Miami losing out on North Dakota State RB in the final hour

North Dakota State running back and Omaha native CharMar Brown was expected to announce his transfer destination on Monday between Nebraska and Miami. It was initially reported that Brown was 50-50 between the two programs but he has now been predicted to choose Cal as his next home.

Brown, a 5-foot-11, 214-pound redshirt freshman, had a standout season with the Bison, rushing for 1,181 yards and 15 touchdowns over 16 games. His performance earned him multiple accolades, including the Jerry Rice Award, which honors the top freshman in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

A graduate of Omaha's Creighton Prep High School, Brown's ties to Nebraska have made the Cornhuskers a natural fit. He visited Lincoln last Thursday, following an earlier trip to Miami. While Nebraska offered proximity to home and a potential role in the backfield alongside projected starter Emmett Johnson, Miami presented an opportunity to join a program on the rise.

Nebraska's interest in Brown intensified after the departure of running back Dante Dowdell, who transferred to Kentucky. Brown's addition would have provided depth and competition in the Huskers' backfield. Miami was looking to strengthen its running back corps. Brown's consistent performances at the highest part of the FCS made him a viable candidate to get playing time for the Hurricanes.

It was reported by some news outlets that Cal was still in play but they seemed like a late riser in the race. Brown can be the starting running back at Cal and that potentially was the deciding factor over Miami and Nebraska. Miami still projects to have a decent backfield, similar to Nebraska, but the Cornhuskers missed out on a hometown player. Reports had them as being all-in on Brown as a prospect but it appears that he opted for going to a place with more guarenteed opportunity.