RB: Kaleb Johnson - PIT

2024 Season Summary (at Iowa)

Rushing

• 240 carries, 1,537 yards (6.4 YPC), 21 rushing TDs — leading Big Ten in yards & rushing scores

• Averaged 128.1 YPG, with highlight games: 206 yds & 3 TD vs Minnesota; 173 yds & 2 TD vs Troy

Receiving

• 22 catches, 188 yards, 2 receiving TDs (8.5 YPR)

Ball Security

• 0 fumbles on 508 career carries — a spotless ball-security record

Explosiveness & Usage

• 28 runs of 15+ yards, noted as a “big-play threat”

Honors & Awards

• Consensus first-team All-American, Big Ten RB of the Year

• Set single-season school records with 21 rushing TDs and 23 total TDs

• Doak Walker finalist

Transition to NFL: Steelers Backfield Context

• Drafted by Pittsburgh in third round (83rd overall) of 2025

• Playing in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy, zone‑oriented offense

• Offensive line is roughly league-average youth/continuity, with boosting from TE-blocking

• Competing with Jaylen Warren (veteran pass-catching back)

2025 Fantasy Profile Summary

• Committee RB with breakout upside: Johnson’s physical traits and college usage make him a high-upside piece in goal-line and zone-heavy sets

• Big-play threat & red-zone specialist: Luxury scoring potential via 21 rushing TDs and 2 receiving TDs last season

• PPR interest: 22 receptions as a senior provide bonus value — though may be 3rd-down limited

• High floor contingent: Ball security (zero fumbles in career) and reliable vision support steady weekly output

Headliner Take

Kaleb Johnson enters the 2025 season as part of the Steelers’ backfield after a standout 2024 at Iowa, where he rushed for 1,537 yards (6.4 YPC) and 21 touchdowns without a single fumble. His explosive running style (28 runs of 15+ yards) and reliable ball security align well with Pittsburgh’s run-heavy, zone-based scheme under Arthur Smith. Johnson is expected to work in a committee with Jaylen Warren, with potential for significant early-down and red-zone opportunities. His strong college production and fit in the offense position him as a data-supported big-play and touchdown threat in fantasy formats.