​Aug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Julius Wood (32) tackles Seattle Seahawks running back TJ Harden (30) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Last week, we learned that Kentucky Football was in pursuit of former SMU and Seattle Seahawks running back TJ Harden. The recruitment of the veteran running back has been extremely quick, with the college football season coming back in less than a week.Harden is one of 16 athletes who received a temporary restraining order against the NCAA in Louisiana, which means the athletes involved can have an extra year of eligibility granted and enter the transfer portal if they wish. So now, Harden, along with the others involved in the case, will be able to play college athletics one more year.On Monday, Pete Nakos of On3 reported that Harden will choose between two schools: Missouri and Kentucky.Two schools that could use some help in the running back room. Missouri’s pursuit is due to star running back Ahmad Hardy suffering an off-the-field gunshot injury in the offseason and is still not practicing. Kentucky’s pursuit stems from lingering injuries to key backs and depth running backs.Harden played at UCLA and then transferred to SMU to complete what he thought was his college career. In his three years as a Bruin, Harden had 325 yards his freshman year, 827 his sophomore year with eight touchdowns, and 506 his junior year. Then, transferred to SMU and racked up 787 yards and nine touchdowns as a Mustang.Overall, that makes 2,445 total yards in his four years at UCLA and SMU for Harden, giving Kentucky a proven backfield threat if he ends up as a Wildcat.Nakos reported that a decision from Harden could come as early as today.