The Mercer Bears may have exited in the second round of the FCS playoffs, but one of their bigger losses came after their bout with the North Dakota State Bison. EDGE Brayden Manley has entered the transfer portal and has already received significant Power Four interest.
Where Will Brayden Manley Transfer?
Manley is fresh off winning the Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year after posting 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He helped power one of the most dominant defensive units in the country, regardless of level.
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However, his time with the Bears has come to an end, as Manley hopes to parlay his success into a roster spot in the FBS. And if his recent attention is anything to go by, it’s “Power Four or bust” for the true sophomore.
NC State Wolfpack
A North Carolina native, it would only be right if Manley ended his collegiate career with the NC State Wolfpack. Head coach Dave Doreon is one of the premier defensive minds in the country and could use another impactful EDGE with Davin Vann and Noah Potter out of eligibility.
Pittsburgh Panthers
Pat Narduzzi. Next.
In all seriousness, pairing with the longtime Pittsburgh Panthers head coach could do wonders for Manley’s professional prospects, and the program has tapped into the transfer well for DL reinforcements in recent seasons. In fact, they’ve already offered Manley a scholarship.
Indiana Hoosiers
An easier path to playing time would be with the Indiana Hoosiers, who are coming off one of the best seasons in program history under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. DC Bryant Haines’ unit, which was filled with Group of Five transfers, was a large reason for the turnaround.
There’s only one Mikail Kamara, but Manley would certainly benefit from playing in the all-world pass rusher’s role.
Florida State Seminoles
Manley’s agent, Shane Burnham, was a defensive analyst with the Florida State Seminoles during the 2021-23 seasons. Perhaps he flexes his connection with head coach Mike Norvell to acquire an offer for Manley.
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The move would make sense for both parties, as FSU is no stranger to snatching FCS talent at the position (Jared Verse from UAlbany). Plus, the program has seen 12 players enter the portal, including EDGEs Marvin Jones Jr., Dante Anderson, Malakai Menzer, and Lamont Green Jr., since its official opening on Dec. 9.
Memphis Tigers
While Manley has received Power Four interest, there’s no guarantee he will make the massive leap. He could opt for the Group of Five route before playing his final collegiate season at the highest level. If that’s the case, few programs are better than Ryan Silverfield’s Memphis Tigers.
Not only have they already offered Manley, but they enter the 2025 offseason with four of their five defensive line snap leaders out of eligibility.
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