The 2025 college football transfer portal is buzzing right now as a bunch of FCS players look for new teams. This season’s shaping up to be just as wild as 2024, when more than 500 FCS players switched to other FCS programs.
Tracking these moves isn’t just for stat nerds—it really helps you get a feel for how teams might look and play. If you want the full list of every transfer, definitely check out the Hero Sports website.
Significant Transfers and Their Impact
The transfer portal keeps shaking up college football, and a few big-name moves have already caught people’s attention. These changes don’t just affect the players—they send shockwaves through both their old and new teams.
Let’s look at some of the most interesting FCS transfers for 2025. Some of these names might end up making headlines later this year.
Quarterbacks on the Move
Quarterbacks always get the spotlight when it comes to transfer news. Their decisions can really change a team’s whole vibe and potential.
- Luke Sprague (Sr) – Bethune-Cookman to Sac State
- Mekhi Hagens (Sr) – UAPB to Alabama A&M
- Jaylon Tolbert (Sr) – Howard to Alcorn State
- Tyler Riddell (Sr) – Gardner-Webb to Duquesne
Sprague heading to Sac State stands out. He’s a senior with a lot of experience, and you can bet Sac State’s counting on his leadership. Hagens and Tolbert, also seniors, bring a steady hand to their new squads, while Riddell could give Duquesne’s offense a real boost.
Defensive Powerhouses
Defense wins championships, right? Several tough defenders have landed with new teams for 2025, and their impact could be immediate.
- Cameron Darmody (DL, Sr) – Wagner to Norfolk State
- Rashawn Washington (DL, Sr) – SC State to Norfolk State
- Jonathan Goins (LB, rFr) – UAPB to Alabama A&M
- Michael Boyd Jr. (DL, Jr) – Youngstown State to Alabama A&M
Norfolk State just got a lot tougher up front by bringing in Darmody and Washington. Alabama A&M’s defense also looks stronger with Goins and Boyd Jr. in the mix.
Wide Receiver Shuffles
Wide receivers are the playmakers every offense needs, and a few programs have loaded up on talent through the portal. These guys add speed and experience—two things you can never have too much of.
- JJ Evans (WR, Sr) – North Alabama to Norfolk State
- Jalyn Witcher (WR, Sr) – Delaware to Arkansas-Pine Bluff
- Javin Dames (WR, Sr) – Bryant to Bethune-Cookman
- Rodney Leaks (WR, So) – HCU to Delaware State
Evans joins Norfolk State as a seasoned target, and Witcher could give Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s offense a real jolt. Dames and Leaks bring their own set of skills and some much-needed depth to their new teams.
Linebackers and Defensive Backs
Linebackers and DBs are the backbone of any defense. This year, a handful of standouts have found new homes, which could shake up some conference races.
- Kriston Bell (OL, rFr) – Alabama State to Bethune-Cookman
- Shae Terry (DB, rFr) – Bryant to CCSU
- Ryan Merklinger (OL, Sr) – Western Illinois to Chattanooga
- Stephon Hall (DB, Sr) – Youngstown State to Norfolk State
Bell’s now at Bethune-Cookman, and Terry’s with CCSU—both moves could shore up some weak spots. Merklinger and Hall, both seniors, bring leadership and experience to Chattanooga and Norfolk State.
Running Backs and Tight Ends
Running backs and tight ends keep offenses balanced and unpredictable. This year, a few teams have added depth and versatility at these spots thanks to the portal.
- Reggie Davis (RB, Sr) – Chattanooga to Alcorn State
- Tyler Wilms (TE, Jr) – Murray State to Albany
- Jamar Curtis (RB, Sr) – Lafayette to Sac State
- Trevor Moffitt (TE, Sr) – Gardner-Webb to ETSU
Davis to Alcorn State and Curtis to Sac State both feel like moves that could pay off in a big way. Wilms and Moffitt also add some solid options for Albany and ETSU.
Special Teams Players
Special teams don’t always get the love, but they can decide games. This year, a few specialists are hoping to make a difference for their new squads.
- Devon Anderson (P, Sr) – Bryant to CCSU
- Alexander Davis (P, Jr) – MVSU to Florida A&M
- Elijah Elliott (RB, Sr) – Montana State to Bryant
- Oscar Colon (OL, Jr) – Gardner-Webb to Presbyterian
Anderson at CCSU and Davis at Florida A&M could give those teams a real edge on special teams. Elliott and Colon should help out Bryant and Presbyterian, too.
Conclusion
The 2025 FCS-to-FCS transfers have already made headlines. Plenty of players have found new homes and fresh opportunities.
These moves shake up more than just the athletes’ lives—they ripple through both their old and new teams. Honestly, it’s hard not to wonder how much these changes will shape the next FCS football season.
If you want the full list or just need to keep tabs on the latest news, check out the Hero Sports website.
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