Transfer portals give, transfer portals receive. While we won’t be able to see some of the top FCS talent compete at their old schools, they could lead their new FBS teams to postseason runs.
Here are 10 former FCS players who have transferred to FBS and could make an immediate impact.
Indiana’s secret to back-to-back streaks?
- CB Carson Williams – Montana to Indiana
With D’Angelo Ponds during the 2025 championship game, we saw the impact a cornerback can have on Indiana’s defense. When Ponds went to the NFL, FCS champion Montana State’s Carson Williams stepped in. Williams was a freshman All-American for the Bobcats during their title run.
CharMar Brown went from running back and winning a national title at NDSU to playing for a national title with Miami. Could Williams follow a similar path?
Is Texas Tech’s next star from an HBCU?
- WR Jalen Jones – Alabama to Texas Tech
Texas Tech will need to replace some key players in the wide receiver room after the College Football Playoff. Seniors Reggie Virgil and Caleb Douglas are off to the NFL. Only Coy Eakin returns as a starter.
Former five-star recruit Micah Hudson is the starter, but there is one more opening at wide receiver.
In comes Jalen Jones, an exciting playmaker from Alabama. Jones was arguably the best receiver in HBCU football last year. He could play a big role as the Red Raiders try to make it back-to-back Big 12 championships.
The next Trinidad Chambliss?
- QB Landen Clark – Elon to LSU
Lane Kiffin allowed a small-school quarterback to become a starter in 2025, leading Ole Miss to a CFP berth. Now at LSU, Kiffin is experiencing deja vu with Landen Clark.
Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt is projected to be the starter in 2026, while Landen Clark could see playing time. If Trinidad Chambliss has proven anything under Kiffin, it’s that he’s going with the player who gives him the best shot to win.
Clark finished sixth in the Jerry Rice National Freshman of the Year voting. He has the talent to step up at LSU.
Trinidad Chambliss highlights: All 18 TDs in Ferris State DII football championship game.
Is James Madison the key to back-to-back CFP appearances?
- RB Nick Herman – James Madison from Drake
James Madison made the College Football Playoff for the first time last year. Then lead Wayne Knight enters the transfer portal,
In comes Nick Herman from Drake. Herman earned All-American honors as a freshman after rushing for over 1,000 yards.
The next Cam Scattebo?
- RB Marquis Gillis – Delaware State to Arizona State
- RB David Avit – Villanova to Arizona State
Two years ago, Arizona State made the playoffs behind former FCS running back Cam Schattebo. It might be time for coach Kenny Dillingham to get it back up and running.
Enter Marquis Gillis and David Avith. Gillis led Delaware State to one of the nation’s rushing attacks under first-time head coach DeSean Jackson. Avith has plenty of playoff experience in Villanova’s backcourt.
Whichever hire has the potential to make an impact in Arizona like Scattebo.
Cam Schattebo’s 193-yard day in the 2022 FCS quarterfinals
The next FCS QB superstar?
- QB Jaden Craig – Harvard to TCU
Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders lit up college football after transferring from FCS. Now it might be time for Jaden Craig to do the same.
Craig transferred from Harvard to TCU and declined the NFL draft. With the Crimson, he was the best quarterback in the FCS, leading Harvard to its first ever FCS playoff appearance.
TCU has not been in the CFP since 2023. Jaden Craig may have the answer.
The best running committee in the country?
- RB Joshua Dye – Southern Utah to Ole Miss
- RB Xai’Shaun Edwards – Houston Christian to Missouri
Ole Miss has Kevan Lacy back. Missouri Captain Hardy is back. Both SEC programs return their top stars, but they also bring good competition.
Joshua Dye and Hai’Shaun Edwards are two of the best in the FCS at the running back position. Dye and Edwards could be in for some big moments as Ole Missouri and Missouri try to make a postseason run in 2026.
Don’t believe me? Ask Miami how important former FCS running back CharMar Brown was in the playoffs, even with Mark Fletcher Jr. already on the roster. You can never have too much depth in the backfield.
CharMar Brown’s FCS playoff highlights at NDSU
Will NDSU reach Nashville?
- OL Beau Johnson – From North Dakota State to Vanderbilt
If you told Bo Johnson you’d be playing at Vanderbilt in 2026, he’d probably assume you were going to the FCS championship game.
Funny how life works. Johnson will make it to Nashville, but will instead wear a Vanderbilt jersey and try to lead the Commodores to a national title.
Johnson was one of the top offensive linemen in the FCS last season and earned FCS All-American honors. North Dakota State has a long history of NFL-quality offensive lines. The Commodores hope Johnson brings that pedigree to Music City.
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