The transfer portal is heating up, and let’s just say—somebody big is about to shake things up. Not just any player, either. This is a guy who had every reason to keep it all for himself but chose to give back instead. A guy who, when the NIL checks started rolling in, didn’t blow it on designer fits, tricked-out whips, or some wild off-season vacation. Nah. He sent his bag straight to the ones who helped him get there. And now? He’s gearing up to make another major move.

USC running back A’Marion Peterson is set to enter the spring transfer portal, per reports from 247Sports’ Mike Roach. The former four-star recruit out of Wichita Falls (Texas) Hirschi High School will have three years of eligibility remaining, and after two seasons with limited touches at USC, he’s ready for a fresh start.

According to college football insider Mike Roach, Peterson is set to enter the portal with 3 years of eligibility remaining. The Wichita Falls (Texas) Hirschi product showed flashes of his potential in his short stint with the Trojans, tallying 65 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries.

His best showing? The Las Vegas Bowl, where he put up 43 yards on 12 attempts to help USC edge Texas A&M in a thriller. But now, with USC going through a chaotic first season in the Big Ten—finishing 7-6 and barely keeping its head above water—Peterson is looking for a fresh start.

For a guy who’s been grinding from day one, this next move could be the one that defines his college career. And while fans are debating where he’ll land next, let’s talk about what really makes Peterson stand out: his loyalty to the ones who helped him get here. Before the portal talk, before the bright lights, before USC even knew his name—Peterson was just a high school kid running up 3,714 career yards with a squad that had his back every step of the way. And when he got his first taste of NIL money? He made sure they ate, too.

A’Marion Peterson: Giving back a piece of his NIL cake to the day 1s

Back in July 2024, Peterson received $600 from EA Sports for opting into the upcoming College Football 25 video game. While most players pocketed their earnings, he had a different idea. A’Marion Peterson split the money between four former Hirschi teammates—Izayiah Mackey, Matthew Balderas, Robert Crump, and Caleb Hargrow—and even copped them each a copy of the game.

“They helped protect and block for me in high school. I want to make sure they know how much I appreciate them for getting me to where I’m at today,” Peterson said. It wasn’t a million-dollar NIL deal, but it was a statement. In a world where college football has turned into a business, Peterson reminded everyone what it’s supposed to be about—brotherhood.

And that’s the thing about this kid. He ain’t just another name in the portal, another stat on a roster. He’s got heart. Even as USC struggled through its first Big Ten season, Peterson kept his head down and worked. The Trojans’ rollercoaster year saw them drop four of five games at one point before salvaging the season with a late push, including that gutsy bowl win over A&M. But with USC’s running back room stacked and playing time hard to come by, Peterson knew it was time to move on.

Where does he go next? That’s the million-dollar question. Schools in need of a physical, downhill runner with years of eligibility left are probably already circling his name. A return to Texas? Maybe a program where he can be RB1 from the jump? One thing’s for sure—wherever he goes, he’ll bring the same energy that made him a fan favorite at Hirschi.