What's Happening?
Boston College's football program is undergoing significant changes as seven players have entered the transfer portal following the conclusion of the 2025 season. Among the notable departures is redshirt-sophomore quarterback Dylan Lonergan, who led the team in passing categories this year. Other players leaving include defensive lineman Sterling Sanders, linebackers Daveon 'Bam' Crouch and Jason Hewlett Jr., and defensive back Ashton McShane. Recently, redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jadon Lafontant and junior athlete Nate Johnson III also announced their intentions to transfer. Lafontant, who played in one game this season, and Johnson, who appeared in eight games, both expressed gratitude to Boston College for their opportunities. These
departures come after a challenging season where the Eagles finished with a 2-10 record under head coach Bill O’Brien.
Why It's Important?
The departure of seven players from Boston College's football team highlights the growing trend of player mobility in college sports, facilitated by the transfer portal. This movement can significantly impact team dynamics and performance, as losing key players like quarterback Dylan Lonergan could affect the team's offensive capabilities. For Boston College, these changes may necessitate strategic recruitment and adjustments to maintain competitiveness. The situation underscores the challenges college programs face in retaining talent amidst evolving NCAA transfer rules, which allow athletes more freedom to change schools without penalty. This trend could influence how college teams build their rosters and manage player development in the future.
What's Next?
Boston College will need to focus on recruiting new talent to fill the gaps left by the departing players. The team has already signed 23 recruits for the class of 2026, indicating proactive steps to rebuild. The coaching staff, led by Bill O’Brien, will likely evaluate the current roster and incoming recruits to strategize for the next season. Additionally, the program may need to address any underlying issues that contributed to the players' decisions to transfer, ensuring a supportive environment that encourages player retention. The upcoming transfer portal opening on January 2, 2026, will be a critical period for the team to potentially acquire new talent.
