LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Lamar University senior running back Khalan Griffin has received a mini-camp invite from the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders announced the team Saturday evening. It 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 right out of college before heading north to play in the Canadian Football League). Griffin reports to camp May 8th and 9^th.
 
"This is a dream come true," said Griffin. "Ever since I first started playing this sport I've been waiting for this moment to play at the next level. There is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that goes into this that a lot of people never see. My family, my coaches, they know and understand all the hard work that I've put into this. All praise to the most high.
 
"Getting that call from the Raiders to be able to compete at the next level is an unbelievable feeling. I wish everyone could have the opportunity to experience this," added Griffin.
 
One of the nation's top running backs each of the past two seasons, Griffin led the Southland Conference in rushing in 2025 on his way to 2025 Second-Team All-Southland Conference honors. Griffin was one of only two Southland backs to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark this year with 218 carries for 1,158 yards (5.3 ypc) to go along with seven scores. For the season, Griffin averaged better than 105 yards per game ranking 10^th nationally.
 
All of this despite missing the last game of the season with an injury, an injury which tragically occurred on a 69-yard run for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty. Even with the injury, Griffin rattled off five games of at least 100 yards rushing which included a career-high 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 LU as the school's fourth all-time leading rusher with 2,600 yards and currently holds the third-best single-season mark which he set in 2025.
 
In 33 games, Griffin made 29 starts. He carried the ball 504 times for 2,600 yards (5.2 ypc) with 18 touchdowns and averaged nearly 79 yards per carry for his career. He also racked up 10 games of at least 100 yards rushing.