CJ Donaldson Jr. Transfer Portal: 3 Potential landing spots for West Virginia RB
CJ Donaldson Jr. is reportedly entering the transfer portal after three seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers. West Virginia is coming off a loss to the No. 25 Memphis Tigers on Tuesday.
On Thursday, ESPN's Max Olson shared on X that the running back would seek a new team for his final year in college football.
Donaldson Jr. finished the season with 163 carries for 734 yards and one touchdown. He shared his time on the field with running back Jahiem White, who led the team in rushing yards. White had 149 carries for 845 yards and seven touchdowns.
In the Scooter's Coffee Frisco Bowl, West Virginia (6-7, 5-4 Big 12) was defeated 42-37 by Memphis (11-2, 6-2 American Athletic Conference). Donaldson Jr. ended the game with 22 carries for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
If Donaldson Jr. decides to enter the transfer portal, he could be a valuable addition to a team that needs a running back. He is the 13th-best running back in rushing yards and tied for seventh in touchdowns in the Big 12 this season.
The experienced player will try to end his final season of eligibility on a high note to get drafted into the NFL in 2026. Here are three teams that could be a landing spot for Donaldson Jr.
CJ Donaldson Jr. transfer portal: Top 3 landing spots for the West Virginia RB
#3, Colorado
The No. 20 Colorado Buffaloes (9-3, 7-2 Big 12) are having their best season since winning ten games in 2016. Deion Sanders has led the team to become one of the best in their conference and almost made the College Football Playoff. That said, "Coach Prime" will have a massive roster change in the offseason.
Key players like quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter are joining the 2025 NFL draft class. Coach Prime is already making roster moves, including his decision to recruit quarterback Julian Lewis. The acquisition of Donaldson Jr. could help improve Colorado's running offense and relieve pressure on Lewis as the starting quarterback.
Colorado had the fewest rushing yards in the league. Running back Isaiah Augustave is expected to return for his junior year with the team. He has led the team in rushing yards with 82 carries for 373 yards and four touchdowns this season.
Donaldson Jr. could be a better option as the primary running back than Augustave and be the playmaker the Buffaloes may need next season.
#2, UCLA
The UCLA Bruins (5-7, 3-6 Big Ten) will need a new running back after T.J. Harden exited the team. He led the team in rushing yards with 124 carries for 506 yards and two touchdowns.
On Dec. 3, LaTanya Harden, T.J.'s mother, posted on X that he would enter the transfer portal.
This presents an opportunity for the West Virginia player to take T.J.'s place. UCLA will also be without Keegan Jones next season, the second-leading rushing yard leader on the team with 179 yards. Donaldson Jr. has performed better than both of them and could be an improvement on the team's rushing offense.
#1, Florida State
The third team that could use Donaldson Jr. next season is the Florida State Seminoles (2-10, 1-7 Atlantic Coast Conference). Florida State ended the year as one of the worst teams in the league. One of the issues the team had was their rushing offense.
Running back Lawrance Toafili led the team in rushing yards with 109 carries for 456 yards and three touchdowns. He finished his fifth season with the team and will try to enter the NFL draft. The Seminoles are expected to have Kam Davis return for his sophomore year next season. Davis had 52 carries for 173 as a freshman.
Although Davis could improve in the offseason and play better with more time on the field, Donaldson Jr. may have a better impact on the team's offense.