Following the end of a season, every program expects to lose players to the transfer portal, even the No. 1 Oregon Ducks. After their loss to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl, a few players began entering their name into the portal and most recently, sophomore running back Ellis Bynum chose to do the same.
Bynum, who redshirted his true freshman season in 2022, played a true two years for the Ducks and will maintain two years of eligibility wherever he decides to take his future.
🙏🏾🙏🏾
— Ellis Bynum (@EllisBynum) January 3, 2025
Transfer film - https://t.co/7Tg6sJ5ZVE pic.twitter.com/n0pDxe3OBW
The young running back is a native Oregonian, having grown up in Portland, just a few hours up the road from Autzen Stadium, and said that it had been a childhood dream to play for the Ducks.
"Oregon has been my home in every sense of the word, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart," Bynum said. "However, I believe that to continue growing both as a player and as a man, it's time for me to step out of the nest and embrace a new chapter in my journey."
During his redshirt freshman season, Bynum appeared in nine games for Dan Lanning and the Ducks, playing almost entirely on special teams and contributing his first tackle against the California Golden Bears on Nov. 4, 2023.
Throughout Oregon's perfect 12-0 run in the regular season, Bynum took the field in just six games for the Ducks including appearances against Oregon State, Michigan State, Purdue, Illinois, Maryland, and Washington.
While the winter transfer portal officially closed on Dec. 28, 2024, Oregon players have until Jan. 6, 2024, to enter their names because of the Ducks' lengthier season.