Evan Pryor’s decision to transfer wasn’t about becoming a starter. It was about finding a school and coaching staff that could maximize his abilities.
The former Cincinnati running back combined for 940 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two seasons, averaging 7.12 yards per carry with the Bearcats.
He passed up opportunities to become the lead back at other schools, instead committing to Florida, where his place on the depth chart was unclear. Star running back Jadan Baugh had yet to decide whether he would return to the Gators or enter the transfer portal.
Baugh’s status wasn’t a determining factor for Pryor. He wanted to find a school that fit his play style and gave him an opportunity to showcase what he does best.
“I had opportunities to go be the No. 1 at other spots, but I don’t think that’s what it’s about for me and my play style,” Pryor said. “I was never a guy who needed 20, 25 carries to be productive, or have two touchdowns, or go over 100 yards.”
With Baugh back at Florida, Pryor won’t lead the team in carries, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be effective.
The 5-foot-10, 189-pound back has never been the lead back, but he’s consistently found ways to create explosive plays when given opportunities. Eighteen of Pryor’s 76 rushing attempts in 2025 went for 10 or more yards, the second-most among FBS running backs with fewer than 100 carries. He’s also averaged more than 10 yards per catch in each of the last two seasons.
“Jadan’s gonna do what he does with his amount of carries, and I feel like whatever comes after that between us and the backs we’ll work it out and it’ll be fine,” Pryor said. “I’ve had three carries in some games and had over 80-something yards. So, whatever my team calls on me to do whenever I need I’m there. I’m going to make the play when my number’s called.”
Pryor is at his best in open space, where he can utilize his speed, quickness and elusiveness to make defenders miss. It’s a natural fit for Buster Faulkner’s system.
“I felt like at my other school, I wasn’t being used to the most of my ability. So that was my entire reason behind finding a new school. And then, you know, Coach Foster, Coach Faulkner, what they presented to me was up my alleyway, you know, and things that I feel is gonna help me at the next level,” Pryor said.
“Throughout camp, all spring, I’ve been doing a whole lot of things that bring what I do to the table, to the forefront. Things that make me special, you know, being in space, making bigger plays, that’s been a repetitive thing throughout my career,” Pryor added. “I feel like the sky’s the limit, it should be really explosive.”
The Cornelius, North Carolina native believes his game will complement Baugh’s.
Baugh is more of a downhill runner, while Pryor flashes on the perimeter where he showcases his speed.
“We’re two different types of backs. That went into my decision as well. You don’t want to go somewhere where they already kind of have your role sketched out for someone else,” Pryor said. “I think it’ll be great. I view myself as a top back in the country as well. So we both get a chance to feed off of each other.”
Pryor is in his sixth and final year of eligibility, but he feels like his game is still growing. A top-100 recruit in the 2021 class, Pryor committed to Ohio State, where he competed with eventual second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson for snaps. After an injury and three seasons of limited playing time, Pryor didn’t get his first real opportunity until 2024.
After two productive seasons at Cincinnati, Pryor is ready to put it all together at Florida in 2026.
“I didn’t really get a chance to step out there and show what I could do,” Pryor said about his early career. “These last 2 years at Cincinnati, I was just building my game and putting days back together. So I feel like here, my last season of eligibility at Florida, it’s my time to really just put it all together. My final product.”