With the transfer portal now open, a handful of teams have games to plan for, but the majority of the country is looking to improve their squad and land an impact transfer player to take their team to the next level.
Here are the top ten running backs who have announced their intention to enter the transfer portal and change schools for the 2026-27 season.
These players all performed at an extremely high level and will look to replicate their success at their new homes. They are ranked according to their PFSN RBi Ratings, which grade how well they performed and factor in their opponents and the skill around them.
Looking for more Transfer Portal position rankings? Head over to our College Football page for all the other positions, along with more portal news and analysis.Â
10) Evan Dickens, Liberty
PFSN RBi Rating: 80.4 (B-)
Evan Dickens was a workhorse for Liberty this season, ending the year ranked ninth in Division I with 1,339 rushing yards and fifth in the nation in touchdowns with 16. Over his last five games, he averaged 189 yards per game and scored 12 touchdowns. One reason he may be entering the portal is that, despite elite production over this stretch, Liberty has won just a single game. The former Georgia Tech commit should command interest from larger schools once again.
9) Cam Edwards, UConn
PFSN RBi Rating: 80.5 (B-)
While he hasn’t officially committed to leaving UConn, Cam Edwards has entered the transfer portal to explore his options for the 2026 season. Entering his redshirt senior season, Edwards has rushed for 2,690 yards and 27 touchdowns over the past three seasons, including 15 last season in his first year as the full-time starter. He has consistently averaged over five yards per carry during his time at UConn. He could become a legitimate NFL prospect if he continues to progress, particularly if he showcases his skills against better competition.
8) Jimmyll Williams, Elon
PFSN RBi Rating: 82.3 (B-)
It is pretty impressive to make the jump from Division II and get any playing time at any Division I school, let alone being productive enough to find yourself on a list like this, and Jimmyll Williams did just that. He was highly efficient with 6.5 yards per carry and earned more reps as the year went on. I expect him to backfill one of the spots left vacant by one of the other backs on this list at the lower-level Division I schools, given his lack of experience at this level.
7) Carson Hansen, Iowa State
PFSN RBi Rating: 82.5 (B-)
As the season progressed, Carson Hansen transitioned into a three-down role for the Cyclones, increasing his production and efficiency in the process. In total over his three years at Iowa State, Hansen ran for 1,771 yards and 19 touchdowns, and it seems like he is ready for a new challenge to be a lead back. Rumors suggest that Penn State is a perfect fit, and I tend to agree.
MORE: Billy Napier Expected To Target Transfer Portal QB in First Major Move at James Madison
6) CJ Miller, Mercer
PFSN RBi Rating: 84.6 (B)
Between Braden Atkinson and CJ Miller, Mercer is losing alot of production from last year. Wherever Miller lands, they are getting an extremely productive back who has made the most of each of his touches in the previous three seasons. Miller earned an expanded role and had 14 touchdowns and 953 yards last season, and he was also a factor in the passing game, averaging 12.1 yards per reception.
5) Caleb Hawkins, North Texas
PFSN RBi Rating: 89.2 (B+)
Caleb Hawkins was impressive last season for the Mean Green, and I think the only reason he is not at the top of this list is the level of competition he faced. Hawkins has legitimate NFL upside, and following his coach to Oklahoma State would be a great way to square off with the best to show just how good he really can be. He had one of the best seasons of anyone in the country, with the most rushing touchdowns in the FBS (25) and the fourth-most rushing yards (1,434). This player is one to watch wherever he lands next.
4) James Jones, Delaware State
PFSN RBi Rating: 90.4 (A-)
James Jones was incredible in limited usage for Delaware State this past season. A transfer from Louisiana-Monroe, Jones had 958 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on just 98 carries, good for 9.8 yards per carry. This combination of explosive play ability and efficiency should have many schools at all levels considering his services as either a part-time back or as the leader of their backfield.
3) Joshua Dye, Southern Utah
PFSN RBi Rating: 92 (A-)
Joshua Dye was a workhorse for Southern Utah this past season, as he ran for 1,831 yards and 28 touchdowns. It was also clear that when the Thunderbirds began to feed Dye more, they started to win games, as he had three or more touchdowns in five of the last seven games, and they won six of those games. Look for Dye to take on a similar role for the next school that he joins, and for them to be a winner as a result.
MORE: Florida HC Jon Sumrall Claims Transfer Portal Win With Re-Signing of Record-Setting WR
2) Rodney Nelson, Monmouth
PFSN RBi Rating: 95.4 (A)
Consistency over the last two seasons has been a key factor in the success that has enabled Rodney Nelson to explore other opportunities to advance his career. Nelson has run for 2,629 yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons, averaging 6.1 yards per carry in each season. He has the makings of success at higher levels of college and was the Coastal Athletic Association player of the year last year.
1) L.J. Phillips Jr., South Dakota
PFSN RBi Rating: 98.8 (A+)
Our top running back in the transfer portal is L.J. Phillips, previously of South Dakota. Phillips exploded in his first season as the starter for the Coyotes after playing sparingly in his first two seasons on campus. Phillips ran for 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns last season, has ideal size to withstand durability, and was incredible all year long. Don’t be surprised if he makes an impact at a Power 4 conference sooner rather than later.
