In anticipation of the 2025 college football season, College Football Network has spotlighted the top 12 transfers making the jump from the FCS to the FBS. These athletes have already showcased elite talent at their previous programs and are expected to make a significant impact at the highest level of college football.
Let’s take a look at these proven products.
Top 12 FCS-to-FBS Transfers Entering the Upcoming Season
Memphis Tigers – DL Jalen Bell (Tennessee State)
Let’s start in Memphis, where Jalen Bell is ready to make his mark. The high-motor defensive lineman arrives from Tennessee State after posting 43 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks in 2022. Bell’s power and energy in the trenches will bring a spark to the Tigers’ defensive front.
Cincinnati Bearcats – OT Joe Cotton (South Dakota)
Moving over to Cincinnati, Joe Cotton is a major addition for the Bearcats. The offensive tackle from South Dakota brings a tough, no-nonsense style. He started 27 games at left tackle over the past two seasons and helped South Dakota rank sixth in rushing offense in FCS. His presence adds strength and depth to the Bearcats’ offensive line.
TCU Horned Frogs – WR Jordan Dwyer (Idaho)
On the offensive side, Jordan Dwyer brings game-breaking speed to TCU. The former Idaho receiver totaled 1,656 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in three seasons, with 1,192 yards and 12 scores in 2024 alone. His ability to stretch the field gives the Horned Frogs a new weapon.
Iowa Hawkeyes – QB Mark Gronowski (South Dakota State)
Speaking of quarterbacks, Mark Gronowski brings championship experience to Iowa. After leading South Dakota State to back-to-back FCS national titles, he has joined the Hawkeyes with over 10,000 career passing yards and 93 touchdowns. His leadership and poise fit perfectly in Iowa’s system.
● QB Spotlight ●
Mark Gronowski
South Dakota State ➡️ Iowa
• Gronowski has been one of the top QBs in the #FCS the last few seasons and for his final year he makes the leap to the #FBS. This is a really good addition for the Hawkeyes and his leadership will be valued. In… pic.twitter.com/gbmse3z2P5
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) May 12, 2025
Northwestern Wildcats – WR Griffin Wilde (South Dakota State)
Iowa isn’t the only Big Ten team loading up. Griffin Wilde heads to Northwestern after a breakout season at South Dakota State. With 71 catches for 1,154 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2024, Wilde’s reliable hands and high football IQ will be a major help in boosting the Wildcats’ passing game.
Kent State Golden Flashes – QB CJ Montes (Fordham)
Further east, CJ Montes joins Kent State with experience and composure. The Fordham transfer threw for 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, earning Second-Team All-Patriot League honors. His ability to read defenses and lead an offense makes him a key addition to the Golden Flashes’ roster.
Northern Illinois Huskies – DL Alvin Gulley (Yale)
Alvin Gulley brings muscle to Northern Illinois. The former Ivy League standout comes in after two strong seasons at Yale. He tallied 61 tackles, 10 for loss, and two sacks. His toughness and strong fundamentals will give depth to the Huskies’ defensive front.
New Mexico Lobos – RB Scottre Humphrey (Montana State)
Looking at the backfield, Scottre Humphrey is one of the most explosive runners in the portal. He has joined New Mexico after rushing for 1,386 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024, averaging nearly seven yards per carry. His speed and vision will give the Lobos a serious offensive boost.
New Mexico landed a major addition from the portal, bringing in former Montana State RB Scottre Humphrey (@ScottreHumphrey).
Humphrey carved up the Lobos in Week 0 last season and now joins their backfield after a dominant 2024 campaign, posting a rushing line of 199-1,386-16.… pic.twitter.com/zq8sC8xkfK
— Bryan (@BGauvin23) April 12, 2025
Wyoming Cowboys – LB Enock Sibomana (North Dakota State)
Another top defender on the move is Enock Sibomana, who transfers to Wyoming after helping North Dakota State win an FCS national title. With 56 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss last year, his physical style and football IQ will anchor the Cowboys’ linebacker corps.
Washington State Cougars – S Tucker Large (South Dakota State)
In the secondary, Tucker Large adds playmaking abilities to Washington State. The 2024 First-Team FCS All-American made 34 tackles, snagged three interceptions, and broke up seven passes. His instincts and versatility will make him a standout in the Cougars’ defense.
Coastal Carolina Chanticleers – WR Colton Hinton (Furman)
Colton Hinton, a reliable receiver, joins Coastal Carolina after catching 59 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. His sharp route-running and ability to stretch the field will be vital for the Chanticleers’ offense.
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Old Dominion Monarchs – IOL Ryan Joyce (Fordham)
And finally, Ryan Joyce provides a veteran presence for Old Dominion. The former Fordham guard started 28 games and was part of an offense that ranked second in FCS in total yardage. His consistency and leadership will help anchor the Monarchs’ front line.
These additions are expected to have a major impact on their respective programs, but determining the most impactful player will only become clear with time. As for predictions, I’ll leave that to you to decide.
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