Former NC State Running Back Kendrick Raphael is Transferring to Cal

Former NC State Running Back Kendrick Raphael is transferring to Cal.

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 is 1 of 21 NC State players to enter the Transfer Portal this year. 17 of 21 have found a new home.

RB Kendrick Raphael – Cal
WR Dacari Collins – Louisville
OL Obadiah Obasuyi – Georgia State
S Devan Boykin – Indiana
S Bishop Fitzgerald – USC
CB Brandon Cisse – South Carolina
Nickel Tamarcus Cooley – LSU
OL Robby Martin – West Virginia
LB Wyatt Wright – Arkansas St.
TE Juice Vereen – UCONN
WR KC Concepcion – Texas A&M
WR Jakolbe Baldwin – Marshall
LB Cannon Lewis – Marshall
DT DJ Jackson – Liberty
LB Jayland Parker – Marshall
DE Red Hibbler – Mississippi St.
OL Sean Hill – Tulsa
RB Jordan Poole
WR Jalen Coit
OL Patrick Matan
LB Kamal Bonner