Liberty running back Evan Dickens plans on entering the transfer portal when it officially opens January 2nd, according to several reports.
Playing for the Flames in 2025 after transferring from Georgia Tech, Dickens left his mark on Liberty’s record books during his first season with the Flames. The running back rushed for 1,339 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. He led the conference in rushing touchdowns and ranked second in the league in rushing yards, only trailing the nation’s leader in rushing, Cam Cook from Jacksonville State who earned first-team all-conference, MVP, and Newcomer of the Year honors. At the end of the college football regular season, Dickens ranked No. 3 in the country in rushing yards per game (121.7), No. 4 in rushing touchdowns (16) and total touchdowns (17), No. 5 in rushing yards (1,339), No. 7 in all-purpose yards (127.27 per game) and No. 10 in scoring (9.3 points per game). The native of Roswell, Ga., posted a school record three 200-yard rushing performances in 2025, ranked second in single-season school history in rushing touchdowns and third in rushing yards.
Dickens is the second running back to announce his intentions to enter the transfer portal on Monday, joining Vaughn Blue. In 3 seasons at Liberty, Blue had 47 carries for 234 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 19 receptions for 188 yards and 2 scores. This past fall, Blue had 47 rushing attempts for 234 yards (5.0 YPC), and 2 touchdowns to go along with 8 catches for 119 yards and a score. With Dickens and Blue set to enter the portal, and Juju Gray out of eligibility, the Flames have numerous question marks at the running back position entering 2026. Caden Williams is currently the leading returning rusher, as he had 57 carries for 250 yards in 2025. True freshman Jaylon Coleman is second on that list, with 11 rushed for 79 yards.
