The month of December has been rather unusual for Arkansas running back Braylen Russell. He entered the transfer portal two different times in a span of 11 days and changed his mind both times.
It was a rather eventful saga that epitomizes the modern era of college football.
Russell was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024. Arkansas received his commitment over schools like Ole miss, Kansas State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Arizona and South Carolina. It was a huge win for head coach Sam Pittman to keep the Fayetteville-native in his home town.
The Razorbacks pulled off the exact same recruiting victory with the exact same player less than one full year later. They managed to keep Russell from leaving in the transfer portal — twice.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 253 pounds, Russell ran for 304 yards and two touchdowns on 47 carries as a freshman. His 16 carries for 175 yards against Mississippi State was a small taste of how good he can be.
Russell is slated to be Arkansas’ primary ball-carrier in 2025 (and beyond). However, he also received the opportunity to play a similar role for another SEC program. Ole Miss wanted him to transfer and presented him with a rather lucrative financial package.
The rising sophomore running back gave serious consideration to the Rebels’ offer. He even took a trip to Oxford last week.
In the end, the 19-year-old decided to stay home— for a second time in less than two weeks. Braylen Russell entered the transfer portal on Dec. 10 and withdrew from the transfer portal later that day. He re-entered the transfer portal on Dec. 15, took a trip to Mississippi, and then withdrew his name from the transfer portal for a second time on Dec. 21.
His classy message to the Razorbacks fanbase came from a place of gratitude.
The love I have for Coach Pitt and the University of Arkansas is beyond words. With everything happening in my life, I initially lost sight of what truly matters. But through conversations with Coach Pitt, I’ve regained perspective. Thank you so much, I love you!
— Braylen Russell
Even though he did not provide any additional context to his comment about “what really matters,” you can read between the lines. Ole Miss offered more money and an opportunity to compete for a national championship in a backfield that will split carries. Arkansas is home, literally, and gives him a chance to get the lion’s share of touches. He also gets to make good on his promise to a place that means a lot to him!