Miami Fourth-Year Running Back Donald Chaney Jr. Intends to Enter Transfer Portal

As the transfer portal countdown ticks away, college football fans find themselves on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the flurry of moves set to unfold. The Miami Hurricanes’ football program, already accustomed to the transfer portal spotlight, is once again in the news as fourth-year redshirt sophomore running back, Donald Chaney Jr., intends to enter the transfer portal, marking another departure for the team this offseason.

Donald Chaney Jr.’s story at the University of Miami is one of perseverance, resilience, and a triumphant return to the field. The South Florida native flashed brilliance as a true freshman during the 2020 season when given the opportunity, but misfortune would strike shortly after, as he faced multiple setbacks due to lower extremity injuries during his second and third years at the university, sidelining him for the majority of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. According to a program source, Chaney was set to be the featured back entering the 2021 season for the Hurricanes. Despite these challenges, Chaney Jr. refused to be defined by his injuries, displaying unwavering determination to overcome adversity and return to the field.

The 2023 season marked a full-fledged healthy return for Chaney Jr. The running back showcased his skills and determination, running for 478 yards and scoring five rushing touchdowns on 94 carries while averaging 5.1 yards per carry across 11 games in a talented four-headed running back committee. His resurgence was a testament to his commitment to the sport and his ability to bounce back stronger than ever.

Throughout his four-year career at the University of Miami, Chaney Jr. accumulated a total of 852 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns on 175 career carries. In addition to his ground game contributions, he grabbed 17 receptions for 162 receiving yards in 25 games. Despite the challenges he faced, Chaney Jr. left it all on the field for the Miami Hurricanes football program.

With two years of eligibility remaining, Chaney Jr.’s decision to enter the transfer portal comes as a surprise to some fans. While the specifics of his decision remain undisclosed, it is clear that Chaney Jr. is exploring opportunities and potentially the chance to be a lead back for another collegiate program now that he is healthy again. The transfer portal has become a transformative tool for student-athletes seeking fresh starts or enhanced playing opportunities, and Chaney Jr. is the prime example of a player who has regained his footing on the football field and is willing to test what a new opportunity could possibly do for his future.