Running Back Transfer Portal Watch - Devy Values

Kevin looks at the top RB prospects in the portal and how it could effect their devy value.

The college football landscape is shifting once again as the Transfer Portal begins to heat up. With conference championships now behind us and bowl season on the horizon, the first wave of players has already announced their intentions to transfer. While the pool of running backs isn’t particularly deep just yet, more talent is sure to emerge as the offseason progresses.

For devy managers, staying ahead of these moves is key to understanding their impact on player value and potential opportunities. In this article, we’ll take an early look at the most intriguing running backs currently in the portal, breaking down their potential landing spots, how these transitions could shape their careers, and what it all means for devy leagues. The offseason is just getting started, but these early entries give us a glimpse into the exciting changes ahead. Let’s dive in.

Leshon Williams - 5’10”, 208 LBS (Transferring to Kansas)

The former Iowa Hawkeye running back has had an eventful journey in the transfer portal. After initially committing to Memphis, Williams flipped his commitment to the Kansas Jayhawks, seemingly settling on his new home. The fifth-year senior will have one final season of eligibility in 2025 and looks to make the most of it.

Williams has been a steady contributor during his college career. He totaled 1,496 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns over four seasons with Iowa, including his best year in 2023, where he rushed for 821 yards on 170 carries and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. Despite dealing with a leg injury that limited him to just three games this past season, Williams still entered the year on the Doak Walker Award watchlist.

From a devy perspective, Williams doesn’t project as a must-have asset. He’s likely a committee back at Kansas, but with Devin Neal going tot he NFL, there’s a chance for Williams to carve out a significant role and replace some of that production. While he’s not a long-term play for devy managers, his landing spot with the Jayhawks gives him a potential path to fantasy relevance in 2024. Keep him on your radar for potential short-term value.

Viron Ellison - 6’2”, 175 LBS

The true freshman running back has decided to enter the transfer portal after a solid debut season. A former 3-star recruit out of Lewisville High School, Ellison was a three-year starter who racked up 3,136 rushing yards, 33 touchdowns, and added 459 receiving yards with five scores during his high school career. Known for his physicality and ability to break tackles, Ellison carried that toughness into his first collegiate season, where he came on strong late in the year with 62 carries for 353 yards and a touchdown, plus 14 catches for 90 yards and another score.

Ellison’s one-cut running style makes him a strong fit for teams that prioritize north-south runners who excel between the tackles. He’s a physical back who isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder or deliver a hit, whether he’s carrying the ball or lead-blocking. Once he hits the second and third levels, he shows good acceleration and top-end speed, as well as a knack for setting up defenders to create missed tackles. While his route-running as a pass-catcher is limited, he’s shown reliable hands and the ability to make plays in the flat or on wide routes.

Missouri, Texas State, and BYU were among the schools vying for Ellison’s commitment during his recruitment, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them re-enter the mix. BYU and Missouri, in particular, stand out as intriguing options. While Ellison might not carry much devy relevance at the moment, he’s worth monitoring as a potential CFF or C2C asset. His combination of power, toughness, and untapped potential makes him a portal back to watch as his next chapter unfolds.

Sieh Bangura - 6’0”, 209 LBS

After a brief and underwhelming stint with the Minnesota Gophers, Sieh Bangura has entered the transfer portal, looking to reignite his college football career. Bangura transferred to Minnesota after three productive seasons at Ohio, where he racked up nearly 2,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, including a standout 1,078-yard, 13-touchdown campaign in 2022. Unfortunately, his time with the Gophers didn’t pan out, as he saw limited action—just four carries for 12 yards in three games this season. He’ll have one year of eligibility remaining to find a new home.

Bangura’s talent is evident. Listed at 6-foot, 209 pounds, he’s got the prototypical build for a running back and has shown consistent production with a career 4.8 yards-per-carry average and 50 receptions for 453 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a versatile runner with great vision and athleticism who thrives in the open field. However, his lack of playing time in Minnesota’s crowded backfield—falling behind Darius Taylor, Marcus Major, Jordan Nubin, and Jaren Mangham—has left him searching for a fresh start.

Originally from Hyattsville, Maryland, Bangura played high school football at the prestigious DeMatha Catholic, where he starred as both a running back and safety. He initially received offers from programs like Maryland, Liberty, and Toledo before committing to Ohio, making a return to the DMV area—perhaps at Maryland—an intriguing possibility.

From a devy perspective, Bangura doesn’t hold much value, but he’s an interesting sleeper for CFF or C2C leagues depending on his landing spot. If he returns to a G5 program, he has the tools to deliver another 1,000-yard season, making him a player to keep on your radar as the portal action unfolds.

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