Jacksonville State Gamecocks’ running back Ron Wiggins was lightly recruited out of high school, ultimately picking the Gamecocks over a handful of FCS and lower Group of Five offers.
1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns later, Wiggins is in the portal with one year of eligibility remaining. Where are some potential landing spots for the productive running back?
Landing Spots For Ron Wiggins
Wiggins is a powerful runner with breakaway speed. He functioned mostly as a change-of-pace back in Jacksonville State’s high-octane offense. Wiggins is originally from Alabama and should receive some interest from some of the bigger schools in the area as a rotational back.
If he values playing time, he may like to be the featured back at a Group of Five school.
Troy Trojans
Troy lost several key players to the 2024 NFL Draft and the transfer portal, including star running back Kimani Vidal, who ran for over 1,600 yards a year ago. Despite being a home-state school, Troy isn’t close to Jacksonville, but the appeal to go to a winning team with room on the roster could be great for Wiggins.
Georgia State Panthers
Georgia State lost its head coach late in the cycle and quickly moved for Georgia running backs coach Dell McGee. Considered one of the top running backs coaches in the country, McGee will likely prioritize a strong running game in Atlanta.
It’s an hour and a half from Jacksonville to Atlanta and the depth chart would be appealing to a guy who probably wants a bit more playing time and the opportunity to be the featured back.
Auburn Tigers
The local SEC school has two returning contributors at running back, but beyond that is pretty thin at the position. Wiggins is a guy who could come in and fill a role both in the backfield and on special teams for the Tigers.
In the case of an injury, he’s talented enough to step in and be an able contributor as an SEC running back.
Tulane Green Wave
Tulane is likely to be active in this transfer window and will be looking for a few more playmakers. Wiggins wouldn’t likely start for the Green Wave, but he’d hold a similar change-of-pace role.
This one isn’t as likely as it’s not a step up in competition or a guaranteed starting spot. However, if Wiggins just needs a change of scenery, Tulane provides a great opportunity on less of a learning curve.
UAB Blazers
UAB was one of the few FBS schools to offer Wiggins out of high school, and though there’s been a head coaching change since then, running backs coach Hindley Brigham is still on staff with the Blazers.
KEEP READING: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
There’s an opportunity for Wiggins to reconnect with the Blazers in Birmingham, and he could see plenty of playing time on a team that needs a go-to back.
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