Report: IU running back returns to team following brief visit to NCAA transfer portal
Indiana may have lucked out with running back Sampson James, who recently entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal. According to a report, the former four-star running back and the Hoosiers’ second-leading rusher last season has returned to the team,
Earlier this week, James entered his name in the portal, becoming the fourth IU running back to explore his options outside of Bloomington. James’ time considering other destinations was short lived, it seems, as he’s returned to the team, per Jon Blau of the Bloomington Herald-Times.
According to a source, Sampson James has returned to IU's football team. He had put his name in the transfer portal. #iufb
— Jon Blau (@Jon_Blau) March 6, 2020
James just completed his first season with the Hoosiers, serving in a backup role behind Stevie Scott III. James totaled 275 yards and three touchdowns on 81 carries. He also had 21 yards on two catches.
James is a native of Avon, Indiana and was a four-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. He was the No. 10 running back of his cycle and ranked No. 181 overall. It was a huge commitment for Allen and IU, one of the highest-rated players in program history.
This would be big news for the Hoosiers if James returns.