Kansas Football Interested in Transfer RB Who Signed Two NFL Contracts

Kansas is one of the schools linked to a transfer running back who was temporarily granted eligibility by the NCAA.

Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back TJ Harden (30) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

We might only be two weeks away from the Kansas football season opener, but the Jayhawks may still be looking to bolster their roster as the NCAA's eligibility fiasco continues.

One player who recently received temporary eligibility from the organization is former UCLA and SMU running back TJ Harden. The star tailback successfully filed a TRO that allows him to pursue new collegiate opportunities during his ongoing court case.

According to On3 expert Pete Nakos, KU, Baylor, Kentucky and Syracuse are recruiting the new transfer portal entrant. The only catch? Harden appeared in an NFL preseason game just a week ago.

After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, he signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent before being cut earlier this month. He then signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Seattle Seahawks, where he appeared in a preseason contest with the reigning Super Bowl champions, carrying the ball twice for one yard. Seattle waived him six days ago, putting Harden back on the open market ― this time in the NCAA instead of the NFL.

Harden is an accomplished running back at the Division I level, tallying 2,445 rushing yards on 4.9 yards per carry with 21 touchdowns across his four-year career. He had a career year at SMU this past season, finishing with a career high nine touchdowns and 787 yards for the Mustangs.

What Does This Mean for Kansas' Backfield?

Before we make any crazy assumptions, the report of Kansas being "interested" could be a nothingburger. Perhaps the Jayhawks simply reached out to his agents to gauge his willingness to play for KU.

However, if the program is truly searching for another running back two weeks before the season, that probably isn't a great sign for how the position group has fared through the first couple of weeks of fall camp.

There doesn't seem to be much room for another tailback in Lawrence, with Dylan Edwards and Yasin Willis already projected as the 1A and 1B ball carriers. Even Colorado State transfer Jalen Dupree has an opportunity to carve out a role in the offense.

We're going to believe KU was simply doing its due diligence on a talented player rather than aggressively pursuing him. If the Jayhawks are going to return to a bowl game in 2026, the rushing attack behind Edwards and Willis will be an essential factor.

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