Cam Skattebo’s story can be a hit if it ever catches the eyes of Hollywood. His rise had all the ingredients for a moving underdog story. He was a kid from a small town who dreamt of the NFL while running on his high school football field. He didn’t have big schools chasing him. But he knew his worth and kept on grinding until he finally got his spotlight to shine, all thanks to the transfer portal. It gave him the chance to go from Sacramento State to Arizona State.
Now, he’s a 2025 NFL Draft prospect, inching closer to making his dream come true. Here we have shared the amazing journey Skattebo went through how he got his breakthrough through the Transfer Portal.

How the Transfer Portal Boosted Cam Skattebo’s Rise to 2025 NFL Draft Prospect
Skattebo grew up in Rio Linda, California. He was a star at Rio Linda High School. He racked up over 6,000 yards and 69 touchdowns. But only one Division I school offered him a spot: Sacramento State, and he took it.
In 2021, as a freshman, he ran for 520 yards and six touchdowns, which wasn’t bad for a start. By 2022, he was a beast, rushing for 1,372 yards and earning Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year. He was a star at the FCS level. But he wanted more.
After the 2022 season, his coach left for Stanford. Skattebo saw a chance. He jumped into the transfer portal, and Arizona State came calling. It was a big step up to the Power Five level. In 2023, he joined the Sun Devils.
The team struggled, going 3-9. But Skattebo stood out. He ran for 783 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for 286 yards. He threw passes for 191 yards across his career, including trick plays in 2023. He even punted eight times.
Then came 2024, which was an explosive year for the young talent. He rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns. He caught 45 passes for 605 yards. That’s 2,316 scrimmage yards. He led Arizona State to an 11-3 record and a Big 12 title.
In the Peach Bowl against Texas, he ran for 143 yards, caught eight passes for 99 yards, and threw a 42-yard touchdown. Thanks to his performance in Arizona, he finished fifth in Heisman voting, which made NFL scouts take notice. They see him as a third- or fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Skattebo has the strength to break tackles like they’re nothing. His talent makes him one of the potential stars of the NFL. The transfer portal was Skattebo’s ticket. It took him from a local hero at Sacramento State to a national name at Arizona State.
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His coach, Kenny Dillingham, pushed him to get stronger and faster. Skattebo dropped body fat and worked harder. He proved he could compete with the best. Now, he’s not just a prospect. He’s a player NFL teams want. His journey shows what happens when talent meets opportunity.
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