2025/26 Transfer Portal Thread

[Stoerner Fumbles]

You know, thinking more about 99’s post from last night, I definitely think there’s more to it than him just saying, “just an idea.”

Personally, if we can sign who we’re predicted to sign on defense and add a few unknown studs, I think we’d be fine rolling with MAC or FB at quarterback.

If you look at it, we’ll have most of our offensive line returning, two elite wide receivers, and if we can add Horton, he’s more than capable of taking over for Brazzell. Then you can mix in Keys, Travis, etc. as well.

We’ll also have two really solid running backs in Bishop and, hopefully, Kendrick. That mirrors the Sampson/Bishop combo.

All we did that season was ride Sampson to the playoffs with a great defense. If one of our current quarterbacks can throw the ball, I think they can put up similar numbers to what Nico did in his first season.

Linebacker should be settled by this weekend, and we have plenty of depth at that position. The secondary is looking good as well—just add a couple more pieces.

We just need to load the defensive line with two or three more studs, and I honestly think we could replicate the 2024 season, even with our schedule.

My only pushback on this is that GMac has missed practices from practice hits in a green jersey. They don’t think his body mass is up to it yet. FB is a great potential future star quarterback too, with a sturdier body, but they don’t want to traumatize him like they did Guarantano. I believe either is servicable and maybe even really good next year, but the downside risks are big.

 

[Carp]

You still need a portal QB for depth. A cheap one with experience.

Taron Dickens is my choice. His best offer is Syracuse.

Outside of Joey coming back, I think the obvious choice is Tayven Jackson. He already knows the system and he has just enough experience where you would feel comfortable letting him run the offense, but not so much experience where G-Mac might feel the need to portal.

 

[head1]

Ross wanted to be closer to home guys that’s all.

 

[MemphisVol3]

Hopefully we get involved here.

Depends on how they feel about Redmond. Lee is for sure starting and I think Redmond is still a starter quality SEC CB. He’s going to be good imo.

 

[pierce60]

If playing Gmac or Faizon means we put a top ten defense on the field from all the studs we sign, I am all for it. Let the running backs eat

I agree. Solid OL and a good defense is the way IMO.

Plus, the floor for QB play under Heupel is always pretty high, so I don’t think either option would be awful.

 

[DD4ME]

My only pushback on this is that GMac has missed practices from practice hits in a green jersey. They don’t think his body mass is up to it yet. FB is a great potential future star quarterback too, with a sturdier body, but they don’t want to traumatize him like they did Guarantano. I believe either is servicable and maybe even really good next year, but the downside risks are big.

Agree Bigly- need a durable cheap vet - from likely FCS

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Im fine with not buying a portal QB..... FB is the future.

He probably starts in 2027.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

My only pushback on this is that GMac has missed practices from practice hits in a green jersey. They don’t think his body mass is up to it yet. FB is a great potential future star quarterback too, with a sturdier body, but they don’t want to traumatize him like they did Guarantano. I believe either is servicable and maybe even really good next year, but the downside risks are big.

Are we interested in Smothers at RB? Let's get a 3 headed monster and run the Freshman at QB.

 

[Ryanvols24]

My only pushback on this is that GMac has missed practices from practice hits in a green jersey. They don’t think his body mass is up to it yet. FB is a great potential future star quarterback too, with a sturdier body, but they don’t want to traumatize him like they did Guarantano. I believe either is servicable and maybe even really good next year, but the downside risks are big.

Gotta get a qb for this year simple

 

[NighthawkVol]

Not happening. He has not gained the weight he needed to gain or added the strength.

Season starts in 9 months.

 

[VolInDayton]

Gotta get a qb for this year simple

And a S&C coach with loads of peanut butter

 

[rockytop25]

Are we interested in Smothers at RB? Let's get a 3 headed monster and run the Freshman at QB.

He committed to Alabama

 

[Jack Burton]

Gotta get a qb for this year simple

Basilio says the insiders are telling him that GMac might portal depending on the QB we bring in.

 

[GoVawls1821]

Apparently Joey H coached Sam Leavitt's brother. That brother also lives in Nashville. Feels like a Miami - TN Battle Per AP. So there is some comfort there.

Couldn't blame the kid for choosing Miami TBH - they are playing in a natty with a transfer QB.

 

[SmyrnaATLVolisback]

Are we interested in Smothers at RB? Let's get a 3 headed monster and run the Freshman at QB.

Cal RB. And honestly I like a lot and more than smothers. Cal scheme is awful and he produced.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

He committed to Alabama

Missed that, damn.

 

[GoVawls1821]

Also for the strength coach - AP Says he is watching Derek Owings who is the strength coach at Indiana. Was at JMU with Coach Cig as well. Would be a homerun TBH

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Cal RB. And honestly I like a lot and more than smothers. Cal scheme is awful and he produced.

Idk much about the Cal kid. I just watched Smothers some this year and I liked how shifty he was.

 

[1world1love]

You know, thinking more about 99’s post from last night, I definitely think there’s more to it than him just saying, “just an idea.”

Personally, if we can sign who we’re predicted to sign on defense and add a few unknown studs, I think we’d be fine rolling with MAC or FB at quarterback.

If you look at it, we’ll have most of our offensive line returning, two elite wide receivers, and if we can add Horton, he’s more than capable of taking over for Brazzell. Then you can mix in Keys, Travis, etc. as well.

We’ll also have two really solid running backs in Bishop and, hopefully, Kendrick. That mirrors the Sampson/Bishop combo.

All we did that season was ride Sampson to the playoffs with a great defense. If one of our current quarterbacks can throw the ball, I think they can put up similar numbers to what Nico did in his first season.

Linebacker should be settled by this weekend, and we have plenty of depth at that position. The secondary is looking good as well—just add a couple more pieces.

We just need to load the defensive line with two or three more studs, and I honestly think we could replicate the 2024 season, even with our schedule.

I just cannot see us riding with two Freshman QBs with 0 college starts between them and a 9 game SEC schedule. We could end up losing a lot of games and also destroying the confidence of one, or both, of our talented young QBs by asking them to carry the team. Yes, we did it with Nico, but we had a very good OL and defense and didn't have to ask too much of him. Of course even then he wasn't very good through long stretches of the season.

The problem is that there is no spring portal so this is our only shot at a starting quality QB. If we get into spring and have glaring issues on the OL or defense, or if both QBs stink up spring camp, there is no out.

I would rather bring in a two year guy proven guy and risk losing gmac. In this environment, he might end up portaling end of season anyways. The coaches have to get the best players they can, while they can.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Good luck with that. OL folds like a wet napkin vs good defenses

Oh the 2026 OL has played already?

 

[Ryanvols24]

Basilio says the insiders are telling him that GMac might portal depending on the QB we bring in.

Gmac is gonna end up in the portal anyways... The plan is for Faizon too start next year

 

[SmyrnaATLVolisback]

Also for the strength coach - AP Says he is watching Derek Owings who is the strength coach at Indiana. Was at JMU with Coach Cig as well. Would be a homerun TBH

We ain’t playing. I’ll keep screaming it

 

[DD4ME]

Outside of Joey coming back, I think the obvious choice is Tayven Jackson. He already knows the system and he has just enough experience where you would feel comfortable letting him run the offense, but not so much experience where G-Mac might feel the need to portal.

Top lower level guys

2025 FCS / Lower-Level QB Stat List
1) Taron Dickens, Western Carolina
School: Western Carolina (FCS)
Class: Sophomore
Passing Yards: 3,508
ESPN.com
Rushing Yards: 321
Western Carolina University
Passing TDs: 38
ESPN.com
Rushing TDs: 1
Western Carolina University
Interceptions: 2
ESPN.com
Completion %: 74.2% (271/365)
Western Carolina University

2) Jaden Craig, Harvard (2025)
(Note: committed to TCU for 2026, but his 2025 performance is FCS-level)
School (2025): Harvard (Ivy League / FCS)
Class: Senior
Passing Yards: 2,869
ESPN.com
Rushing Yards: ~78
FOX Sports
Passing TDs: 25
ESPN.com
Rushing TDs: ~3
FOX Sports
Interceptions: 7
ESPN.com
Completion %: ~61.5% (208/338)
Wikipedia

3) Landen Clark, Elon
School: Elon (FCS)
Class: Freshman
Passing Yards: 2,321
ESPN.com
Rushing Yards: 614
FOX Sports
Passing TDs: 18
ESPN.com
Rushing TDs: 11
FOX Sports
Interceptions: 8 �
ESPN.com
Completion %: ~56% �
SI

 

[screenthis]

Basilio says the insiders are telling him that GMac might portal depending on the QB we bring in.

That's what I've suspected. I'd really like to keep GMac and would love to see him be ready for the upcomming season. Then, have a seasoned QB on the bench ready to come in as needed. Of course, only the coaches know if that's possible with GMac.

 

[Jack Burton]

Gmac is gonna end up in the portal anyways... The plan is for Faizon too start next year

He has been on campus 1 year at this point right? The fact that he can’t put on weight is a concern but then again our S&C sucked this year too. Maybe that’s the issue.