It’s not often a redshirt freshman has done enough to warrant a call-up to a higher level, but Morgan State RB Jason Collins Jr. may be an exception. Will the recent transfer portal entrant play in the FBS next season?
Where Will Jason Collins Jr. Transfer?
Collins received FCS Freshman All-American and MEAC Rookie of the Year honors after rushing for 620 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
While those totals may not appear all that impressive on paper, this season was Collins’ first with significant collegiate touches.
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Additionally, the Bears had four different QBs who threw 20+ passes en route to a 6-6 record — their best record since 2014 — so the bar was rather low.
Collins also contributed 17 receptions for 143 yards and returned three kicks for 62 yards, highlighting his versatility. But did he show enough to warrant a spot on an FBS roster?
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane just hired former Gardner-Webb/East Tennessee State head coach Tre Lamb to lead the program, and one of his first decisions was offering Collins a scholarship.
The team just needs talent to kick off the rebuild, and Collins has it in spades, particularly on the move.
Maryland Terrapins
Collins is from the Washington, D.C., area, so landing with the Maryland Terrapins would be a bit of a homecoming. But more importantly, he would become the lightning to Roman Hemby’s thunder, giving the offense a much-needed boost with uncertainty under center — 2024 starter Bill Edwards Jr. is in the portal.
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. A possible answer? Collins, who has the ability to break any run to the house.
Virginia Cavaliers
Head coach Tony Elliott spent nine years as an RBs coach before taking the Virginia Cavaliers’ reigns, and he’ll need a new workhouse with Kobe Pace on the way out.
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Of course, Collins may need a year to adjust to the Power Four level, but he has the innate speed and elusiveness every offense covets. His redshirt freshman status is only a plus.
New Mexico Lobos
Idaho HC Jason Eck will replace Bronco Mendenhall with the New Mexico Lobos, and we already know his offensive philosophy: run the ball.
The Vandals had a 373/455 pass/run split this season, which you’d expect from a former offensive line coach. In fact, they had four RBs receive 60+ carries in 2024.
Adding to the allure is Collins’ offensive coordinator, Apollo Wright, who spent seven seasons as an assistant at New Mexico before joining Morgan State.
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