Reports: Oregon running back Travis Dye has entered transfer portal
New Oregon football coach Dan Lanning has done an excellent job convincing some players to remain with the program.
But it appears the Ducks' top offensive player last season will not return to the team.
Travis Dye, Oregon's starting running back, has entered the transfer portal a source close to the program told The Register-Guard. On3Sports was the first to report Dye would entertain his future options and enter the portal. There's also a chance Dye could return to the Oregon program.
Oregon running back Travis Dye has entered the transfer portal, @on3sports has learned. Ran for 1,271 yards this season.https://t.co/St4ensmRGU
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 14, 2022
Because of the COVID pandemic, Dye will have one year of eligibility remaining no matter where he plays next season.
After CJ Verdell's season-ending injury against Stanford on Oct. 2, Dye stepped in and became the Ducks most valuable offensive player. He rushed for 1,271 yards and 16 touchdowns. Dye also caught 46 receptions for 402 yards and two scores.
The California native is the fifth 3,000-yard rusher in Oregon history. In four seasons, Dye has registered 3,111 rushing yards and 29 total touchdowns.
If Dye is to depart Eugene, this would leave Oregon with three scholarship running backs and 81 scholarship players overall. Verdell could also depart for the 2022 NFL Draft or return to the Ducks as a fifth-year senior. Byron Cardwell Jr. and Seven McGee are the only other running backs on the roster after Trey Benson entered the portal Wednesday.
On Thursday afternoon, Lanning said whenever he has a conversation about players potentially leaving the program, the general message is different and unique.
"Every player is in a different situation," Lanning said. "I don't know if there's an end-all, be-all with each message. You know, ultimately, I think if you build your program on honesty and you're honest with your players, they recognize that.
"There is what's in the best interest of Oregon and then there's what's in the best interest of the player and when those things align I think really unique special things can happen. And I think a lot of these guys have recognized that."
Contact Register-Guard sportswriter Antwan Staley at astaley@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @antwanstaley.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Reports: Oregon running back Travis Dye has entered transfer portal
