LARAMIE – Packing up and relocating has been the story of Markell Holman's college life.
 
The running back from Philadelphia started his career at Lackawanna College a junior college in Scranton, Pa., now making the transition to Division II.
 
Holman then moved on to Saint Francis University, a private Catholic school in in Loretto, Pa., that decided to make the move down from FCS to Division III.
 
Last season's move was the most productive of Holman's career when he transferred to Western Illinois, an FCS in Macomb, Ill., where he led the Ohio Valley Conference in rushing with 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns.
 
The 6-foot, 210-pound senior finally found an FBS home in January when Holman entered the portal for the final time and signed at Wyoming.
 
"In my career if you look at me, I've bounced around a lot, so it's not like it's something we're not used to," Holman said after Thursday's spring practice when asked what his family thought of his latest reboot in Laramie. "It's been a little piece of my life where I've kind of moved around a lot. It's normal to me, but they have my back. They call me every day checking on me, 'You good? How's it going.' And they're eager to come out here."
 
When Holman was in the portal after the 2024 season, UW director of player personnel Austin Maus reached out.
 
The transfer to Western Illinois worked out for Holman with a productive 2025 season. The Pokes have big plans for No. 8 in UW's 2026 running back rotation.
 
"When I entered again (Maus) was like, let's make it happen," Holman said. "When I got up here and got around the people from the staff to the coaches to the trainers it was good vibes. They made this feel like home to me. That was a big thing because I'm from Philly so coming all the way across the world it was like feeling this comfortable made it a done deal."
 
Through eight practices, Holman has been a hit in the Cowboys' new offense. He has been getting the second team carries behind Samuel "Tote" Harris and offensive coordinator Christian Taylor also has formations with both backs on the field together.
 
Harris led UW with 558 net yards rushing (5.6 yards per carry) and caught 16 passes for 184 yards. Holman also adds versatility with 39 receptions for 314 yards at Western Illinois.
 
"Big fan of Markell Holman," UW head coach Jay Sawvel said. "It became pretty obvious to us quickly why he rushed for over 1,000 yards where he was at. It wasn't like he had this great offensive line. What he does have is really good vision, he's got very good hands. …
 
"I'm really glad he's here. He's going to play a lot of football for us this year."
 
Sawvel held Harris out of Thursday's practice with a focus on keeping him as fresh and healthy as possible ahead of what could be a spectacular sophomore season.
 
Holman and Nico Hamilton have taken full advantage of extra reps while getting up to speed in Taylor's offense. Sawvel also noted that redshirt freshman Jaden Lawrence has a bright future in the program and West Virginia transfer Diore Hubbard will give the unit even more dynamism when he's cleared to play this fall.
 
"We have a high expectation, and we hold ourselves to that high expectation," Holman said. "Running backs do a lot from pass protection and getting the ball. We hold ourselves to a high standard. As far as the relationship is concerned, I think we have good relationship. …
 
"The offense is very complex. We do a lot of things, and we move around a lot at this spot. We all make sure we're on our p's and q's and help each other out when we need it and just have each other's back."
 
The Cowboys will conclude the third week of spring practice with a scrimmage on Saturday morning, which will be followed by a free youth clinic at War Memorial Stadium.
 
Follow Ryan for more stories on Wyoming athletics on X at @By_RyanThorburn on Facebook at Wyoming Athletics and Instagram at wyoathletics. Also follow him at Pokes Insider at Gowyo.com/pokesinsider.
 
Don't just watch the game — change it. The most powerful way to support University of Wyoming student-athletes is by joining the Cowboy Joe Club. Your membership fuels scholarships, provides essential resources, and helps Cowboys and Cowgirls succeed both in the classroom and in competition. Your gift is not just support — it's access. As a member, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits that bring you closer to the action than ever before. Be a champion. Join our team. Visit CowboyJoeClub.com or call 307-766-6242.