Freshman running back Brendon Haygood says he’ll enter the transfer portal once it opens, according to reports. After a season with barely any playing time—just four snaps for the Missouri Tigers—he’s clearly looking for a fresh start.
With so many running backs ahead of him and not much chance to get on the field, Haygood’s move makes sense. He’s hoping for more opportunities somewhere else.
Brendon Haygood’s Limited Playing Time
Haygood came in as a former four-star recruit, but this season he barely cracked the rotation. Even with all his high school hype, he only saw the field for four snaps, all during a Week 3 game against Louisiana.
He managed four carries for 12 yards in those limited chances. For someone with his background, that’s gotta sting a bit.
As a recruit, Haygood ranked No. 399 in the composite and was the No. 27 running back in his class. He’s from Sachse, Texas, and was the No. 54 player in the state.
Initially, he committed to Boise State. But after a breakout senior year, he picked up offers from Texas Tech, Houston, Virginia Tech, and Kansas State.
On signing day, he chose Missouri. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect fit after all.
The Crowded Running Back Room
Missouri’s running back group was packed this year, making it tough for Haygood to get a shot. The team brought in Ahmad Hardy from the transfer portal and saw Jamal Roberts develop, piling on even more competition.
Haygood just couldn’t leapfrog Tavorus Jones or fellow freshman Marquise Davis. He ended up as the fifth guy on the depth chart.
It got even more crowded when three-star running back Maxwell Warner signed with Missouri for the class of 2026. With six backs fighting for carries, it’s hard to blame Haygood for looking elsewhere.
Other Departures and Roster Implications
Haygood isn’t the only one on his way out. Former four-star wide receiver James Madison II and safety Caleb Flagg are also transferring.
The transfer portal’s getting busy, even though it doesn’t officially open until January 2, 2026. It feels like everyone’s trying to figure out their next move.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz and his staff have a lot to juggle with these departures. Drinkwitz admitted the situation’s always changing—no one’s on a two-year contract, so decisions about the future are constant.
The Tigers need to replace guys leaving while bringing in new faces. That’s just how it goes these days.
The Future for Haygood
For Haygood, the transfer portal is a chance to find a team where he can actually get on the field. With his high school résumé and flashes of potential, he’ll probably get some interest.
The real challenge is finding the right fit—a place where he can play, develop, and show what he can do as a running back.
Conclusion
Brendon Haygood’s move into the transfer portal really shows just how intense college football can get. Athletes like him face tough choices when it comes to chasing their dreams.
Missouri’s running back room is crowded, so Haygood probably wants a shot at more playing time somewhere else. Can’t blame the guy for looking out for his future.
The transfer portal opens up on January 2, 2026. Curious to see where Haygood ends up, honestly. Missouri will have to figure out some roster changes too.
If you want more details about Haygood’s decision or what’s happening with Missouri football, check out the full report on Sports Illustrated.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
