Iowa Football: Kamari Moulton Aims for 1,000 Yards and Explosive Finishes in 2026
Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton enters the 2026 season with a clear goal: surpass 1,000 rushing yards and find the extra gear that eluded him last year. After leading the team with 878 yards on 170 carries in 2025, Moulton is determined to turn near-misses into touchdowns.
The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native spent two seasons behind Kaleb Johnson before becoming Iowa's primary back. Injuries slowed his early season, but Moulton still averaged 5.2 yards per carry. The 122-yard gap between his total and a 1,000-yard season bothers him, and he knows exactly why he fell short.
“I feel like I definitely have a chance [to surpass 1,000 yards] for this year if I just stick the course and also like my offensive line for me, just trusting and believing in them and myself as well,” Moulton said at Iowa media day on Aug. 14.
What is Kamari Moulton working on this offseason?
Moulton is focused on improving his explosiveness. He recorded just five touchdowns last season, and several plays saw him caught from behind near the end zone. Games against Oregon and Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl stand out as missed opportunities.
“It's not going to come in in one day,” Moulton said. “It's really just really doing the little things consistently over the summer that that you know that's going make you better.”
That consistency includes weight room work and mastering Tim Lester's West Coast offense. Moulton admitted he was nervous stepping onto Kinnick Stadium turf as a freshman, but three years of experience have transformed his approach.
“I would definitely say I really under understand the game a lot more, and just knowing where I need to be and like what I need to do on every play,” Moulton said.
How deep is Iowa's running back room in 2026?
Moulton leads a talented group that includes South Dakota transfer L.J. Phillips Jr., who broke records with the Coyotes last season. Xavier Williams and Nathan McNeil also showed promise in their first years with the Hawkeyes.
Coaches have spent the offseason focused on the quarterback battle and filling spots on special teams and the offensive line. The running back room, by contrast, has been a source of relief.
What are Moulton's goals for his Iowa career?
Moulton has set his sights beyond the 2026 season. He wants to leave a lasting legacy at Iowa.
“[I] really do think highly of myself, and I want to succeed,” Moulton said. “I want to be able to be on on Kinnick [an honoree on the press box] when I'm done with college football here.”
Iowa opens its season against Northern Illinois on Sept. 5 at Kinnick Stadium. Fans can expect Moulton to carry the load as the Hawkeyes look to establish a dominant ground game.