Before Jamar Curtis claimed the starting running back role in 2022, the Lafayette Leopards hadn’t surpassed four wins in a season since 2014. They’ve done so in each of his two years. Coincidence? I think not.
Now preparing to enter the transfer portal, where will Curtis land in 2025 and beyond?
Where Will Jamar Curtis Transfer?
Listed at 5’8″ and 164 pounds, Curtis is one of the smaller backs in the nation, but don’t overlook him simply due to his stature. Over the last two seasons, the Lafayette RB has been one of the most productive rushers at the FCS level.
- 2022: 234 carries, 1,459 yards, and 15 TDs
- 2023: 229 carries, 1,139 yards, and 16 TDs
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
While Curtis’ lack of size limits his ability to run through tackles or gain yards after contact, he’s consistently forced whiffs in the open field and has the speed to incinerate second and third-level defenders.
If that wasn’t enough, Curtis also has some kick-returning experience stemming from his true freshman season, and his hands are solid as well (89 career targets, six drops). So, where will the Leopards star end up?
Temple Owls
The Temple Owls were one of four FBS schools to offer Curtis coming out of high school, and while the coaching staff has changed twice since then, there’s reason for optimism in Philly.
Form Sam Houston State Bearkats head coach K.C. Keeler is coming to town with a long track record of winning. He helped the Bearkats transition to the FBS and became one of the better teams in the CUSA.
Curtis also has ties to the Owls through his agent, Stephen E. Vanyo, who earned a doctorate degree at Temple just a few years ago.
The MAC
The MAC is one of the most run-heavy conferences in the country, and Curtis would be an excellent fit on several teams.
- Ohio Bobcats: Leading rusher Anthony Tyus is a grad transfer
- Bowling Green Falcons: RB1 Terion Stewart entered the portal
- Toledo Rockets: Two of the top three RBs (Jacquez Stuart and Sevaughn Clark) will be out of eligibility
- Miami RedHawks: Three RBs are seniors, including 1,000-yard rusher Keyon Mozee
Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens
Delaware has long been one of the better teams at the FCS level — so much so that they are making the jump to the FBS next season. The Blue Hens will make their CUSA debut without starting RB Marcus Yarns, putting pressure on the coaching staff to find a suitable replacement in their zone-heavy scheme.
Luckily, Curtis fits the bill, as over 78% of his rush attempts came on zone looks this year.
Marshall Thundering Herd
Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Charles Huff was a longtime RBs coach and is no stranger to the Northeast, having played and coached at Hampton (2010) as well as Maryland (2009).
MORE: See Every Team’s CFP Odds With the College Football Playoff Meter 2024
The Thundering Herd also offered Curtis as a recruit and could use some depth behind redshirt sophomore A.J. Turner in the backfield.
Kansas Jayhawks
The Buffalo Bulls offered Curtis as well, but head coach Lance Leipold and co-OC Jim Zebrowski left the program for the same roles with the Kansas Jayhawks. Reunion, anyone?
Outside of familiarity, the Jayhawks also provide Curtis with the opportunity to play in the Power Four and work with RBs coach Jonathan Wallace, who was selected for the AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute in December 2023 and was recognized with a spot on 247Sports’ 30Under30.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.