As the college football offseason inches closer to full-blown chaos, all eyes are on the Transfer Portal, which opens in just over two weeks. With only one official window this winter, expect a tidal wave of movement across the country - and a whole lot of roster reshuffling.
But before the frenzy kicks off, it's worth taking a closer look at how last year’s top running back transfers actually fared. Some hit the ground running.
Others never got out of the blocks.
Here’s a breakdown of how the top 10 running back transfers from last offseason panned out - the good, the bad, and everything in between.
10. AJ Turner - Minnesota
AJ Turner was supposed to be a key piece in Minnesota’s backfield, coming off a breakout season at Marshall. The plan was for him to complement rising star Darius Taylor, forming a dynamic one-two punch.
But that vision never materialized. Turner went down with a season-ending injury in September, and when Taylor also battled injuries, the Gophers found themselves thin at a position they thought was locked down.
It’s a harsh reminder of how fragile depth charts can be - and how quickly a promising transfer addition can become a what-if.
9. CJ Donaldson - Ohio State
With Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson off to the NFL, Ohio State had a major void in the backfield. Enter CJ Donaldson from West Virginia.
While he didn’t become the bell cow some expected - thanks in large part to the emergence of electric freshman Bo Jackson - Donaldson still found ways to contribute. He brought experience, versatility, and toughness to the Buckeye offense.
Not a home run, but a solid addition who gave Ryan Day’s offense a reliable option when needed.
8. Fluff Bothwell - Mississippi State
Fluff Bothwell arrived in Starkville with a lot of buzz, coming off a strong season at South Alabama. Early on, he looked like he might be one of the SEC’s breakout stars.
But injuries slowed his momentum. Even so, he managed to rack up 639 yards and 6 touchdowns - respectable numbers in his first year facing SEC defenses.
The good news for Mississippi State? He’s expected back next season, and if he stays healthy, he could be one of the most productive backs in the country.
7. Quinten Joyner - Texas Tech
Texas Tech swung big in the portal, and Quinten Joyner was one of their marquee additions. The former USC back flashed serious upside with the Trojans and was expected to bring explosiveness to Lubbock.
Unfortunately, a torn ACL in the preseason ended his year before it began. A tough break for both Joyner and the Red Raiders, who never got to see what he could do in their system.
6. Wayshawn Parker - Utah
Sometimes the under-the-radar moves end up being the most impactful. That was the case with Wayshawn Parker, who transferred from Washington State to Utah and became the engine of the Utes’ offense.
Parker racked up 931 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns, and added another 132 yards and 3 scores through the air. He was a true dual-threat weapon, thriving in Kyle Whittingham’s system.
With Whittingham stepping down, the program’s future is uncertain - but keeping Parker in the fold should be a top priority.
5. Rahsul Faison - South Carolina
South Carolina fought hard to get Rahsul Faison eligible after he transferred from Utah State, but the payoff was limited. The Gamecocks’ offense struggled all season, with offensive line issues and a scheme that never found its rhythm.
Faison did what he could, posting 470 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, plus 118 yards receiving. But it was a tough situation for any back to thrive in.
The talent’s there - the system just didn’t help him show it.
4. Jaydn Ott - Oklahoma
When Jaydn Ott left Cal and landed at Oklahoma, it looked like a perfect match. He was expected to be a key piece in a retooled Sooners offense, potentially forming a lethal backfield tandem.
But things never clicked. Ott was a non-factor all season, finishing with just 21 carries for 68 yards.
Whether it was scheme fit, injuries, or something else, this one just didn’t work out - and it stands as one of the most disappointing portal additions of the year.
3. Justice Haynes - Michigan
Michigan had big shoes to fill after losing Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, and Justice Haynes looked like the perfect replacement. Early on, he delivered.
Haynes was a force when healthy, rushing for 857 yards and 5 touchdowns. But he missed five games due to injury, which limited his overall impact.
Still, when he was on the field, he gave the Wolverines exactly what they needed - a tough, dynamic runner who could carry the load.
2. Ahmad Hardy - Missouri
Missouri didn’t just dip into the portal - they built their offense around it. Landing quarterback Beau Pribula and running back Ahmad Hardy signaled a shift to a ground-heavy attack.
Hardy, a former star at UL Monroe, faced questions about whether he could handle the jump to SEC competition. He answered them emphatically.
Hardy exploded for 1,560 yards and 16 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most dominant backs in the country. He enters 2026 as a legitimate Heisman contender and the centerpiece of a Missouri team with playoff aspirations.
1. Makhi Hughes - Oregon
On paper, this was a blockbuster. Oregon added Makhi Hughes, the top running back in the portal, fresh off two seasons where he racked up nearly 2,800 yards and 22 touchdowns.
But the fit never materialized. Hughes struggled to find his place in the Ducks’ crowded backfield and ultimately chose to preserve his redshirt after limited action, finishing the season with just 70 rushing yards.
A surprising turn for a player with such a strong résumé - and a reminder that even the biggest names don’t always pan out.
Final Thoughts
The Transfer Portal continues to be college football’s wild west - full of promise, potential, and unpredictability. For every Ahmad Hardy or Justice Haynes, there’s a Makhi Hughes or Jaydn Ott.
Running back remains one of the most high-variance positions in the portal, where fit, health, and opportunity can make or break a transfer’s impact. As the next wave of portal activity begins, coaches and fans alike will be hoping their next addition ends up on the right side of this list.