Anthony Hankerson’s path may be turning back toward college football after a brief NFL stop in Seattle.
The former Oregon State running back was waived by the Seahawks on Monday, and CBSSports reported he intends to return to college and enter the transfer portal. Hankerson was one of 16 players granted a temporary restraining order by a Louisiana court to come back for a fifth season of eligibility, and a court date is set for Aug. 31 in Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court.
If Hankerson does make that move, he’d join a growing list of players who signed with NFL teams only to head back to school. Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris both returned and signed with LSU after being released by Cleveland and New Orleans, respectively.
Hankerson’s latest NFL stint was short. He went undrafted and signed with the Miami Dolphins in April before being waived earlier this month and landing with Seattle. He played 24 snaps in Sunday’s preseason game against the Titans, finishing with five carries for 10 yards and two catches for nine yards.
At Oregon State, Hankerson was a steady producer the last two seasons. He rushed for 1,086 yards and nine touchdowns on 247 carries last year and added 22 receptions for 123 yards. In 2024, he posted 1,082 yards and 15 touchdowns on 232 carries while catching 27 passes for 151 yards.
The 5-foot-8 back started his college career at Colorado in 2022.
Whether a return to Oregon State is part of the plan is still unclear. The Beavers already have six scholarship running backs on the roster, including Cornell Hatcher Jr. and Vanderbilt transfer AJ Newberry.
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