BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University senior running back Khalan Griffin has signed a free agent contract with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, the team announced Saturday evening. This marks the first Cardinal to sign a free agent contract with an NFL franchise since 2023, when Rodney Randle signed with the New England Patriots. Randle originally signed with the Chargers before playing in the Canadian Football League.
Griffin is set to report to camp on May 8 and 9. Over the past two seasons, Griffin has been recognized as one of the nation’s top running backs. In 2025, he led the Southland Conference in rushing, earning Second-Team All-Southland Conference honors. Griffin was one of only two Southland backs to surpass the 1,000-yard mark this year, with 218 carries for 1,158 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scoring seven touchdowns. He averaged over 105 yards per game, ranking 10th nationally.
Despite missing the last game of the season due to an injury sustained on a 69-yard touchdown run that was nullified by a penalty, Griffin managed to achieve five games with at least 100 yards rushing. His career-high performance included 197 yards in a victory against McNeese State.
A two-time All-SLC selection, Griffin became just the fourth back in Cardinal history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. The Tyler, Texas native leaves Lamar University as the school’s fourth all-time leading rusher with 2,600 yards and holds the third-best single-season mark set in 2025.
Throughout his 33-game career, Griffin made 29 starts, carrying the ball 504 times for 2,600 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, with 18 touchdowns. He also recorded 10 games with at least 100 yards rushing.