Kadyn Proctor is heading home to Iowa, joining the program he was originally committed to in high school. He eventually flipped to Alabama and signed with the Crimson Tide as the top offensive tackle in the 2023 recruiting class.

A 5-star recruit, Proctor locked down the starting left tackle job in Tuscaloosa but entered the transfer portal after Nick Saban’s retirement and the hiring of Kalen DeBoer. On Saturday, he confirmed he’s heading back to Iowa to play for Kirk Ferentz’s program.

While at Iowa’s Saturday basketball game against Purdue, Camille Gear with WQAD caught up with Proctor to discuss his move. He said no bridges were burned in the recruiting process, even after flipping away from the Hawkeyes, and the coaching staff still encouraged him throughout his freshman season.

That encouragement played a big role in Proctor’s ultimate decision:

“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. 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,” said Proctor. “That’s what ultimately helped with my decision because they still believed in me.”

Proctor went on to say he did hear “some schools out” but ultimately knew what he wanted to do. Now, he’s just trying to get settled into being an Iowa student after spending a lot of time on campus but never as a student.

“I’m taking everything in, I’m not going to lie. I’ve never been a student here,” Proctor explained. “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.”

Proctor’s departure leaves another big void for DeBoer’s staff to fill this offseason, along with Caleb Downs heading to Ohio State Friday night and 5-star QB Julian Sayin hitting the portal. For the Hawkeyes, Proctor will be a difference-maker for an offensive line that struggled at times in 2023 and is looking to rebound under a new offensive coordinator.