Top 2021 CFB Transfers: Running Back

We will break down the top transfer quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and defense as one group. Each position group will be ranked based on the combination of talent, impact/role on their new team, and previous production. Most, if not all, of these players will be in a competition so their chance to win the competition will also play into the ranking. In this piece we will be looking at the top transfer running backs.

-Photo via Soonerswire.com

1. Eric Gray – Tennessee to Oklahoma

After a series of departures, Oklahoma is now down to two scholarship running backs in Gray and Kennedy Brooks. This appears to be a split backfield, but both are talented backs and Gray showed real promise at Tennessee and the OU spring game. Gray is arguably one of the top transfers on any side of the ball this year and is far and away the best running back transfer of the offseason. Shouldering the load off Spencer Rattler could cause this Oklahoma team to finally break through and win the College Football Playoff.

2. Ty Chandler – Tennessee to North Carolina

After being in college for seemingly 10 years, Chandler is a graduate transfer to UNC in hopes to help bridge the losses of Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. Sam Howell is set to be one of the best QBs in the country in 2021, but lack of a run game could really impact their chances of knocking off Clemson. Ty Chandler will walk into a room that needs the leadership and experience, along with the talent. Chandler looks to help this team make a run for an ACC Championship and possible playoff spot.

3. Stephen Carr – USC to Indiana

A former blue-chip prospect with a much-needed change of scenery, Carr looks to step into an Indiana running back room that needs talent to replace Stevie Scott and recently hired Delah McCullough as running backs coach. Carr was just listed as the starter coming out of fall camp and although Indiana has some questions on the offensive line, his speed and talent will be evident from week 1. I expect a big year with some familiarity at position coach and loads of opportunity.

4. Zach Charbonnet – Michigan to UCLA

A little late to this party after UCLA played Week 0, but he would have been on this list regardless given his previous production and 5-star status. Chip Kelly is set to have a big year and the backfield of Charbonnet and Brown will prove to be a run heavy team. I don’t expect him to be a guaranteed 1,000-yard rusher but he is in great position to put on a show for years to come to NFL scouts. Charbonnet could even play himself into a lead back role with his play if he keeps it up like last weekend.

5. Demarkcus Bowman – Clemson to Florida

With Florida releasing their depth chart and Bowman being left off the two deep does bring some cause for concern, but the talent is evident and there were very strong reports out of camp on Bowman’s ability. I expect Bowman to work himself into playing time if not a starter by the end of the year. Bowman brings 5-star billing and explosive play ability that Florida really needs after losing so much to the draft. I expect Florida to also have a run heavy approach to suit the capabilities of Emory Jones.

Honorable mention: Keaontay Ingram - Texas to USC

QB/WR