Penn State running back Noah Cain has entered the transfer portal, according to a report on Wednesday by On3.
Cain ran for 350 yards on 106 attempts and registered four touchdowns as the Nittany Lions’ second leading rusher during the 2021 season, his third year with the program.
While none of Penn State’s running backs had indicated publicly that they intended to transfer this offseason, the Nittany Lions’ struggles running the ball – finishing the season 118th in the nation in rushing offense – coupled with a wide range of options in the running back room led most to believe that Penn State was headed toward some roster turnover this offseason.
Cain turned in a promising freshman campaign in 2019, rushing for 443 yards and eight touchdowns in 10 games, but an injury early in the first game of 2020 brought his second season as a Nittany Lion to a swift end.
If Cain were to leave Penn State (transfer portal entrees are still eligible to return to their current institution) it would leave the Nittany Lions with leading rusher Keyvone Lee, Devyn Ford, Caziah Holmes and incoming freshman Nicholas Singleton, among other depth players.
It’s unclear at this time if any additional running backs intend to transfer this offseason. Cain is so far the most notable transfer portal entrant for Penn State this offseason on either side of the ball, joining Joseph Appiah Darkwa, Enzo Jennings, Des Holmes, Norval Black and Justin Weller.
