Running back Brandon High Jr. has rejoined the UTSA Roadrunners, marking his second return to the program. After a single season with the California Golden Bears, High made the decision to re-enter the transfer portal and commit to his former team in San Antonio. This move has generated considerable excitement among fans and within the team, as High looks to rekindle the success he found during his initial tenure at UTSA.
Running Back Brandon High Jr. Opts for Second Return to UTSA Following Stint at California
In a notable development on January 9, 2026, running back Brandon High Jr. officially announced his transfer back to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). This marks High's second return to the Roadrunners program, following a brief one-season period with the California Golden Bears. High, a native of Spring, Texas, initially played for UTSA during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During this period, he amassed a total of 509 rushing yards and scored eight touchdowns, with a significant portion of this production occurring in his standout 2024 campaign. In that season, he shared carries with Robert Henry Jr., contributing to an offense ranked 12th nationally in yards per game, averaging 5.3 yards per carry and recording 495 total rushing yards. His memorable performance in the 2024 Myrtle Beach Bowl, where he achieved a career-high 103 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in UTSA's 44-15 victory over Coastal Carolina, underscored his potential. After the bowl game, High transferred to California, where he served as a backup to Kendrick Raphael. His time as a Golden Bear saw him gain 98 yards and one touchdown, with all his contributions occurring before October due to subsequent injury limitations that restricted him to five games. His return to San Antonio sees him reuniting with former head coach Jeff Traylor and quarterback Owen McCown. He also rejoins a robust running back group that includes his current and former teammate Will Anderson III, who recorded 866 rushing yards and six touchdowns on a 6.9-yard average in 2025, alongside backups A'Marion Peterson and Bryson Donnell, forming an experienced and talented backfield.
High's decision to return to UTSA exemplifies a growing trend in the modern era of college football's transfer portal, often referred to as 'boomerang transfers.' Similar to Sieh Bangura's journey with Ohio and Minnesota, High is undoubtedly aiming to replicate such a successful return. His recommitment to the Roadrunners suggests a desire to find familiar ground and optimize his performance, hoping that his second stint in San Antonio will lead to his most productive collegiate season yet. This move highlights the dynamic nature of collegiate sports, where athletes seek the best fit to maximize their potential and contribute to team success.