One of the best running backs in college football could be on the move.
Cal starting running back Jaydn Ott entered the NCAA transfer portal Monday, according to a source briefed on the decision. ESPN was first to report Ott entering the portal. The move comes four months after Ott announced his return to Berkeley for his senior season.
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The 6-foot, 210-pound running back dealt with a lingering ankle injury suffered in the 2024 season opener after having a breakout 2023 campaign for the Golden Bears. Ott rushed for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2023, but the ankle injury forced him to miss two games in 2024.
He was limited in other outings throughout the year while hampered by the injury. Ott rushed for 385 yards and four touchdowns on 116 carries in 2024.
When he announced his return to Cal on Dec. 29, Ott did so with the oft-used clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street” in which the lead character proclaims, “I’m not f—— leaving!” Ott became a key figure in the rise in popularity of the #Calgorithm, a social media movement last fall that made a remix of Chappell Roan’s hit single “HOT TO GO!” that ended up being played in Cal Memorial Stadium during games.
— Jaydn Ott🇼🇸 (@THEJAYDNOTT) December 29, 2024
In an Instagram post hours before news broke that Ott entered the portal, he posted a story that read in all caps: “NO LOYALTY TO STAGNATION.”
Cal coach Justin Wilcox revamped his offensive staff in the offseason hiring former Auburn and Boise State coach Bryan Harsin as offensive coordinator, as well as bringing in former Washington State coach Nick Rolovich as a senior offensive assistant.
Ott’s portal market
Because of his ability and the demand for running backs, Ott will have no shortage of Power 4 conference suitors. Oklahoma has emerged as an early favorite, according to multiple reports, but early indications are other teams will try to get involved as well.
In February, a Power 4 coach told The Athletic that $400,000 was a typical price for a top-tier running back. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Ott exceed that number, given how many programs will inquire about him. — Sam Khan Jr., college football senior writer
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A scout’s take on Ott
“Will have runs ended or disrupted more often than desired for someone who’s capable of consistently escaping trouble. Strong gait with good knee drive that allows him to cover ground down the field and create space. Enough want-to in pass pro, but will get overrun on occasion. Ultimately starter-caliber in (any) league with legitimate NFL Draft expectation.” — Power 4 personnel staffer whose team faced Ott in 2024
(Photo: Darren Yamashita / Imagn Images)
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