Prairie View A&M University is shaking things up in HBCU football with a bold, strategic attack on the transfer portal. Head coach Tremaine Jackson has pulled in more than 70 new players, making this one of the wildest recruiting classes anyone can remember.
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making sure the Panthers keep building on their recent championship run. The plan? Get results now, not years from now. Let’s get into how Prairie View A&M is using the transfer portal to stay on top of HBCU football.
The Strategy Behind Prairie View A&M’s Aggressive Recruiting
Going into the 2026 football season, Prairie View A&M signed over 70 new players. That’s not just a lot—it’s a group stacked with experience from all over college football.
The Panthers picked up:
- 19 JUCO transfers
- 16 players from Division II programs
- 16 from Division I FBS schools
- 9 Division I FCS transfers
This mix shows how Coach Jackson recruits for players who can help right away. He’s said it himself—experience matters if you want to win and keep your job in HBCU football.
Experience Over Youth
Jackson doesn’t think relying on a bunch of 18-year-olds is the way to go. At the January American Football Coaches Association Convention, he put it plainly: *I don’t think we can be successful and keep our jobs with a bunch of 18-year-olds.*
He’s looking for players who already know the ropes and can handle the pressure fast. That’s the kind of honesty you don’t always hear from coaches.
The Challenges of Integrating New Players
Bringing in more than 70 new faces isn’t simple. There’s a ton to install—new offensive and defensive schemes, fresh terminology, different routines, and a whole new standard for how things get done.
Building chemistry from scratch? That’s tough. Roles have to be clear, and everyone needs to buy in. Still, Jackson seems to have a knack for pulling it off.
Building Chemistry and Trust
Getting dozens of transfers from all kinds of backgrounds to share a single vision isn’t easy. Yet, Jackson manages to get guys on the same page fast enough to stay in the championship hunt.
This year’s transfer haul brought in some big-time names with Power Five and Division I experience, including:
- Damani Maxson, former three-star prospect from Kansas
- Lonnie Adkism, transfer from Sam Houston
- Moh Bility, transfer from Rice
- Dez Thomas II, transfer from Georgetown
These guys bring proven depth and leadership. That’s huge for a team fresh off a conference title.
Balancing Immediate Success with Long-Term Development
Even with all the transfers, Jackson hasn’t ignored high school recruiting. Prairie View A&M signed eight high school prospects to keep the pipeline going.
He wants competition at every spot, but also knows the team needs to be ready for the future. It’s a careful balance—win now, but don’t forget tomorrow.
Finding Talent at Every Level
Jackson doesn’t just look at Division I or JUCO talent. He’s added players from Division III and NAIA programs, too.
He genuinely believes you can find great players anywhere if you’re willing to look. That mindset has Prairie View A&M building something special.
Momentum and Future Aspirations
Prairie View A&M isn’t just hoping—they’re recruiting from a place of real strength. After beating Jackson State, winning the SWAC Championship, and making it to the Celebration Bowl, the Panthers have serious momentum.
Coach Jackson isn’t just trying to defend a title. He’s reloading, aiming for nothing less than an HBCU national championship in Atlanta. Why settle for anything less?
Built to Stay at the Top
If history tells us anything, Prairie View A&M has what it takes to stay at the top of HBCU football for years. Their aggressive, strategic use of the transfer portal stands out.
They also balance that with smart high school recruiting, which makes the Panthers a real force in college football. Curious about their recruiting strategy or the upcoming season?
Check out more details at HBCU Gameday.
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