Oregon Running Back Byron Cardwell to Enter Transfer Portal

Another big name on offense looks like he'll be playing his college ball elsewhere.

Max Torres | Nov 29, 2022

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Oregon Ducks running back Byron Cardwell will enter the transfer portal. He announced his decision on his Instagram story Tuesday.

Byron Cardwell Transfer Story — Byron Cardwell on Instagram (@byron.cardwell1k)

"I want to thank the Lord for everything He has done for me and I'm thankful and appreciate those who kindly supported me while at the University of Oregon," Cardwell penned on social media. "I will be entering the transfer portal. #GODSPLAN"

Cardwell is the second player to enter the transfer portal this week after wide receiver Dont'e Thornton announced he was entering the portal Monday evening. He's the third player to enter the transfer portal this season, as wide receiver Seven McGee entered in early November.

The San Diego native signed with the Ducks as a four-star recruit in the 2021 recruiting class along with the aforementioned McGee as a running back duo under Jim Mastro.

Oregon Ducks running back Byron Cardwell takes a handoff from Anthony Brown vs. Cal. — Oregon Ducks running back Byron Cardwell takes a carry from quarterback Anthony Brown during a game against the California Golden Bears :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

Cardwell played in just two games for Oregon in 2022, totaling 76 rushing yards and one touchdown on just 11 carries. He also added 34 receiving yards and a touchdown on four catches.

Oregon Ducks running back Byron Cardwell against the Washington State Cougars in 2021. — Oregon Ducks running back Byron Cardwell against the Washington State Cougars in 2021 :: Scott Boldt/Ducks Digest

The running back's small role in 2022 came as a shock to many. He shined as a true freshman in 2021 following CJ Verdell's season-ending injury against Stanford, but the Ducks added three new running backs under the new coaching staff in Bucky Irving, Noah Whittington and Jordan James. Cardwell ran for 417 yards and three touchdowns on 61 carries in 2021--a season that landed him on the Doak Walker Award watch list ahead of this year.

TORRES' TAKE: How does Kenny Dillingham's departure affect Oregon football recruiting?

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Published Nov 29, 2022

MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.