Iowa Hawkeyes, Kirk Ferentz Hit with Setback as Kahlil Tate Enters Transfer Portal
Kahlil Tate’s time with the Iowa Hawkeyes never quite panned out as expected, and now he’s looking for a fresh start at a new school. The transfer portal has once again delivered some tough news to head coach Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa program, as Tate, a cornerback who hasn’t seen much action during his time in Iowa City, announced he will be transferring.
Despite showing promise as a 3-star recruit from Chicago, Tate never managed to make an impact on the field for the Hawkeyes. In two seasons with Iowa, he has yet to record any stats, although he was recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten player for the 2024 season. If Tate does see any playing time in the upcoming season, it will be the first of his collegiate career.
While Iowa’s loss of Tate isn’t necessarily a significant one in terms of on-field production, it’s a reminder of the potential that went untapped. Tate joined the Hawkeyes as a highly versatile player, having played both cornerback and wide receiver at Kenwood Academy. Though projected to play safety at the college level, his ability to fill multiple roles—such as slot, outside, or even NICKEL—was noted by 247Sports scout Allen Trieu, who praised Tate’s size, physicality, and ball skills. His high school tape showed a player capable of contributing in various ways, including his five interceptions during his junior season.
However, Tate’s time at Iowa didn’t match those expectations. After a redshirt year as a freshman, he never saw the field, which ultimately led to his decision to enter the transfer portal. Whether the Iowa coaching staff had future plans for him in 2025 is now irrelevant, as Tate is moving on to seek an opportunity elsewhere.
It’s always tough to see a player’s potential go unfulfilled, especially when there’s hope that things might click later on. While Tate’s departure isn’t necessarily a devastating blow to the Hawkeyes, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the transfer portal and the challenges of player development.
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