For her, playing alongside Caitlin Clark was more than just a wish. It was a major factor in her decision to commit to Iowa. The four-star recruit from Peoria, Illinois, had envisioned learning from the generational talent. “I’ve thought about all the possibilities, especially of her coming back and how I could learn from her,” Aaliyah Guyton said in late 2023. So, when the 2024 WNBA All-Star declared she would forgo her final year of eligibility and move on to the WNBA, Guyton never got to share the floor with one of the greatest players in history. Little did she know what life had planned for her!

Despite not playing with Clark, Aaliyah Guyton quickly became a name at Iowa. After recovering from an ACL injury that cut her senior high school season short, she wasted no time proving her worth. On Nov. 25, she finally made her collegiate debut, and the dynamic guard was the one fans were waiting to see against Washington State. As the season progressed, she became a key contributor off the bench, averaging 4.7 points in 16.4 minutes per game. And now, she too is leaving the Hawkeyes.

According to sources, Guyton has officially entered the transfer portal. No doubt this was an unexpected move, as the Iowa program is already dealing with a seismic shift following #22’s departure. But what makes it even more of a loss is Guyton’s standout performances!

Consider her 11-point contribution in 24 minutes against BYU in the Cancun Challenge when she stepped up in Lucy Olsen’s absence. She even scored nine points in 20 minutes against Purdue. She’d then go on to post a career-high 15 points in 31 minutes against Northwestern.

When the Hawkeyes struggled with inconsistency throughout the season, her energy kept her a regular part of the rotation. That’s why even head coach Jan Jensen called her a “vocal leader” despite being a freshman. The daughter of Indiana Hoosiers All-American A. J. Guyton may have started just one game, but Hawkeyes nation isn’t ready to let her go yet.

Best wishes and disappointment; Iowa Hawkeyes fans bid their young talent goodbye

Guyton’s decision to enter the transfer portal comes as a shock, especially given her steady rise within the team. But she has her reasons, and spectators understand that. One fan on X summed it up best, writing, “Too bad, she’s gonna be great wherever she goes.”

Although Guyton showcased flashes of brilliance throughout the season, her offensive consistency declined in the latter part of the schedule. Over Iowa’s final 13 games, she struggled, shooting just 25% from the field and 22% from three while committing 24 turnovers. Given these struggles, she may have viewed transferring as an opportunity to refine her game and start fresh.

Guyton was Jensen’s defense piece and a ball-handling guard on the Hawkeyes roster. When she sat out due to an injury, the coach admitted she had no one to turn to for a ball-handler who could handle press. The freshman had made her place and fans’ sentiments echo they were going to miss her. Another just went, “NOOOOOO!!!” in disbelief.

With senior guards Lucy Olsen and Sydney Affolter moving on, Iowa is already fetching for a point guard. Only three days ago was she counted under returnee among four other guards. Moreover, Guyton has admitted to share a healthy relationship with the staff and her teammates. “Whenever I feel like I’m backtracking, I have my teammates to help me,” she had said. Having her announce the news now, thus, came as a surprise to a few. “Whoa, didn’t see this one coming.”

With Clark gone, Iowa brought in top-ranked high school recruit Addie Deal, while returning players like Taylor Stremlow were also expected to take on bigger roles. This shift in the roster likely signaled to Guyton that competition for playing time would be even tougher. If that’s the case, fans understand. “I’m sad sad, but will support her wherever she goes. Gonna have a full healthy offseason now, and hope she finds a great fit. Loved her as a Hawkeye, her whole energy—such a fun player and person,” another said.

Realistically, if Guyton had stayed, she might have found herself in an uncertain position. Head coach Jan Jensen has already laid out a clear plan to reshape the roster. Along with adding three new recruits, Jensen has emphasized that Iowa will be aggressive in the transfer portal—a move they desperately need to remain competitive. One fan acknowledged Guyton’s potential, writing, “Shoot. I like her game. She has real potential.”

While Guyton’s decision may seem surprising, some fans had anticipated it. Jada Williams, an Arizona Wildcat in the tranfer portal had recently visited Iowa. So some believe the move was forced to make make room for the 5-foot-8 guard. But it is all in speculation. Guyton, will an Indiana Hoosier alumnus for a father, is believed to make the program her next destination.