The transfer portal has completely changed roster building in college football. Due to the introduction of NIL deals, the portal is now the sport’s version of free agency, and some game-changing talents will be available to the highest bidder starting Jan. 2. One of those stars that will hit the market next week is James Madison All-American running back Wayne Knight.
On Saturday, the junior officially announced he is entering the portal in a thank-you message to the university. Knight will look to cash in with his value at a serious high point following a season where he finished fifth in the nation in rushing yards for the Sun Belt Conference champs. Furthermore, some big programs are looking to replace starting running backs this offseason.
With that in mind, let’s look at five schools that could make a hard push for Wayne Knight in the transfer portal.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Despite a very disappointing season in 2025, one of the biggest bright spots for Penn State was star running back Kaytron Allen. The senior was 11th in the country in yards (1,303) and is taking his talents to the NFL this April. Trying to fill that void and make a run at a playoff spot in year-one for new head coach Terry Smith is a real possibility.
Texas Longhorns
On Friday, Texas’s leading rusher Tre Wisner was the latest Longhorns back to enter the transfer portal. It left a big void in the back field that will have Arch Manning back in 2026. The program is motivated to prove Manning can be an elite talent in college football. Getting him some big-time help in the back field by targeting Wayne Knight in the transfer portal seems likely.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame had the best running back in the nation this season, in Heisman candidate Jeremiyah Love. However, while he still has a year of eligibility left, he is expected to be a top pick in April’s NFL Draft. Quarterback CJ Carr should be even better in his second season leading the offense. Adding an elite running talent like Wayne Knight could keep the Fighting Irish in the hunt for a playoff spot again in 2026.
Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies leading rusher Jonah Coleman will be headed to the next level in 2026. Leaving a big hole in the team’s run game next season. They will have star QB Demond Williams back, and combining him with Knight could help make the Huskies’ offense a serious problem in the Big Ten next season.
Arkansas Razorbacks
This was a very rough season for Arkansas. However, they will hope that freshman KJ Jackson can help get the program back to relevancy next season. He needs help, and there is no better option for a young QB than a proven veteran back. The program will lose leading rusher Mike Washington Jr., and Knight would be an excellent addition for them if they are willing to shell out the big bucks to get him.
