NC State Football

NC State Running Back Kendrick Raphael is Entering the Transfer Portal

Published

1 year ago

April 13, 2025

According to ON3, NC State Running Back Kendrick Raphael is entering the Transfer Portal when it opens this Wednesday.

BREAKING: NC State RB Kendrick Raphael plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports

The 5’11 205 RB totaled 871 Yards & 4 TDs through 2 seasons

Was the 3rd-leading rusher on the Wolfpack (totaled 5.4 YPC)

3 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/JitBXqhm12 pic.twitter.com/GPk8FuxXj3

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 13, 2025

Raphael rushed for 425 yards and 3 touchdowns this past season as a Sophomore with the Wolfpack, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. He also had 10 receptions for 41 yards. As a True Freshman, he rushed for 309 yards and a touchdown in 2023, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

After starting the year #2 on the Depth Chart behind Jordan Waters this past Fall, it was Redshirt Freshman Hollywood Smothers who became the starter for the 2nd half of the year. Heading into 2025, there isn’t any doubt that Smothers is RB1 in Raleigh. Rapahel could be looking for an opportunity to be a starting Running Back for his final two seasons.

Regardless, the loss of Raphael isn’t insubstantial. The 1-2 punch of Smothers and Raphael was sure to be one of the better Running Back duos in the ACC in 2025. Duke Scott, who was a True Freshman last Fall, will likely be the 2nd string Running Back behind Smothers this Fall.

Coming out of High School, Raphael was rated as a 4-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class by ESPN and Rivals, with the latter ranking him as the #18 Running Back nationally in his class.

Raphael shared this image on his Instagram Story to bid farewell.