Five former Hawkeyes survive the NFL roster deadline cuts to make their first pro roster

After a tough NFL roster cut deadline day, five former Hawkeyes have realized their NFL dreams, making a 53-man roster for the first time in their careers.

Four of the five players were 2025 NFL Draft picks, and one was an undrafted rookie signing. All five Hawkeyes are ecstatic to make their first NFL roster, and must work hard to maintain their places on the roster.

Yahya Black, defensive lineman (Pittsburgh Steelers)

As a fifth-round selection, there were no guarantees that Yahya Black was going to make the 53-man roster, but his play during the preseason warranted strong consideration for a spot.

Heading into training camp, Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin was impressed with Black's work ethic and his hustle.

Tomlin was not happy with how the defense ended last season, questioning his team's toughness. They focused on defense during the draft, and added Black to the mix. After a solid preseason, Black made the 53-man roster.

Black started the preseason listed as the No. 3 nose tackle on the Steelers' initial depth chart, but his felxibilit and length has allowed him to move all around the line.

His versatility allowed him to make the 53-man roster, and he will look to continue improving so he can maintain his status on the roster.

Kaleb Johnson, running back (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Former Hawkeye star Kaleb Johnson was the highest pick for Iowa during this year's NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected KJ with the No. 83 overall pick in the third round, and he entered the organization with high expectations.

Johnson entered the Steelers organization following a dynamic final season with Iowa. He tallied 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, carrying the Iowa offense.

Johnson entered training camp in great shape, and impressed his new coaches with his conditioning and playmaking abilities. Following a solid preseason, Johnson made the 53-man roster.

Johnson's numbers in the preseason were not eye-popping (94 rushing yards on 24 carries), but he showed solid burst and ability to hit the holes when they opened up.

He also demonstrated his power, running over 2025 No. 2 overall pick, Travis Hunter.

Johnson is projected to be the primary backup to start the season, but if he continues to improve, he will fight Jaylen Warren for carries in the Pittsburgh backfield.

Connor Colby, offensive lineman (San Francisco 49ers)

One of the best surprises of the preseason was the rise of seventh-round pick Connor Colby. All Iowa fans know how dynamic Colby can be, and now everyone has had the chance to see it.

The 49ers struggled to stay healthy last season and needed more offensive line help. A part of the team's offensive struggles was due to starting quarterback Brock Purdy missing time with an injury, and the Niners were projected to select multiple o-linemen in the draft.

Colby was the only offensive lineman they selected, and he could be a diamond in the rough.

As a seventh-round pick, it was rare for Colby to make the roster, be he proved how versatile he can be on the offensive line, and made the initial 53-man roster.

Jay Higgins, linebacker (Baltimore Ravens)

In the best story of the offseason for Hawkeye fans, undrafted free agent signing Jay Higgins made some noise in the center of the Baltimore defense.

After a dynamic final season for the Iowa defense, Higgins inexplicably went undrafted during the 2025 NFL Draft, but was immediately scooped up by the Ravens.

Higgins had a great preseason and was able to achieve his NFL dream as an undrafted free agent.

The fans were clamoring for Higgins to make the 53-man roster, and they got their wish!

Higgins anchored the center of the Ravens' defense during the preseason and was able to force his way onto the Ravens' initial 53-man roster.

Mason Richman, offensive lineman (Seattle Seahawks)

Mason Richman was another former Hawkeye seventh-round pick who had a solid preseason. Richman was a force for the Iowa offensive line and was an anchor during his 52 career starts.

Richman was on the bubble of the initial 53-man roster as the Seahawks' preseason ended, but played his way onto the roster.

After a trade that sent offensive lineman Michael Jerrell to the Falcons, it cleared the way for Richman to make the 53-man roster.

Richman was the third highest-graded offensive player in the Seahawks game against Green Bay in the preseason, and forced the Seahawks to add him to the roster with his solid play.

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