Top Transfer Portal Running Backs that teams should target ahead of 2024 College Football season
The 2024 spring Transfer Portal window has opened! The expected fireworks show still hasn't exactly blown up just yet–outside of Colorado's entire roster–but over 2500 players have entered. There may not be many "elite" names in the portal at the moment, but for college football teams who still need running back help there are definitely […]
The 2024 spring Transfer Portal window has opened! The expected fireworks show still hasn't exactly blown up just yet–outside of Colorado's entire roster–but over 2500 players have entered. There may not be many "elite" names in the portal at the moment, but for college football teams who still need running back help there are definitely some intriguing options.
But who are these top transfer portal running backs options? And are they any better than the running backs already on your favorite college football teams? Let's dive in.
Damien Martinez, RB Oregon State
There is no doubt about it. Damien Martinez is the most talented and proven productive running back in the Transfer Portal. And although he was slated to make $400,000 for Oregon State, Martinez chose to look elsewhere, hoping to play against tougher competition than the expected Mountain West conference slate the Beavers pulled together (with the PAC-12 falling apart).
Martinez has two incredible seasons on his resume both over 1000 yards. He brings feature back size near 240 pounds, and would immediately be an upgrade at running back for more than 50 power conference teams.
Peny Boone, RB Louisville
Peny Boone has reportedly heard from 21 schools since entering the Transfer Portal according to Hayes Fawcett of On3 Sports. Boone was one of the most efficient runners in the country last season, averaging nearly eight yards per touch for the Toledo Rockets.
Wait, didn't the header say he was a Louisville running back? Yes, Boone joined Louisville in January, but has since changed his mind about playing for Louisville. With the new transfer rules (or complete lack thereof) he can play immediately anywhere else that he so chooses.
Boone is an older running back, but he's a proven big bodied back who runs with a punishing, yet somehow efficient, style. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, it will be interesting to see if he goes somewhere else where he can play close to home, or prioritizes something else.
Dallan Hayden, RB Ohio State
When Ohio State chose to bring in Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss this offseason there was always a chance Dallan Hayden might leave. He flashed amazing potential in 2022 when TreVeyon Henderson went down with injury, racking up nearly 600 yards from scrimmage. It seems that Hayden is tired of waiting for his shot, and rightfully so. Many top analysts believe he's one of the best running backs in the portal and should make a solid starter for some lucky program soon.
Our very own Ian Valentino talked through some of the best landing spots for him yesterday. It's clear Hayden wants to start, so if your favorite team "just needs depth" don't expect him to be joining.
Alton McCaskill, RB Colorado
Alton McCaskill joins more than a dozen other Colorado Buffaloes leaving the program in the spring transfer window. McCaskill's dad went out of his way to let everyone know the reason his son was leaving:
"If my son's not RB1 We Gotta Go…He was ready last year!…He's a 100% this year!…Unfortunately have to find another home where there's no favoritism and he is valued, appreciated and has no doubts about RB1…He is the best RB in Colorado…But He Not settling! We Going! Thank you Colorado for your hospitality!"
McCaskill impressed as a true freshman for Houston, posting over 1000 yards from scrimmage back in 2021. Sadly he tore his ACL in the following spring, forcing him to miss all of 2022. Then Colorado and Deion Sanders chose to waste his entire 2023 season, only giving him 16 touches, so it's no wonder he's leaving.
McCaskill runs a bit upright, and could use a bit more wiggle at times, but he's an incredible talent with great long speed and ability in space. He should be given a power conference shot.
Andrew Paul, RB Georgia
Andrew Paul may actually be quite close to committing already, but he is certainly one of the best running backs in the Transfer Portal. He brings feature back size at 5'11" 220 pounds, incredible strength, and was impressing in Georgia football this spring.
He wasn't going to work into a starting role for Georgia due to the immense depth there, but he could certainly earn a significant role for several power conference teams.
Be looking for more Transfer Portal & College Football coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to check out some Damien Martinez highlights from Oregon State to see what he could bring to your favorite team you can watch this video below!
