North Carolina State Wolfpack LB/RB Jordan Poole has entered the transfer portal. After a spotty career in Raleigh, what will his transfer prospects look like?
Where Will Jordan Poole Transfer?
When Poole rolled up to NC State’s campus, he dreamt of extensive playing time. After four years of playing special teams and the odd snaps at linebacker and running back, Poole enters the portal with one year remaining.
In 41 games with the Wolfpack, he tallied 16 total tackles and one reception for 12 yards. Now, the pickings may seem rather slim on the Power Four front, but these five teams make the most sense.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Ranking 115th overall in recruiting for 2025, the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers need a talent infusion anywhere they can find it. Despite a 6-7 season, the Chants need a wholesale makeover.
As a running back, Poole could replace Braydon Bennett, who jumped in the portal looking for tougher competition to raise his draft stock. Remaining the Carolinas could also become a factor.
New Mexico State Aggies
The perennial rebuilding New Mexico State Aggies find themselves looking up in CUSA. Las Cruces, by no stretch of the imagination, could be considered a preferred destination.
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Well, maybe for a linebacker looking to start and possibly show out. Ranking 127th in points allowed, second-year head coach Tony Sanchez needs something positive to fall his way. Sanchez built perennial high school power Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) into a juggernaut, winning six state championships. Plus, as an NMSU alum, the rebuild means more.
Charlotte 49ers
The Charlotte 49ers could figure into what Poole wants to pursue. First, he grew up 29 miles from campus, so the ability to stay close to home could be a factor.
Next, Charlotte possesses the ingredients to become a really good team, needing time and the right players. As a special teams ace, Pool can help change the culture and pull it from the AAC doldrums. Tim Albin left MAC champion Ohio to roll the dice and breathe life into a Charlotte program that flashes areas of promise.
UMass Minutemen
Speaking of reclamation projects, UMass not only changed coaches in the offseason but added 28 transfers.
Poole, a senior who played on winning teams, can see extensive time as a linebacker for a program that needs to find its own way and figure out a direction after continuously drifting for years. Joe Harasymiak wants to hit the ground running with new players all over the field.
New Mexico Lobos
New head coach Jason Eck brings a tougher mindset from Idaho. With the Vandals, Eck built his teams on tough-nosed players who challenged each other in practice and pulled together on the field.
With greater resources than his former FCS stop, Eck could use Poole as a tone-setter or even a versatile chess piece deployed on both sides of the ball. Playing in the Mountain West and in a higher altitude may serve as serious challenges for Poole, but football remains a test of personal inner strength.
Bottom Line
Poole will inevitably find a home this season. The question remains where. He did not really see much time as an LB or an RB during his stint at NC State. Yet, that school’s coaching staff thought enough to extend him a scholarship.
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These five landing spots may not rank as Poole’s top choices, but they could offer him a chance to see meaningful snaps from scrimmage and leave college football on his own terms.
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