The transfer portal gives, and the transfer portal takes away.
Following Iowa's impressive 34-27 win over No. 14 Vanderbilt, the program's focus shifted to the future.
Over 20 seniors and graduate players are potentially leaving the program, and the coaching staff has the important job of replacing the talent the program could lose.
One way to replenish the losses is through the transfer portal.
As of 12:01 a.m. on January 2, the solo transfer portal window opened, and the Hawkeyes have been minimally active to this point.
One of the most significant areas of concern for the Hawkeyes next season is the defensive line, with players like Ethan Hurkett, Aaron Graves, Jonah Pace, Max Llewellyn, and Jeremiah Pittman all graduating.
Shortly after the transfer portal opened, the defensive line depth suffered another blow as a projected starter next season announced he is entering the transfer portal.
Iowa junior defensive end, Brian Allen Jr. has entered the transfer portal, sources tell me and @mzenitz.
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) January 3, 2026
He has played in 28 games, registering 34 tackles, 5 TFL and 3.5 sacks in three seasons. pic.twitter.com/DebpSVxEC7
In a bit of a shocking move, junior defensive end Brian Allen Jr. announced he is entering the transfer portal with one season of remaining eligibility.
Allen Jr. has been primarily used as a reserve defensive lineman since joining the Hawkeyes program in 2022.
After all the players the Hawkeyes are losing across the line, Allen Jr. was projected to earn more playing time next season as a senior.
It is not clear whether he heard footsteps coming from freshmen Iose Epenesa and Devan Kennedy or from others, and if he only wants to be a starter.
We do not know the motivations behind his decision, and we will never see Allen Jr. reach his full potential with another year in the program.
During his career with the Hawkeyes, Allen Jr. compiled 34 total tackles, including five tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 28 games.