Iowa star RB Tyler Goodson opts out of Citrus Bowl vs. Kentucky

Iowa v Wisconsin — (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Iowa will be without star running back Tyler Goodson against Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl, a major loss for the Hawkeyes.

The junior back out of Suwanee, Georgia announced his decision to opt out of the bowl game and declare for the 2022 NFL Draft on Friday.

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family,” Goodson announced. “Coming to Iowa was one of the best decisions of my life and I have enjoyed every moment as a Hawkeye. Thank you to the entire coaching staff for the guidance during my time at Iowa. You guys have pushed me to my limits and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me. To my teammates, thank you for all the memories on and off the field. I consider all of you brothers, and will forever cherish the times we’ve shared.

“With that being said, I have decided to forgo playing in the Bowl Game to begin preparation for the 2022 NFL Draft. Similar to a lot of young kids growing up, I have always dreamed of the opportunity to play in the National Football League and I am beyond grateful that the time is quickly approaching. I will forever consider myself a Hawkeye and look forward to making my family, friends and Hawkeye Nation proud at the next level.”

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Goodson led the Hawkeyes in rushing by a significant margin in 2021, racking up 1,151 total yards and six touchdowns on the ground. That’s good for No. 22 in college football and fourth in the Big 10. He also added 247 yards and one touchdown on 31 receptions, good for fifth on the team.

Iowa’s next leading rusher, Gavin Williams, has rushed for just 207 yards on 49 carries this year. Ivory Kelly-Martin has also added 190 yards on 44 carries.

As a team, Iowa’s offense has struggled as is, averaging just 297.5 yards per game, good for No. 123 in college football out of 130 total teams. They’ve put up just 28 total touchdowns and average just 4.55 yards per play on the year.

Now, the Hawkeyes have lost arguably their biggest piece on offense.