Iowa transfer running back Leshon Williams announces commitment

Iowa transfer running back Leshon Williams has committed to Memphis, he tells On3. After taking visits to Kansas and Memphis, the top available running back in the portal has decided on the Tigers.

The Hawkeyes’ leading rusher in 2023 battled with a leg injury throughout the offseason and opted to enter the transfer portal and prepare for the 2025 season. Williams also received interest from Penn State, Washington, Wisconsin and USC and was planning a visit to Michigan State.

But the running back is shutting down his recruitment and committing to Memphis. He spent time with the Tigers last weekend. An Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection a year ago, Williams rushed for 821 yards with a touchdown and an average of 4.8 yards per carry. He’s rushed for 1,324 career yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. He also caught 27 passes for 172 yards and one touchdown.

Williams was able to spend time at Memphis with running back Mario Anderson Jr., who transferred in last offseason from South Carolina. Anderson has found success with the Tigers, rushing for 1,115 yards on 115 carries with 16 touchdowns.

Now the Iowa transfer running back will be next up. Memphis is 9-2 and ranked third in the American Athletic Conference. The Tigers are expected to compete every year for the Group of Five’s CFP bid.

Because he is a grad transfer, Leshon Williams was able to enter the portal before it officially opens Dec. 9, 2024. More than 2,800 FBS scholarship players entered their names into the NCAA’s transfer database during the 2023-24 school year. Removing those who withdrew or went pro, the final total sat at 2,707 transfers. That means roughly 25% of all FBS scholarship players hit free agency in one year.