Running backs to watch in the transfer portal

The transfer portal doesn’t officially open until January 2, but players across the country are announcing their intentions to enter the portal once it’s officially open. Following the coaching changes, 34 players have already announced their intentions to enter the portal, including four running backs.

This season, the running backs room was led by Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Sutton Smith, but neither will return in 2026. Smith entered the transfer portal after he didn’t play in the Gasparilla Bowl, while Desrosiers is out of eligibility.

Markari Bodiford, who saw action earlier in the season, also entered the transfer portal following the bowl game.

Out of the eight running backs on the Tigers’ roster, seven are either heading to the transfer portal or out of eligibility. The only player that is currently set to return is freshman Cameron Mathews.

The new coaching staff will need to bring in several running backs from the portal and retain Eric Perry, who signed with Memphis during the early signing period. Before the portal officially opens, here are three names to keep an eye on in the transfer portal.

Dallan Hayden

Dallan Hayden entered the transfer portal after spending a pair of seasons at Ohio State and the last two years at Colorado. The running back combined for 522 yards in 21 games over the last two seasons, but he was limited by injuries, especially in the 2024 season.

Hayden had a breakout freshman season, recording 533 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman, but Ohio State opted to redshirt him as a sophomore. 

Hayden was a four-star recruit out of Christian Brothers High School, and he would be a nice addition to the Tigers’ backfield if he wanted to return home. The running back has only played in Power Four conferences, and he would have an opportunity to shine in the Memphis offense.

Trequan Jones

Trequan Jones spent his first two collegiate seasons at Georgia Military Junior College before transferring to Old Dominion ahead of the 2025 season. In his only season with the Monarchs, Jones ran for 792 yards and six touchdowns on 105 carries, which led the Old Dominion running backs. 

With Kevin Decker set to take over as Memphis’ offensive coordinator, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jones being a target for the Tigers.

Ahmad Miller

Ahmad Miller just wrapped up a breakout season at Jackson State and has entered his name into the transfer portal. Miller ran for 1,035 yards and five touchdowns this season after combining for 313 yards the previous two years.

The Memphis native suffered a season-ending injury in 2024, and Jackson State decided to redshirt him. The running back will have two seasons of eligibility remaining, and is another interesting option to return home.