Six days after being named offensive MVP of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, Gophers running back Ky Thomas entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal.

“I want to thank my coaches, teammates and The University Of Minnesota. I have entered the transfer portal,” Thomas said on Twitter Monday.

After season-ending injuries to teammates Mohamed Ibrahim and Trey Potts, Ky Thomas was thrust into a larger role at the running back position in 2021 with the Gophers.

Thomas, a Topeka, Kansas native took advantage of the opportunity. The former three-star recruit finished the season as the team’s leading rusher with 166 carries for 824 yards and six touchdowns.

Ibrahim and Potts are expected to return from injury next season, while second-leading rusher, freshman Mar’Kiese ‘Bucko’ Irving is also planning to remain with the program. Redshirt junior Bryce Williams and incoming three-star freshman Zach Evans will likely round out the team’s running back room in 2022.