The entry of running backs Ajay Allen and Chris Johnson into the transfer portal changes the backend of the Miami depth chart in 2025. Allen was passed on the depth chart in 2024 by Jordan Lyle and Johnson never made an impact during his two seasons with Miami.
In addition to Allen and Johnson entering the transfer portal, Miami is expected to lose starting RB Damian Martinez to the NFL Draft. Martinez has committed to playing in Pop Tarts Bowl and has one more year of eligibility remaining. Martinez led Miami with 823 rushing yards in 2024.
Fletcher has led Miami with 1,059 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns combined in the last two seasons. Lyle had 366 rushing yards and has been the most explosive back for Miami in 2024. Lyle had nine runs of 10 yards or more on 45 carries and was one of five players in the ACC with two runs of 60 or more yards.
Allen had 24 carries for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the first seven 2024 games without receiving any attempts over the final five contests of the season. Johnson had 17 carries for 104 yards and a TD and nine receptions for 74 yards and another score in two seasons with Miami..
BREAKING: Miami RB Chris Johnson Jr. plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 6, 2024
The 6’0 180 RB will have 3 years of eligibility remaining
Was ranked as the No. 11 RB in the ‘23 Class (per On3)https://t.co/PbZzojJjux pic.twitter.com/w3sw6BiL7p
Johnson was consistent for Miami returning 19 kickoffs for 464 yards. The 24.2 kickoff return average by Johnson was third in the ACC this season. Johnson is a versatile RB who 247Sports Director of Scouting Andrew Ivins called one of the fastest players in the 2023 class.
— Ajay Allen (@Ajay3Allen) December 9, 2024
Allen rushed for 544 yards and seven TDs in his two seasons with Miami after transferring from Nebraska. Allen suffered a season-ending collarbone injury with Nebraska in 2022. In his first season with Miami in 2023 Allen was a bigger contributor with 70 carries for 361 yards and five TDs.
Chris Wheatley-Humphrey who redshirted in 2024 and 2025 signee Girard Pringle Jr. are the other RBs currently projected to be on the Miami roster next year with Fletcher and Lyle. Miami will likely need to add another RB for depth. Running backs have produced in the Miami offense under coordinator Shannon Dawson.