South Alabama freshman running back Fluff Bothwell will enter the NCAA transfer portal, he announced on Sunday.

Bothwell has rushed for 834 yards and 13 touchdowns on just 112 carries — averaging 7.4 yards per attempt — in 12 games for the Jaguars this season while sharing the backfield with Kentrel Bullock. Bothwell’s touchdown total is tied for the Sun Belt lead with Louisiana-Monroe’s Ahmad Hardy, who had more than twice as many carries.

Bothwell made the announcement via Instagram:

The 5-foot-10, 219-pound Bothwell is the fourth South Alabama player to publicly announce plans to enter the transfer portal, which opens for 20 days beginning Monday. Also set to hit the portal are starting Husky (nickel) safety Jordan Scruggs, starting kicker Laith Marjan and reserve defensive back Brian Dillard.

Bothwell starred at Oneonta High School, where he totaled 5,143 yards and 73 touchdowns during his final two seasons. He was named Class 5A Back of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as a junior in 2022 before battling injuries during his senior season.

Bothwell’s departure via the transfer portal has long been viewed as an inevitability by those around the South Alabama program. He is expected to be highly sought-after by power-conference programs, who can offer lucrative NIL deals that Group of 5 programs such as the Jaguars cannot.

Players who wish to enter the transfer portal must notify their schools of their intention to do so by Dec. 28. However, there is no deadline for when they must choose a new school.

South Alabama (6-6) plays Western Michigan (6-6) in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl next Saturday in Montgomery. Head coach Major Applewhite said Thursday he would allow players who enter the transfer portal to play in the bowl game, provided they continue to attend meetings and participate in practice in the week leading up to the game.