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UCLA RB transfer TJ Harden commits to SMU

On3 imageby:Billy Embody04/18/25

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Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA transfer running back TJ Harden has committed to SMU after his visit to Dallas. He entered the transfer portal in December after three seasons with the Bruins and now will play his final season with the Mustangs.

He was the Bruins’ leading rusher during the 2024 season, totaling 124 carries for 505 yards and two touchdowns across all 12 games for UCLA during the regular season.

His best performance of the 2024 season came during a 20-17 win over Iowa, where he carried the ball 20 times for 125 yards and two touchdowns. He also rattled off a 14-carry, 98-yard performance against rival USC on Nov. 23.

During the first eight matchups of the season, he amassed 226 rushing yards while in the final month of the season he doubled his season numbers and rushed for 279 yards.

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Over his career, he has rushed 324 times for 1,658 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and 12 touchdowns while starting 14 of 31 career games.

SMU was in the market for a transfer running back with Jaylan Knighton, LJ Johnson and Camar Wheaton all no longer with the program.

To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire for the 2024 season. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.

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