Former Iowa football RB TJ Washington Jr. flashes in NM State debut
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Former Iowa football RB TJ Washington Jr. flashes in NM State debut
Zach Hiney, Hawkeyes Wire
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2 min read
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There has been a lot of discussion this offseason overIowa'stransfer portal additions. There wasn't as much talk surrounding the players who departed the program via the portal.
TheHawkeyeslost some key contributors and depth pieces from last year's team to the portal. Over the weekend, those guys made their debuts with their new schools. One particular player made a quick impact for his new school on Saturday.
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TJ Washington Jr. had 49 career carries for theHawkeyesacross three years with the program. WithIowareturningKamari Moulton,Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil, while adding LJPhillips Jr, Washington decided to enter the portal. He ended up committing toNew Mexico State. After not getting on the stat sheet in the Aggies' Week Zero defeat toFlorida State, he got the chance to play in Week 1 against Mercyhurst.
Washington made an immediate impact, rushing for a 16-yard touchdown in the first quarter. He added a second score in the third quarter as the Aggies cruised to a 51-14 victory. Washington finished the game with 10 carries for 54 yards and two touchdowns.
Elsewhere, another formerIowarunning back made his season debut. Jaziun Patterson joined LeVar Woods atMichigan Statethis offseason. He tallied seven carries for 23 yards in theSpartans' 30-20 win over Toledo. Former Iowa punterRhys Dakinalso made hisMichigan Statedebut on Friday. He had one punt for 44 yards in the win.
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On Sunday night, Iowa's most significant transfer portal departure debuted for his new team.Koen Entringerwas an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by the coaches last season. The defensive back was also a team captain when he surprisingly entered the portal.
Entringertransferred to Louisvilleand made some plays in the Cardinals' 41-38 season-opening loss to No. 10 Ole Miss. Entringer had seven total tackles in the game, which led the team.
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) scrambles with the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Evan James (8) runs the ball as Northern Illinois Huskies running back Elijah Porter (24) looks to pursue during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to make a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reaches for a pass during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks a field goal as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the second quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) drops a touchdown pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks an extra point as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs for a 66 yard touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) looks to throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) takes the snap from offensive lineman Cael Winter (61) at the line of scrimmage against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes cheerleaders react before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Iose Epenesa (97) and defensive back Noah Daniel (29) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) and offensive lineman Trevor Lauck (59) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) warms up before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) scrambles with the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) scrambles with the ball against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Evan James (8) runs the ball as Northern Illinois Huskies running back Elijah Porter (24) looks to pursue during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) looks to make a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the third quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (2) reaches for a pass during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/17
Iowa football praises 'best' version of Kamari Moulton in opener
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks a field goal as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the second quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end DJ Vonnahme (81) drops a touchdown pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes kicker Caden Buhr (92) kicks an extra point as punter Tanner Philpott (35) holds during the first quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/17
Iowa football shares optimistic injury updates entering Michigan game
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) runs for a 66 yard touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) is tackled by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Jalen Macon (14) looks to throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Tony Diaz (14) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) takes the snap from offensive lineman Cael Winter (61) at the line of scrimmage against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes cheerleaders react before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end Iose Epenesa (97) and defensive back Noah Daniel (29) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Jack Dotzler (71) and tight end Addison Ostrenga (87) and offensive lineman Trevor Lauck (59) come off the field before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/17
Best photos of Iowa football vs. Northern Illinois
Sep 5, 2026; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Hank Brown (9) warms up before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
(Jeffrey Becker, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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 Zach on X: @zach_hiney
