FCS transfers at every position that can have an instant impact in 2025

As the FCS season approaches, there will be plenty of new faces in new places thanks to the chaos that is the transfer portal. While some stars of last season have moved on to the FBS, other elite players found new homes in the subdivision. Here’s a look at some FCS players by position that can have an impact Day 1.

QB Jaden Rashada | Sacramento State from Georgia

Jaden Rashada was ranked as the No. 6 overall quarterback recruit in the 2023 high school class and started as a true freshman at Arizona State before a stop at Georgia last year. Now the highly touted Rashada is at Sacramento State under new head coach Brennan Marion (former OC and QB coach at UNLV) and his Go-Go Offense. That high-pace offense combined with Rashada’s natural talents could be what’s needed to take Sacramento State to the next level.

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RB Jamar Curtis | Sacramento State from Lafayette

Jamar Curtis had back-to-back 1,000 yard and 15 rushing touchdown seasons at Lafayette before entering the transfer portal. Curtis now joins coach Marion at Sacramento State in an offense that had UNLV rank No. 7 in the FBS in rushing in 2024. Expect another big year from the star running back in new threads.

WR Nathan Rembert | Jackson State from Mississippi Valley State

Nathan Rembert had a 1,000 yard season last year and was First Team All-SWAC. He now joins the defending Celebration Bowl champion Jackson State Tigers as a new weapon in a deep receiving room. 

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OL Nate Adams | South Dakota State from Stephen F. Austin

Nate Adams was a Second Team All-Southland selection in 2024 after starting four games at center and right tackle and one game at left guard and right guard. Adams brings versatility to an offensive line unit that consistently ranks among the top in the FCS.

DL David Hoage | West Georgia from Northern Colorado

Defensive end David Hoage was an FCS All-American in 2021 at Northern Colorado before an ACL tear caused him to miss the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Hoage is now two years removed from the injury and at a new school. A change of scenery might be exactly what Hoage needs to get back to elite form.

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LB A.J. Pena | Rhode Island from Memphis

Does this count as a true transfer? It depends on whom you ask. A.J. Pena played for Rhode Island in 2024 before transferring to Memphis in the spring. Pena then returned to Rhode Island after and will once again be a Ram in 2025, looking to build off a First Team All-American season.

CB Nahil Perkins | Samford from Fordham

Nahil Perkins was a First Team All-Patriot League in 2024 after a five-interception, 15-pass breakup season. Those are elite numbers for a cornerback, and Perkins will take his talents to a Samford team that had only nine team interceptions last year.

S Tyler Morton | UIW from Nicholls

Tyler Morton was an All-American during his last full season in 2023. After playing only four games last season, he’ll join a UIW squad with FCS title hopes. Morton will bolster a secondary that ranked outside of the top 50 in passing yards allowed in 2024