Big Ten Daily (Jan 22.): SEC All-Freshman Kadyn Proctor Explains Leaving Alabama For Iowa

Former five-star prospect and Alabama starting left tackle Kadyn Proctor is transferring to Iowa. The SEC All-Freshman offensive tackle explained his decision to return home and play for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa's offensive line received a nice boost over the weekend, landing a transfer commitment from former five-star tackle Kadyn Proctor. He heads to Iowa City after spending his first season at Alabama.

During the recruiting process, Proctor initially committed to Iowa before flipping to Alabama. Because he was an in-state product, there was a lot of disappointment amongst fans regarding his decision to play for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide.

On Saturday, Proctor spoke with Camille Gear of WQAD during Iowa's men's basketball game against Purdue. He explained why he decided to return home and play for the Hawkeyes.

“No bridges were burned, that’s why it was so easy to pick them when I did enter the transfer portal because we still have those relationships," he said. "Even after I was doing bad in the SEC and struggling, they hit me up and said we’re proud of you, you’re going to get through this. That’s what ultimately helped with my decision because they still believed in me.”

.@KadynProctor1 on coming home to Iowa: "You know I heard some schools out, but ultimately in the end, I knew what I wanted to do." pic.twitter.com/UpEfRQnn0E

— Camille Gear (@CamilleGearTV) January 20, 2024

Proctor was the starting left tackle for the Crimson Tide last season, helping the team to an SEC title and a College Football Playoff appearance. He was also named to the SEC's All-Freshman Team.

Iowa needs help at essentially every position on the offensive side of the football. The Hawkeyes averaged a measly 15.4 points and 234.6 yards per game. The Hawkeyes ranked dead last in college football in total offense and 132nd (133 teams) in scoring offense.

Landing a player like Proctor is a step in the right direction. And now that he's getting on campus, he's ready to start learning about his new team.

“I’m taking everything in, I’m not going to lie. I’ve never been a student here,” Proctor said. “All I’ve had is visits, so actually being a part of it, I’ve just got to take it all in and I know it’s going to be exciting.”

Derrick Barnes' game-winning interception

For the first time since 1991, the Detroit Lions are heading to the NFC Championship Game. Former Purdue standout Derrick Barnes is a big reason why.

With Detroit leading 31-23 with under two minutes to play, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had one last possession to try and send the game to overtime. But on the second play of the drive, Barnes stepped in front of Cade Otton, intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass and sealed the deal for the Lions.

It was the first interception of Barnes' NFL career.

BAKER GETS PICKED OFF 🤯

LIONS ARE GOING TO WIN IT

(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/O64qxLqd4u

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 21, 2024

Barnes ended the game with four tackles and the game-winning interception.

Purdue fans celebrated the big play along with Lions fans. Barnes was a standout for the Boilermakers from 2017-20, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2020.

During his time in West Lafayette, Barnes racked up 226 tackles and 10.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and intercepted a pass while at Purdue. Barnes was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Chris Holtmann Gets Win No. 250

It took a little longer than he would've hoped, but Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann finally reached win No. 250. He hit the milestone on Saturday, with the Buckeyes taking down Penn State 79-67.

Holtmann had been stuck on No. 249 for a few weeks. Ohio State defeated Rutgers 76-72 on Jan. 3, then proceeded to lose three consecutive games. The Buckeyes dropped games to Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan before the win over Penn State.

Holtmann had stops with Gardner-Webb and Butler before becoming the coach at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are now 13-5 on the season after the victory over Penn State.

Related Big Ten Stories

• CAITLIN CLARK COLLIDES WITH FAN: After Ohio State's upset win over Iowa, Buckeye fans stormed the floor in Columbus. Hawkeye superstar Caitlin Clark collided with a fan in a scary moment following the game. CLICK HERE
• BIG TEN DAILY: Zach Edey posted his third straight 30-point double-double in Purdue's win over Iowa. Plus, Nebraska ended another losing streak. CLICK HERE
• INDIANA BEATS PURDUE WITHOUT PARRISH: Even without starter Sydney Parrish in the lineup, Indiana women's basketball team found a way to take down in-state rival Purdue at Mackey Arena. CLICK HERE