaining.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnHawks
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football defensive back enters NCAA transfer portal
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos