Star Running Back Jaydn Ott Enters College Football Transfer Portal

Berkeley, California – Jaydn Ott, the standout running back from the University of California, has officially entered the NCAA transfer portal as the spring transfer window approaches. This news, reported by CBS Sports, comes as schools across the country prepare for an active recruiting period starting Wednesday.

Ott, who dazzled fans with over 1,300 rushing yards last season, faced a setback due to an ankle injury sustained in the opening game. As a result, the 22-year-old from Chino, California, finished the 2024 season with just 385 rushing yards and four touchdowns across 10 games, a stark contrast to his previous performance.

“While injuries have challenged me, I believe a fresh start could be what I need to get back to my form,” Ott stated. Over his three seasons at California, Ott amassed a total of 2,587 rushing yards, earning 24 rushing touchdowns and further contributing six more as a receiver.

The NCAA transfer portal serves as a private database for registered student-athletes at Division I, II, and III levels to announce their intent to transfer. Upon submission through their athletic compliance office, athletes can freely engage with other schools. This database holds their personal information, including athletic scholarship status, allowing schools to reach out to potential recruits. Once entered into the portal, athletes also run the risk of losing their current scholarships.

“Entering the portal does open new avenues, but it’s a double-edged sword,” said NCAA compliance expert Dr. Hannah King. “Players risk not just transferring but potentially losing support from their current schools.”

Ott’s collegiate journey saw him lead the Pac-12 in rushing during the 2023 season, and he now has 3,460 all-purpose yards and 31 total touchdowns to his name. Despite a challenging season in 2024, his talent continues to make him one of the more coveted players in the transfer portal.

Meanwhile, fellow Golden Bears running back Justin Williams-Thomas also plans to enter the transfer portal. The Dallas, Texas, native has struggled with injuries during his time at California, playing minimally over the past two seasons. Williams-Thomas participated in only three games in 2024, with no significant contribution to his team’s offensive efforts.

“I’m looking for an opportunity to showcase my abilities,” Williams-Thomas remarked, acknowledging the injury hurdles that have marked his college football career.

As the Golden Bears prepare to kick off their 2025 season with a matchup against Oregon State on August 30, the impact of these transfers on the team’s future remains to be seen. Coach Justin Wilcox will now have to strategize both player retention and recruitment as the transfer market heats up.