North Texas star RB Caleb Hawkins headed to transfer portal

North Texas star running back Caleb Hawkins, the national leader with 29 touchdowns, announced Sunday that he will enter the transfer portal.

The freshman sensation rushed for 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns and caught 32 passes for 370 yards and four scores for the Mean Green (12-2).

Hawkins' 29 total touchdowns are a record for a freshman. Louisiana Tech's Kenneth Dixon set the old mark of 28 in 2012.

"Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of Mean Green football," Hawkins said on social media. "I'm grateful to the coaching staff for believing in me and giving me the chance to grow as both an athlete and a person. ...

"After much thought, I have decided to officially enter the NCAA transfer portal with three years of eligibility remaining. I will always cherish my time at North Texas.

Hawkins capped his campaign with 198 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries and also had a scoring reception in Saturday's 49-47 victory over San Diego State in the New Mexico Bowl.

The resident of Shawnee, Okla., could look to return home. Eric Morris was hired away from North Texas to be the new head coach at Oklahoma State. Neal Brown will be the new coach of the Mean Green.

Another option might be Texas, which has so far lost four running backs to the transfer portal.

North Texas also is awaiting word from star quarterback Drew Mestemaker, whose 4,379 passing yards are second most in FBS history for a freshman, trailing Ohio State's C.J. Stroud (4,435 in 2021).

He previously said he will announce a decision following the bowl game.

--Field Level Media