GRAD TRANSFER: Ezra Mutai to Finish Eligibility at Lee (Tenn.)

Earlier today, Lee (Tenn.) announced that D2 distance star Ezra Mutai will be finishing his eligibility with the Flames starting next fall as a graduate transfer. He is expected to have at least one year of eligibility remaining across all three seasons.

Mutai has been, without question, one of the greatest D2 distance talents in the NCAA over the last few years. This winter, Mutai has recorded personal bests in every race he has toed the line for. He has run times of 1:53 (800), 2:26 (1k), 4:11 (mile), 7:58 (3k) and 13:41 (5k), with the latter two marks currently sitting at NCAA #7 All-Time and NCAA #6 All-Time, respectively.

On the grass, Mutai has been wildly dominant in the two cross country seasons that he has run. His first cross country season in 2019 ended with him winning the individual national title, ultimately giving the American International star an undefeated season.

During the 2021 cross country season, Mutai was undefeated heading into the national meet where he eventually salvaged an 11th place finish to earn All-American honors.

Mutai has also run an incredibly quick time of 28:44 in the 10,000 meters. That personal best was run during the 2021 outdoor track season. In that same season, Mutai went on to win the 10k national title. He also recorded a PR of 3:45 for 1500 meters that spring.

With one of the most overwhelmingly dominant distance runners in the country eventually transitioning to Lee University, the Flames now have an answer as to who will replace the elite scoring potency of Christian Noble, an active D2 legend who is out of cross country eligibility, next fall.

Mutai is one of three elite-level transfers that Coach Caleb Morgan has introduced to the Flames' roster over the last few years.

800 meter All-American standout Titus Lagat is originally from Middle Tennessee State while Carson Bix, a versatile distance weapon, transferred to Lee University this past winter from Adams State. Bix is not expected to hold any additional cross country eligibility.

The Stride Report has also been informed by one source that Mutai was not the only D2 superstar who could be found on the transfer portal.