// Workers AI · dad joke modeWho's Kendrick Raphael? A brush with greatness.
| No. 6 – SMU Mustangs | |
|---|---|
| Position | Running back |
| Class | Senior |
| Personal information | |
| Born | November 15, 2003[1] |
| Listed height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Listed weight | 201 lb (91 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Naples (Naples, Florida) |
| College |
|
| Stats at ESPN | |
Kendrick Raphael (born November 15, 2003)[1] is an American college football running back for the SMU Mustangs. He previously played for the NC State Wolfpack and California Golden Bears.
Early life
[edit]Raphael attended Naples High School in Naples, Florida. As a senior, he rushed for 1,731 yards and 22 touchdowns.[2] Following his graduation, Raphael committed to North Carolina State University to play college football.[2]
College career
[edit]As a freshman in 2023, Raphael totaled 67 carries for 309 yards and a touchdown as a reserve.[3] His playing time increased as a sophomore, rushing for 425 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games. Raphael entered the transfer portal following the conclusion of the season.[4]
Prior to the start of the 2025 season, Raphael transferred to the University of California, Berkeley to play for the California Golden Bears. He played a significant role in the Golden Bears' offense during the season.[5] In California's upset victory over No. 15 Louisville, Raphael totaled 120 yards and a touchdown.[6] He finished the season with 943 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while also recording 34 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown.[7] After the season, Raphael entered the transfer portal for the second time.[8]
In January 2026, Raphael announced his decision to transfer to Southern Methodist University to play for the SMU Mustangs.[9] He is expected to play a significant role in the Mustangs' offense in 2026.[7]
Statistics
[edit]| Season | Team | Games | Rushing | Receiving | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP | Att | Yards | Avg | TD | Rec | Yards | Avg | TD | ||
| 2023 | NC State | 11 | 67 | 309 | 4.6 | 1 | 10 | 96 | 9.6 | 0 |
| 2024 | NC State | 12 | 78 | 425 | 5.4 | 3 | 10 | 41 | 4.1 | 0 |
| 2025 | California | 13 | 232 | 943 | 4.1 | 13 | 34 | 245 | 7.2 | 1 |
| 2026 | SMU | 1 | 12 | 75 | 6.3 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Career | 37 | 389 | 1,752 | 4.5 | 17 | 55 | 393 | 7.1 | 1 | |
References
[edit]- 1 2 @RaphaelKendrick (November 15, 2020). "Blessed to be alive and have the lord look over my head, every since day 🥳🙏🏾#17" (Tweet). Retrieved September 8, 2026 – via Twitter.
- 1 2 Martin, Alex (November 29, 2022). "Naples 4-star running back Kendrick Raphael headed to NC State after decommitting from Iowa". Naples Daily News. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ "NC State RB Kendrick Raphael looking to build off impressive freshman season". 247Sports. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ "NC State football loses running back to transfer portal. What to know". The News and Observer.
- ↑ Ruiz, Joaquin (November 21, 2025). "'A mysterious guy': Meet Cal running back Kendrick Raphael". Daily Cal. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ Ruiz, Joaquin (November 14, 2025). "Ruiz Report: Give Kendrick Raphael his flowers". Daily Cal. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- 1 2 Assimakopoulos, Lia (August 20, 2026). "Cal transfer RB Kendrick Raphael gives SMU something it's been missing since CFP run". Dallas News. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ "Cal's Starting Running Back Enters Transfer Portal". California Golden Bears On SI. January 5, 2026. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
- ↑ "SMU reportedly bolsters offense, adds All-ACC transfer in Cal RB Kendrick Raphael". Dallas News. January 13, 2026. Retrieved September 8, 2026.