There has been a lot of discussion this offseason over Iowa's transfer portal additions. There wasn't as much talk surrounding the players who departed the program via the portal.
The Hawkeyes lost 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.
TJ Washington Jr. had 49 career carries for the Hawkeyes across three years with the program. With Iowa returning Kamari Moulton, Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil, while adding LJPhillips Jr, Washington decided to enter the portal. He ended up committing to New Mexico State. After not getting on the stat sheet in the Aggies' Week
Zero defeat to Florida 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.
TJ ➡️ TD@LilRex2023 #AggieUp x #RideForTheBrand pic.twitter.com/J6Rsf0gu0g
— New Mexico State Football (@NMStateFootball) September 6, 2026
Elsewhere, another former Iowa running back made his season debut. Jaziun Patterson joined LeVar Woods at Michigan State this offseason. He tallied seven carries for 23 yards in the Spartans' 30-20 win over Toledo. Former Iowa punter Rhys Dakin also made his Michigan State debut on Friday. He had one punt for 44 yards in the win.
On Sunday night, Iowa's most significant transfer portal departure debuted for his new team. Koen Entringer was 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.
Entringer transferred to Louisville and 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.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Former Iowa football RB TJ Washington Jr. flashes in NM State debut
