Sampson James Enters Transfer Portal

Indiana’s backup running back is looking for a new home.

Oct 31, 2020; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Sampson James (6) carries the ball past Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive lineman Mike Tverdov (97) and linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi (3) as offensive lineman Dylan Powell (72) blocks during the first half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana Football may soon need another running back.

Sampson James announced his intentions to leave Bloomington this year and enter the NCAA Transfer Portal. This isn’t Sampson’s first time doing this. In March of 2020, James looked to leave Indiana after their strength coach went on to Alabama. Only four short days later, Sampson James removed his name from transfer consideration and played for IU last season.

Sampson’s shining moment with Indiana football came back in 2019. In their rivalry game vs Purdue, James carried the rock 22 times for 118 yards and a touchdown in his first career start in a big game to win the Old Oaken Bucket.

James found little success last season. He was stuck behind Stevie Scott who shined in 2020. Sampson only saw 32 carries for 96 yards for a 3.0 yards per carry figure. For his Indiana career, he has 113 carries for 371 yards and three touchdowns. It’s not the production Sampson or Indiana could have expected back in 2019.

James entered Indiana as the highest-ranked recruit in program history. The 4-star running back from Avon High in Indiana never found his footing in Bloomington. IU originally won James over Ohio State as he flipped his commitment and stayed in his home state. James could still return again, but that seems unlikely at this point.

Stay tuned as more comes out on this story.

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