Anthony Hankerson's NFL detour lasted about as long as a preseason drive. The Seahawks waived the former Oregon State running back on Monday, and he's reportedly planning to enter the transfer portal and head back to college. That's a real plot twist, and honestly, it's one worth paying attention to if you're a Coug who follows roster churn or just someone who likes seeing athletes make smart, human decisions. Seahawks waive RB Anthony Hankerson and NFL waiver wire updates are useful context, but the bigger story here is about knowing when to pump the brakes on a dream that isn't working yet.
Here's the take: too many of us get locked into a path because it looks good on paper. Hankerson signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent, which is already a long shot. But when the roster math didn't work out, he didn't double down on a sinking ship. He looked at his options, saw the value in another year of eligibility, and made the call to hit the portal. That's not a failure. That's a practical pivot. Oregon State running back depth chart and transfer portal tracker show this kind of move is becoming more common, but that doesn't make it less smart. He's betting on himself having more to offer at the college level than he does in a crowded NFL backfield right now. And honestly? That's a solid bet.
For our readers, this is a reminder that "future me will thank me" isn't just a study-abroad slogan. It applies to football players, part-time baristas, and anyone else staring down a decision that feels like a step back but might actually be a step sideways into something better. Hankerson isn't quitting. He's re-routing. There's a difference, and it's a lesson we could all use when the plan falls apart. If a friend asked me about this, I'd say: watch where he lands. The fact that he's willing to go back to college, grind through another season, and bet on his own development says more about his character than any preseason carry ever could. Seahawks roster cuts analysis will tell you why he's out, but his next move will tell you who he is.
The concrete thing to watch is his landing spot. He won't be short on suitors; a running back with Power Four experience and a year of eligibility left is a valuable piece for a program needing depth. For Hankerson, this is about finding a place where he can actually carry the ball, not just chase a practice squad spot. For us, it's a chance to cheer for a guy who chose a second act over a stubborn ending. So here's the question that matters: which school gets a player who clearly understands that the goal isn't to stay in the league at all costs, but to play meaningful football while you still can? That's the real draft pick in this story.
