Jacksonville State’s top running back enters transfer portal originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.
Jacksonville State running back Cam Cook, one of the most productive players in college football this season, announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday. After a breakout year with the Gamecocks, Cook is expected to become one of the most in-demand players once the portal officially opens.
Advertisement
Cook shared the news in a post on Instagram, thanking Jacksonville State for helping shape him on and off the field. He explained that after extensive conversations with his family, coaches and close advisors, he decided that entering the transfer portal was the best decision for his future.
Cook transferred from TCU to Jacksonville State ahead of the 2025 season, and that move paid off. In his lone season with the Gamecocks, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back totaled 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns on 295 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. He led the nation in rushing yards and rushing attempts, although he missed the team’s bowl game. Cook also finished first in total scrimmage yards with 1,945, adding 286 receiving yards on 30 catches.
His consistency stood out all season. Cook recorded 10 games with at least 100 rushing yards and finished with over 100 total yards from scrimmage in the 13 games he played. He rushed for at least 100 yards and a touchdown in every Conference USA game and had a career-high 218 rushing yards against Sam Houston State.
Advertisement
Cook’s performance earned him numerous awards, including Conference USA Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and first-team all-conference honors. He was also named an AP All-American and a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, which recognizes the nation’s top running back.
Behind Cook, Jacksonville State finished the season 9-5 overall and 7-1 in Conference USA, earning a spot in the conference championship game. Although the Gamecocks fell short in this game, they closed out the season with a bowl victory over Troy.
Before coming to Jacksonville State, Cook played two seasons at TCU, where he appeared in 21 games and led the Horned Frogs in rushing in 2024. A former four-star recruit from Round Rock, Texas, Cook rushed for nearly 2,900 yards in high school.
The NCAA transfer portal officially opens on January 2 and will close on January 16. Once open, Cook should be one of the top running backs available, with several Power Conference programs likely to show strong interest.
Advertisement
