By Mark Pszonak
This has been a busy transfer portal cycle for running backs, but while many found new homes, not all will make an immediate impact. Here are the ten who will make the 2024 college football season more exciting:
1. Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State (Ole Miss)
The skinny: Judkins departure from Ole Miss was one of the bigger surprises of this portal cycle. It resulted in Ohio State piecing together the top running back duo in the country, as with TreVeyon Henderson, the two will be must-watch TV this season. Yes, he will be receiving less carries than he was at Ole Miss, but he will also be more fresh and dynamic because of it.
2. Trevor Etienne – Georgia (Florida)
The skinny: This transfer was a gut punch for Florida fans, both due to his departure but more so because of his destination. Now with the rival Bulldogs, Etienne will add yet another offensive weapon who will play a huge role in Georgia’s run towards another National Championship.
3. Raheim Sanders – South Carolina (Arkansas)
The skinny: Due to an injury plagued 2023 season, some have forgotten that Sanders rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns at Arkansas in 2022. Now fully healthy, he will immediately play a pivotal role in the offense while the Gamecocks try to figure out their quarterback situation this season.
4. Jonah Coleman – Washington (Arizona)
The skinny: With his head coach, Jedd Fisch, making the move from Arizona to Washington, it did not come as a surprise that Coleman followed him after entering the portal. The Huskies had a hole at the position, especially with Dillon Johnson heading to the NFL, so there should be plenty of opportunities for Coleman to make an immediate impact in Seattle.
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5. Ja’Quavious Marks – USC (Mississippi State)
The skinny: With the Trojans losing all their experienced running backs to the NFL or portal, finding a veteran transfer became a priority. The answer is Marks, who rushed for 1,882 yards and had 1,225 receiving yards during his time with Mississippi State. As the Trojans anoint a new starting quarterback, Marks’ experience will be even more vital.
6. Roydell Williams – Florida State (Alabama)
The skinny: Florida State needed to reload after losing a significant portion of their top 2023 players. Williams will play a big part in that process, as he will finally be able to be the lead back after rushing for 1,165 yards and 11 touchdowns while splitting carries during his time at Alabama.
7. Logan Diggs – Ole Miss (LSU)
The skinny: As mentioned above, Quinshon Judkins’ departure came as a surprise to many, so the Rebels knew that they needed to respond. That response became Diggs, who proved in 2023 that he has the talent to contribute at the SEC level after his transfer from Notre Dame. Ole Miss has plenty of offensive weapons, so he won’t be a workhorse, but he will receive more than enough opportunities to make a serious impression.
8. Donald Chaney Jr. – Louisville (Miami-Florida)
The skinny: While Peny Boone is the running back transfer addition who received most of the attention when he committed to the Cardinals, early word out of Louisville is that it has been Chaney who has turned the most heads. He flashed during his time with the Canes, but injuries always seemed to sidetrack his progress. If he can stay healthy, Louisville may have found a gem during this recruiting cycle.
9. Anthony Woods – Utah (Idaho)
The skinny: The Utes offense never found their stride in 2023, mostly due to injuries at both quarterback and running back. By adding Woods, they hope that he will be able to remedy their ground game, after rushing for 1,155 yards and 16 touchdowns during the 2023 season. Plenty of players have made a successful transition from the FCS to the FBS, so look for Woods to join that list.
10. Jordan Waters – NC State (Duke)
The skinny: The Wolfpack answered questions at quarterback (Grayson McCall) and wide receiver (Wesley Grimes) before helping their running game with Waters. The offense has some exciting young pieces, but adding a veteran like Waters should help stabilize the unit.
