As the college football regular season winds down, the transfer portal is buzzing. One name popping up everywhere right now is Kenyon Garner.
Garner, a standout defensive player from D2 Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, has already picked up offers from Colorado State and Sacramento State. He stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 230 pounds, which gives him the flexibility to play both defensive end and outside linebacker.
His 2025 season turned heads. He led the nation with 27 tackles for loss and 14 sacks, making him a hot commodity.
Kenyon Garner: A Rising Star
Kenyon Garner might not be a household name—yet. But if you look at his performance, it feels like only a matter of time.
He’s originally from Okeechobee, Florida, and has been a dominant force for Livingstone College. With his size and production, he’s an intriguing prospect for any FBS program looking to boost its defense.
Impressive 2025 Season
In 2025, Garner racked up 54 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks—tops in the nation. These numbers show off his skill, athleticism, and relentless energy.
He’s got a knack for disrupting offenses, and that makes him a valuable asset for just about any team.
Transfer Portal Activity
The transfer portal has become a key part of college football. It lets players seek new opportunities and gives programs a chance to fill holes in their rosters.
Garner’s entry into the portal has already caught attention. Colorado State and Sacramento State jumped in with early offers.
Early Offers
He only hit the portal on Tuesday, but Garner’s already announced offers from:
- Colorado State
- Sacramento State
These offers show that FBS programs recognize his talent and potential right away. And honestly, it seems likely more coaches and scouts will come calling as they check out his film and stats.
Successful D2 to FBS Transitions
Garner isn’t the first D2 player to make the leap to FBS, and he definitely won’t be the last. Lately, several players have moved up from smaller programs and made real impacts at higher levels.
- Mario Anderson – Running Back, South Carolina (Newberry)
- Austin Reed – Quarterback, Western Kentucky (West Florida)
- Chandler Zavala – Offensive Lineman, NC State (Fairmont State)
- Isaac TeSlaa – Wide Receiver, Arkansas (Hillsdale)
These guys have shown that talent can come from anywhere. With the right opportunity, D2 players can really shine in the FBS.
Why D2 Players Succeed
So, why do some D2 players thrive at the FBS level? Well, there are a few reasons:
- Work Ethic – D2 players often feel like they have something to prove, and that edge drives them.
- Development – Many D2 programs focus on player growth, so athletes get a chance to really hone their skills.
- Opportunity – The transfer portal puts D2 players on a bigger stage, letting them showcase their abilities to a wider audience.
Kenyon Garner’s Future
As Garner navigates the transfer portal, his future looks bright. With his size, production, and early FBS interest, he’s in a great spot to make a real impact wherever he ends up.
He can play both defensive end and outside linebacker, which adds to his versatility and value as a recruit.
Potential Impact
Garner’s potential at the FBS level is tough to ignore. He just has a knack for getting into the backfield and making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
His work ethic and drive to succeed could make him a leader, both on the field and in the locker room. As more programs check out his tape and stats, expect the offers to keep coming.
Conclusion
Kenyon Garner just entered the transfer portal, and honestly, that’s a big deal in college football. His strong 2025 season at Livingstone College has already caught the eye of several FBS programs.
There’s a lot of buzz about where he’ll end up next, and honestly, his future seems pretty bright. If you want more on Garner’s journey or just the latest updates, check out Mike Farrell Sports.
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