After spending three seasons with the UCLA Bruins from 2022-2024, running back TJ Harden transferred to SMU over the offseason and Harden had a good game in his Mustangs debut on Saturday.
SMU rolled over East Texas A&M 42-13 and Harden was a key contributor in a successful Mustangs rushing attack, with SMU totaling 140 rushing yards while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. Harden’s mark was even better, at 5.3 YPC. The 6’2” senior picked up 42 yards on the grounds on eight carries.
The eight carries was second on the Mustangs behind freshman running back Derrick McFall, who had nine carries for 22 yards. Harden totaled 1,658 in his three seasons with the Bruins, with his best year coming as a sophomore in 2023 where he picked up 827 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.
Harden stuck around for year one under head coach DeShaun Foster but saw his efficiency plummet to a career-low 4.1 YPC but still led UCLA with 536 yards. The running back transferred out of UCLA after the Bruins went 5-7 in 2024 to join SMU, who entered the season as the No. 16 team in the country.
The Los Angeles native will now get a chance to chase the College Football Playoff in the ACC after leaving the Bruins
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Los Angeles native and UCLA’s leading rusher TJ Harden makes his SMU debut
Reporting by Dylan McNeill, UCLA Wire / UCLA Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
