Kendrick Raphael

Kendrick Raphael
No. 6 – SMU Mustangs
PositionRunning back
ClassSenior
Personal information
Born (2003-11-15) November 15, 2003 (age 22)
Listed height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Listed weight201 lb (91 kg)
Career information
High schoolNaples (Naples, Florida)
College
Stats at ESPN

Kendrick Raphael (born November 15, 2003) 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

Raphael attended Naples High School in Naples, Florida. As a senior, he rushed for 1,731 yards and 22 touchdowns. Following his graduation, Raphael committed to North Carolina State University to play college football.

College career

As a freshman in 2023, Raphael totaled 67 carries for 309 yards and a touchdown as a reserve. 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.

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. In California's upset victory over No. 15 Louisville, Raphael totaled 120 yards and a touchdown. He finished the season with 943 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, while also recording 34 receptions for 245 yards and a touchdown. After the season, Raphael entered the transfer portal for the second time.

In January 2026, Raphael announced his decision to transfer to Southern Methodist University to play for the SMU Mustangs. He is expected to play a significant role in the Mustangs' offense in 2026.

Statistics

College statistics
Season Team Games Rushing Receiving
GPAttYardsAvgTDRecYardsAvgTD
2023 NC State 11673094.6110969.60
2024 NC State 12784255.4310414.10
2025 California 132329434.113342457.21
2026 SMU 112756.3011111.00
Career373891,7524.517553937.11

References

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. ↑ "NC State RB Kendrick Raphael looking to build off impressive freshman season". 247Sports. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
  4. ↑ "NC State football loses running back to transfer portal. What to know". The News and Observer.
  5. ↑ Ruiz, Joaquin (November 21, 2025). "'A mysterious guy': Meet Cal running back Kendrick Raphael". Daily Cal. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
  6. ↑ Ruiz, Joaquin (November 14, 2025). "Ruiz Report: Give Kendrick Raphael his flowers". Daily Cal. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
  7. 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.
  8. ↑ "Cal's Starting Running Back Enters Transfer Portal". California Golden Bears On SI. January 5, 2026. Retrieved September 8, 2026.
  9. ↑ "SMU reportedly bolsters offense, adds All-ACC transfer in Cal RB Kendrick Raphael". Dallas News. January 13, 2026. Retrieved September 8, 2026.