TCU Football: Zach Evans Reportedly Set to Enter Transfer Portal

Initially reported in October, TCU's star running back will be leaving the team.

Photo: © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After weeks of speculation, to no one's surprise, TCU running back Zach Evans is reportedly entering the transfer portal. 

Evans, a sophomore, played in half of TCU's games this year. His last game was the West Virginia game on October 23. He had suffered a toe injury in the Texas Tech game earlier in October.

In his six games in 2021, he carried the ball 92 times for a total of 648 yards, averaging 7.0 yards per carry. He had five rushing touchdowns. On the receiving side, he went 6-10 for 130 yards and a touchdown. His 7.0 yards per carry put him 5th in all of college football for 2021. 

He ends his TCU career with 14 games played, 145 rushing attempts, 1,060 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 14 receptions on 17 attempts, 200 passing yards, and one passing touchdown. 

Speculation of his decision to enter the transfer portal began on October 27 when Evans removed all mentions of TCU from his Instagram account. PFF College first reported this:

Zach Evans removed all mentions of TCU on his IG 👀

One of the best RBs in the country… pic.twitter.com/MDPiVbwhkd

— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 27, 2021

He was at practice that day, per Drew Davison, TCU beat writer. He continued to report to practice the remainder of the season, even with the injury. 

Told TCU RB Zach Evans was at practice yesterday. "All is good," source said today.

— Drew Davison (@drewdavison) October 27, 2021

Later that day, when asked by someone through an Instagram DM, Evans's response was "negative" when asked if he was entering the transfer portal.

The new Name/Image/Likeness (NIL) opportunities for college athletes are likely part of his decision to move on from the Horned Frogs. This will be a key factor when he determines his next destination. 

Injuries, the transfer portal, NIL, and a coaching change have impacted the season thus far. The departure of Evans likely will not be the first. Expect the ongoing calls for immediate change in the program to only grow. 

Evans joins quarterback Matthew Downing (entered the transfer portal on November 10), wide receiver TJ Steele (entered October 6), and pass rusher Mark Jackson Jr. (entered August 11) as eligible transfers out from TCU for 2022.

TCU finished the season 5-7 and 3-6 in Big 12 play. The Horned Frogs did not become bowl eligible and have not played in a bowl game since the 2018 season. They were scheduled to play in the Texas Bowl last year, but due to Covid, the game was canceled.

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