Jalen Buckley Turns Heads in Myrtle Beach Bowl, Emerges as a Name to Watch in Transfer Portal
Let’s be honest-most casual fans probably didn’t carve out time to watch the Myrtle Beach Bowl. But while the spotlight might’ve been dimmer than your typical New Year’s Six matchup, what Western Michigan running back Jalen Buckley did in just one half of football was impossible to ignore.
Eight carries. 174 yards. One half.
That’s not a typo. Buckley exploded against Kennesaw State, and it didn’t take long to set the tone-his very first touch of the game went 65 yards to the house. That kind of burst isn’t just eye-catching, it’s the kind of performance that makes coaches, scouts, and portal-watchers sit up straight.
And it wasn’t a one-off. Just last week, Buckley racked up 193 yards in the MAC Championship Game against Miami (Ohio). That’s back-to-back statement games on the heels of a productive season, and it’s coming at exactly the right time with the transfer portal heating up.
Florida’s RB Room in Flux
Take a look down in Gainesville, where the Gators’ running back depth chart is looking increasingly thin. Head coach Jon Sumrall has made it clear that keeping sophomore Jadan Baugh is a top priority-but Baugh’s name continues to swirl in transfer rumors. If he leaves, Florida could be looking at a complete overhaul in the backfield.
They’ve already lost quarterback DJ Lagway and freshman RB KD Daniels to the portal. Ja’Kobi Jackson, a redshirt senior, is out of eligibility.
That’s potentially four of the team’s top ball carriers gone in a single offseason. Which brings us back to Buckley.
Proven Production, Ready for the Next Step?
Buckley isn’t just flashing in bowl season-he’s been producing since he got his shot. After redshirting in 2022, he broke out in 2023 with 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning AFCA Freshman All-American honors.
Despite missing time in 2024, he still managed 683 yards and nine scores. This past season, he stayed healthy, played all 12 regular-season games, and added 829 yards with eight touchdowns to his résumé.
He’s not just a runner either. Buckley has shown he can contribute in the passing game, with 45 receptions for 348 yards and a touchdown over three seasons. At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, he’s got the size to hold up against bigger, faster defenses-and the versatility to be more than just a between-the-tackles grinder.
What’s Next?
There’s no official word yet on whether Buckley will enter the portal, stay at Western Michigan, or try to make the jump to the NFL. But if he does decide to test the waters, he’s going to be one of the more intriguing backs available. He’s a three-year contributor with a proven track record, and he’s coming off two of the best games of his career.
For programs like Florida-or any Power 4 team looking to add experienced, plug-and-play depth in the backfield-Buckley could be a smart, high-upside addition. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s showing the kind of vision, burst, and toughness that translate to the next level.
The Myrtle Beach Bowl might not have been must-see TV, but for those paying attention, Jalen Buckley just made a strong case that his best football might still be ahead of him.