OSU Football: How AJ Green Compares to Past Running Back Transfers
Oklahoma State has had mixed results with running back transfers in the past, but it might be a different story this season.
After a 2023 season where his production decreased dramatically at Arkansas, running back AJ Green entered the transfer portal and committed to OSU. Although it might seem counterintuitive to come to the team with Ollie Gordon, the reigning Doak Walker Award winner, Green could still be great for OSU.
Green finished his career at Arkansas with 953 rushing yards and 184 receiving yards, going for eight touchdowns. Green was also a kickoff returner for the Razorbacks in his first two seasons, getting 274 return yards in 17 tries.
So, how does Green compare to some of the Cowboys’ recent transfers who have come to Stillwater in similar situations?
Beginning last season, OSU welcomed Michigan State transfer Elijah Collins, who took on a significant role early. Collins had 27 of his 30 carries in OSU’s first three games. He finished with only 142 yards and two touchdowns, with Gordon’s emergence effectively killing his role.
Although Collins’ addition did not work out as hoped, OSU found a gem in a transfer back only two years earlier. Before the 2021 season, Utah State transfer Jaylen Warren joined Mike Gundy’s program.
Warren quickly became the Cowboys’ top running back after he carried them to a win at Boise State with 218 yards and two touchdowns. Warren played in 13 games for the Cowboys, going for five 100-yard games as part of his 1,216-yard season.
Despite all his great performances, one more might have made him an OSU legend. Warren could not play in the team’s heartbreaking Big 12 Championship loss to Baylor.
Inches away from a win, the Cowboys, if they had their starting running back, would have likely made the College Football Playoff. Still, Warren returned for the team’s Fiesta Bowl win against Notre Dame before going to the NFL, where he has amassed 1,163 yards and five touchdowns with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Green is unlikely to have a Warren-like breakout season alongside a Heisman candidate in the backfield, but his versatility could make him a legitimate weapon for Kasey Dunn’s offense.
Want to join the discussion? Like AllPokes on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Cowboys news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
Ivan is a sports media student at Oklahoma State University. He has covered OSU athletics since 2022 and also covers the OKC Thunder for Inside The Thunder and Thunderous Intentions.