With North Texas’s star running back Caleb Hawkins entering the transfer portal, he instantly becomes one of the most coveted players in college football. The true freshman led the nation with 23 rushing touchdowns, totaled 1,236 rushing yards, added 345 receiving yards, and posted an elite PFSN running back impact grade of 89.2 (ninth nationally).
Coming off a dominant New Mexico Bowl performance — 198 rushing yards and three total touchdowns against a top-10 graded defense — his market will be massive. Here are five programs that make the most sense.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If development and national spotlight are the priorities, Notre Dame stands out. The Irish have built a reputation as a modern RBU, most recently showcased by Jeremiah Love, who finished as a Heisman finalist with a PFSN RB Impact grade of 92.1 (fifth nationally) and 18 rushing touchdowns, third-most in the country behind only Hawkins. With Love moving on, Hawkins could step into a system proven to develop elite running backs while playing on one of the biggest stages in college football.
Oklahoma Sooners
A return to his home state would be compelling. Oklahoma’s run game was inconsistent all season, averaging just 123.75 rushing yards per game (106th nationally) with an offensive impact grade of 77.1. That forced quarterback John Mateer to shoulder too much of the offensive load. Hawkins would instantly rebalance the offense, provide explosiveness, and give the Sooners a true every-down back they lacked.
Texas Longhorns
Texas checks every box: location, opportunity, and resources. Hawkins is already playing in-state, and the Longhorns have seen multiple running backs depart via the portal. With significant NIL power and the chance to pair with Arch Manning, Hawkins could form one of the most dangerous backfield combinations in the SEC. A proven touchdown machine next to a generational quarterback would be a nightmare for defenses.
LSU Tigers
LSU’s need at running back is impossible to ignore. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers have struggled on the ground, averaging just 106.25 rushing yards per game in 2025, ranking 122nd nationally and making their run game one of the weakest in the country. With Lane Kiffin now in Baton Rouge, offensive talent is the priority, and Hawkins would immediately fill the bell-cow role LSU has been missing. Elite NIL resources, national exposure, and a clear path to being the focal point make LSU a serious contender.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Oklahoma State feels like the most natural fit. Hawkins’ head coach at North Texas, Eric Morris, is now in Stillwater — the same coach who recruited him, developed him, and built the offense that allowed Hawkins to produce video-game numbers and elite efficiency grades. Oklahoma State could use immediate offensive firepower, and following the coach who maximized his skill set in Year 1 makes perfect sense. Familiar system, proven development, instant RB1 role.
