Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker will bypass the Peach Bowl and his senior season to enter and prepare for the 2022 NFL Draft, he announced Thursday.
Walker finished his junior campaign as the nation's second-leading rusher after posting 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns. Only Central Michigan freshman Lew Nichols tallied more yards.
Walker transferred to Michigan State in 2021 after spending his first two seasons at Wake Forest. He instantly blossomed with the Spartans, running for 264 yards and four touchdowns in his season debut against Northwestern.
The Tennessee native went on to capture the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back and place sixth in Heisman Trophy voting. His brilliance helped Michigan State win 10 games for the first time since 2017, leading to a berth in the Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Walker eclipsed 100 rushing yards in all but four games for Michigan State. He figures to be one of the top running back prospects in the 2022 draft.
