At long last, we’ve reached the end of the regular season, and it’s time to recognize the most impactful transfers from across the conference. Over the next three days, you’ll read the journeys of 78 different
players that left their mark on the conference this year. Enjoy the ride, and let us know which transfers made you jump out of your seat the most this season!
Note: If players have been in the weekly spotlight, the full write-up on their journey will be linked if you are interested in more details on their career.
Also, rankings in parentheses are the players Mountain West rank unless otherwise noted.Quarterback
Anthony Colandrea, Virginia to UNLV, Junior
Stat line: 66.1% (2nd), 3,275 pass yards (1st), 23 TDs (1st), 8 INTs; 621 rush yards, 9 TDs (5th)
St. Petersburg’s very own had a fast start to his career at Virginia, tallying over 4,000 pass yards and 28 total touchdowns. He fell out of favor in Charlottesville towards the end of his sophomore season, leading him to enter the portal and commit to UNLV. A year later, Anthony Colandrea has blossomed into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks the Mountain West has seen in years. He led the conference in passing yards and touchdowns on his way to Offensive Player of the Year honors, as well as carrying the ball across the goal line himself nine times. With a year of eligibility left, “The Magic Man” will have to decide between trying his luck returning to the Power Four, or rewriting the Rebels’ record books with Dan Mullen one more time.
Running Back
Damon Bankston, Weber State (FCS) to New Mexico, Graduate
Stat line: 104 carries, 578 rush yards, 5 TDs, 5.6 YPCarry (7th); 27 catches, 374 REC yards, 3 TDs; 11 kick returns, 334 yards (3rd), TD
A Weber State legend, Damon Bankston played four years for the Wildcats and tore up the Big Sky, ending his FCS run with 2,324 rushing yards, good for sixth in school history. He entered the transfer portal for his final season of collegiate ball, and landed with Jason Eck at New Mexico. Despite the Lobos having several other notable additions in the backfield, including FCS All-American Scottre Humphrey, Bankston emerged as the team’s lead back. Helping out in every facet of the game, he notched 1,286 all-purpose yards, the most by a New Mexico player since 2016. Even with only one season in the Silver and Cherry, Bankston will forever be remembered for his two fourth quarter touchdowns against UCLA. Those scores locked in their biggest win in years, and gave them the confidence they needed to put together a campaign for the ages in Albuquerque.
Miles Davis, BYU to Utah State, Graduate
Stat line: 126 carries (10th), 724 rush yards (8th), 8 TDs (6th), 5.7 YPCarry (4th); 25 catches, 166 REC yards, 3 TDs; 4 kick returns for 68 yards
A three star wide receiver prospect out of Las Vegas, Miles Davis began his career at BYU and carved out an early role as a rotation running back. He posted 225 rushing yards as a sophomore in 2022, but would fall behind in the depth chart for the next two seasons. With one year of eligibility left, he hit the portal and signed up to be Utah State’s bell cow, a decision that provided Davis the most playing time of his career. Ranking in the Mountain West’s top ten in all rushing categories, he earned second team all-conference honors, and will now start the first bowl game of his career. With his unique combination of size and speed, the 6 foot 2 former track athlete could hear his name called on day three of the NFL Draft or become a surprise preseason standout.
Wide Receiver
Danny Scudero, Sacramento State (FCS) to San Jose State, Sophomore
Stat line: 88 catches (1st, 4th in FBS), 1,291 REC yards (1st, leads FBS), 10 TDs (2nd)
After beginning his collegiate career with two solid years at Sacramento State, Danny Scudero delighted Spartan fans by returning to his hometown of San Jose for his sophomore campaign. No one was ready for what he was about to unleash, though, as the 5 foot 9 speedster led the entire country in receiving yards, and paced the Mountain West in receptions. He had 130+ yards in six different games, with his two most astounding performances coming against Wyoming (four TD catches in the first half) and Air Force (215 yards and two TDs on seven catches). His 1,291 receiving yards are the most by a Mountain West receiver in their debut season since 2018, and with two years of eligibility left, he’ll have to decide between continuing his legacy at home or re-entering the portal to play for one of the top programs in the nation.
Jackson Harris, Stanford to Hawaii, Sophomore
Stat line: 49 catches (8th), 963 REC yards (2nd), 12 TDs (1st, 3rd in FBS)
Hailing from Berkeley, California, Jackson Harris spurned his hometown school Cal to commit to rival Stanford. Despite his pedigree as a top 700 recruit, he would only catch the ball six times over his two seasons with the Cardinal, leading him to look for opportunities elsewhere. Ultimately, he landed at Hawaii, which was not the place to go for easy playing time with the Rainbow Warriors having the two most productive returning receivers from 2024. Nevertheless, Harris caught a huge touchdown in his debut against his former team, and was off to the races from there. He ended the regular season atop the Mountain West in touchdown catches, and was particularly dominant in the second half of the year. Across his final six games, his average statline was 6.5 catches, 144 receiving yards, and just under two touchdowns. Even with Danny Scudero going crazy in San Jose, there’s an argument to be made that it was actually Harris who was the best receiver in the conference in 2025.
Braden Pegan, UCLA to Utah State, Junior
Stat line: 60 catches (3rd), 926 REC yards (3rd), 5 TDs (8th)
Braden Pegan was a highly touted wideout who played at San Juan Hills High School in California, but it only translated to one catch during his three years with UCLA. He entered the transfer portal and was one of several pass catchers to commit to Utah State, who lost 100% of their wide receiver production from the year prior. Though it wasn’t clear initially, Pegan would assume the role of the Aggies WR1, finishing third in the Mountain West in catches and receiving yards. He posted at least seven catches five times and passed the century mark in yards three times. With one season remaining before his college career comes to a close, he’ll either return to Logan and be one of Bronco Mendenhall’s top players as they begin life in the PAC 12, or he’ll try his luck at returning to the Power Four.
Tight End
Dorian Thomas, Arizona to New Mexico, Sophomore
Stat line: 53 catches (6th), 545 REC yards, 4 TDs
An athletic three star from Kent, Washington, Dorian Thomas had several Power Four offers but chose to commit to Arizona ahead of the 2023 season. He played sparingly during his two years with the Wildcats, and moved on by way of Jason Eck and New Mexico. The campaign began with Thomas as the Lobos starting tight end, and he delivered right away, posting a wild statline of ten catches, 71 yards, and two touchdowns in the Big House against Michigan. He kept that momentum going through the rest of the year, ending the year with 53 catches, the most by a Mountain West tight end since Dallin Holker in 2023. If New Mexico can keep him around, he’ll easily be the best returning H back in the conference. If not, Thomas will return to the P4 with some impressive tape under his belt.
Offensive Tackle
Zach Cochnauer, Central Arkansas (FCS) to Nevada, Junior
Stat line: 640 snaps, PFF Grades of 79.1 OVR (4th), 79.6 RBLK (2nd), 66.4 PBLK
The 6 foot 5 Farmington, Minnesota native was unranked out of high school, but still had a few FCS offers and a preferred walk-on opportunity with Miami of Ohio. Zach Cochnauer opted for the guaranteed roster spot and committed to Central Arkansas. After minimal playing time his first two years with the Bears, he started 11 games in 2024. Ready to jump to the next level, he entered the transfer portal and joined Jeff Choate at Nevada, where he was immediately penciled in as the Wolf Pack’s right tackle. Though there were plenty of rough patches for the team, Cochnauer was phenomenal, starting all but one game and grading out as a top five offensive lineman in the conference. He’ll now have a choice between coming back to Reno for his senior year, or trying to find a new home at a school with a better winning percentage.
Tyler Lawrence, Air Force to New Mexico, Sophomore
Stat line: 787 snaps (7th among T), PFF Grades of 58.4 OVR, 58.4 RBLK, 56.7 PBLK
Beginning his football journey at Puyallup High School in Washington, Tyler Lawrence only had one FBS offer even though he was listed as a three star prospect. That one offer was from the Air Force Academy, and he took the opportunity to play at the highest level right away. Following a redshirt season in 2023, he played in six games for the Falcons, starting the first three of his career. Wanting a change of scenery, Lawrence entered the transfer portal and committed to New Mexico. Despite the Lobos adding multiple upperclassmen on the offensive line, the kid from the Pacific Northwest held his own, and won the starting right tackle job out of fall camp. He’d go on to start every game in 2025, playing the seventh most snaps of any Mountain West tackle, as well as a career high game grade of 69.2 against his former school. If he remains in Albuquerque, he could take the next step from entrenched starter to all-conference talent as a junior.
Offensive Guard
Liam Wortmann, Central Missouri (D2) to Colorado State, Graduate
Stat line: 730 snaps (10th among G), PFF Grades of 64.1 OVR, 64.3 RBLK, 72.3 PBLK
Hailing from Piedmont, Oklahoma, Liam Wortmann was a multi-sport athlete that won multiple awards out of high school. It wasn’t enough to get him any major recruiting interest, leading him to begin his collegiate career at Division Two Central Missouri. After redshirting his first year on campus, he would start the next 35 games for the Mules across three seasons, helping them reach 11-2 as a sophomore and 9-3 as a junior. With aspirations of playing on Sundays, Wortmann entered the transfer portal looking for an FBS school to give him a chance to prove his worth. Jay Norvell and Colorado State saw the potential in him, and he joined the squad for the 2025 season. While the season as a whole was a disaster for the Rams, the Sooner State native was anything but, starting the first eleven games of the year with an impressive 72.3 pass blocking grade. His 730 snaps land him in the top ten in the Mountain West among offensive guards. Time will tell if this senior season was enough to get Wortmann on the NFL’s radar, but he leaves the college ranks as a four year starter, which is absolutely something to hang your hat on.
Kalan Ellis, Syracuse to San Diego State, Junior
Stat line: 692 snaps, PFF Grades of 57.4 OVR, 56.6 RBLK, 60.3 PBLK
Coming out of the prestigious St. Louis School in Honolulu, Kalan Ellis was a three star recruit that chose Syracuse over UCLA, San Diego State, and Virginia, among others. He would make an immediate impact with the Orange, starting five games as a true freshman and nine games the year after. A Lisfranc injury would cost him his 2023 campaign, and after not playing in 2024, he tried his luck in the transfer portal. San Diego State made another run at Ellis, and was successful this time, landing him towards the end of the spring window. Starting all twelve games at left guard, he helped the Aztecs have their best rushing season since 2020, ending the year at 9-3 and a hair shy of the conference championship. Honolulu’s very own has one year of eligibility remaining, and at 6 foot 5, 350 pounds, with the first full year of starts under his belt, he certainly could return to the Power Four ranks if he so chooses.
Center
Jimmy Liston, Purdue to Utah State, Sophomore
Stat line: 836 snaps (8th among all OL), PFF Grades of 66.1 OVR, 66.2 RBLK, 70.9 PBLK
The son of a Purdue offensive lineman, Jimmy Liston had an offer sheet a mile long, including Penn State, Ole Miss, and Texas Tech. With the Boilermakers in pursuit, though, it was only fitting that he began his college career where his father did. He saw action on special teams in the final four games of his true freshman season, before not seeing the field at all in 2024. With Purdue hiring a new head coach, the timing was right for Liston to move elsewhere. Utah State was in need of a center with longtime starter Falepule Alo graduating, so it made perfect sense when they signed the Illinois native. He manned the center position for all 12 games, notching 836 snaps, good for eighth most of any Mountain West offensive lineman. If he stays with the Aggies for his junior year, he’ll be a key building block for Bronco Mendenhall in their first year in the PAC 12.
Defensive End
Keyshawn James-Newby, Idaho (FCS) to New Mexico, Graduate
Stat line: 48 tackles, 13 TFLs (2nd), 8 sacks (1st), 5 PBUs, 2 forced fumbles (1st), PFF Grade of 86.7
One of the most fascinating journeys you’ll ever read, KJN began his college days at division two Montana Tech, with his first priority being his engineering degree. After two standout seasons with the Orediggers (what a name), he transferred up a level to Idaho, where he blossomed into an FCS All-American. Head coach Jason Eck took the job at New Mexico, and brought some of the Vandals top players with him. James-Newby was among them, and may have been their most impactful. Nicknamed “The Terminator”, he had multiple TFLs on four different occasions, and led the Mountain West in sacks. Once the Lobos are done with their bowl game, KJN will have to officially choose between a career in engineering or continuing to terrorize quarterbacks in the NFL. Chances are, he won’t be hanging up his cleats for quite some time.
Vili Taufatofua, Utah to San Jose State, Junior
Stat line: 34 tackles, 7 TFLs, 4 sacks, PBU, 2 forced fumbles (1st), PFF Grade of 71.8
Likely the player with the most frequent flyer miles, Vili Taufatofua played his high school ball in New Zealand. Unsurprisingly, not many schools were aware of him, leading him to go the JUCO route at New Mexico Military Institute. He was dominant for the Broncos, and quickly received the recruiting interest that alluded him at home. He chose to commit to Utah over offers from BYU, Oregon State, and several Mountain West schools, and joined them for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, the Utes wouldn’t utilize Taufatofua much, with him only playing in one game over two years. He entered the transfer portal, and would get back in touch with one of the schools that wanted him out of junior college in San Jose State. Ken Niumatalolo had a vision of using the Auckland native as a chess piece on the defensive line, sliding him inside to tackle or outside to the edge depending on the situation. Taufatofua delivered, posting the best year of his career. Leading the Spartans in sacks and TFLs, he earned an all-conference honorable mention nod for his efforts. He’s now in a familiar situation, having to decide between staying where he’s having success or trying to compete at the Power Four level.
Defensive Tackle
Tyree Morris, Lafayette (FCS) to Utah State, Junior
Stat line: 45 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, PBU, PFF Grade of 63.9
An unranked edge rusher recruit from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Tyree Morris began his career at in-state FCS school Lafayette. He played in all but one game as a true freshman in a reserve role before missing the 2023 season with an injury, but he made the most of his time away from the field. Up from 240 pounds in high school to 275 pounds as a collegiate junior, Morris would break out when he returned, racking up 65 tackles on his way to All-Patriot League second team honors. Feeling as though he was ready to take the next step, he entered the transfer portal and eventually committed to Utah State. He would slot in as the Aggies starting defensive tackle upon arriving in Logan, and he was one of the most productive players in the conference at his position. Ending the season with 45 tackles and four sacks, Morris’ best stretch of play came against Air Force and McNeese State, where he put up 19 tackles combined in those two contests. With a year of eligibility left, it’ll be interesting to see if he remains with Utah State to help them contend in the new look PAC 12, or if he’ll try to jump up a rung one more time to the Power Four.
De’Jon Benton, New Mexico to Hawaii, Graduate
Stat line: 31 tackles, 9.5 TFLs (8th), 5.5 sacks, PBU, forced fumble, PFF Grade of 77.8
A three star recruit from Pittsburg, California, De’Jon Benton had several Mountain West and PAC 12 offers out of high school. He decided to commit to in-state powerhouse USC, where he would spend the next five years. After not seeing the field much from 2019 to 2021, he worked his way into the rotation as a sophomore, playing in all 13 of the Trojans games and noticing 14 tackles. He dropped to 12 tackles the year after, but made a bigger impact overall with career highs of 5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. Wanting to be a bona fide starter, Benton entered the transfer portal in 2024 and joined New Mexico. Sadly, a torn bicep would sideline him for the entire season, and he had to hit the portal again with Bronco Mendenhall leaving for Utah State. Ultimately, he landed in Hawaii, and finally found a place that appreciated his skill set. Even with injuries keeping him out of two games, the California kid posted career high marks in every single stat, from tackles (28), TFLs (9.5), sacks (5.5), and his first forced fumble. Benton finished the regular season eighth in the Mountain West in tackles for loss, and had the most of any defensive tackle. With no eligibility to spare, he’ll try his luck at the professional level after he caps his time in college in the Hawaii Bowl.
Linebacker
Jaxton Eck, Idaho (FCS) to New Mexico, Junior
Stat line: 126 tackles (2nd, 8th in FBS), 6.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 PBUs, fumble recovery, forced fumble, PFF Grade of 83
The son of Mountain West Coach of the Year Jason Eck, Jaxton went from an unknown recruit from Brookings, South Dakota to one of the best linebackers in the FCS in a flash. Playing under his father at Idaho, he tallied 37 tackles as a freshman and 134 tackles as a sophomore, earning him All-American honors. With Jason taking the head coaching gig at New Mexico, Jaxton obviously followed suit. Some media pundits had doubts about how large of a role he would play for the Lobos with the jump in competition, but those concerns were ignorant at best. Not only was he one of the most exciting defenders in the Mountain West, but he finished top ten in the country with 126 tackles. He had double digit tackles in seven games and won conference co-Defensive Player of the Year honors alongside San Diego State corner Chris Johnson. Of course, Jaxton played a massive role in New Mexico’s landmark win over San Diego State in the season finale as well. As crazy as it sounds, he has the opportunity to transfer to an elite program if it’s what he wants. Jason isn’t going anywhere after signing a five year extension, but his son just let the world know that he’s one of the best linebackers around. What’s the price tag to sever familial ties? In all likelihood, he’ll return to the Lobos for his senior campaign and stamp the Eck family as legends in the Land of Enchantment.
Jadon Pearson, Utah State to Fresno State, Graduate
Stat line: 99 tackles (8th), 7.5 TFLs, 0.5 sack, 3 PBUs, fumble recovery, PFF Grade of 69.5
Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Jadon Pearson has had a roller coaster of a career, with stops at Air Force, Reedley Junior College, Utah, Utah State, and most recently, Fresno State. He played sparingly for the Falcons and Utes, but had a great year with the Aggies, tallying 42 tackles and 3 TFLs in ten games. With one year of college ball to go, he entered the transfer portal for the fourth time (which might be a record) and landed with the Bulldogs. Alongside fellow Utah State transfer Simeon Harris, who we’ll get to in a bit, Pearson had the best season of his career, securing career highs in every statistical category. His 99 tackles were eighth most in the Mountain West, which includes a 16 tackle outing on the road against Oregon State that earned him conference defensive player of the week honors. With one game left in his college career that saw him at five different schools, four different states, and three different conferences, Pearson will put on a new uniform in 2026. Fingers crossed that it’s from an NFL franchise.
Brayden Johnson, Oklahoma Baptist (D2) to Wyoming, Senior
Stat line: 81 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, sack, 2 INTs, Pick Six, 3 PBUs, PFF Grade of 88.4
Under-recruited out of Ringling, Oklahoma, Brayden Johnson took the long road to the Mountain West, landing at Division II Oklahoma Baptist University outside Oklahoma City, where he played sparingly as a freshman before taking over as a starting outside linebacker in 2023, posting over fifty tackles and five TFLs to help the Bison go from one win to a 6–5 record; as a junior he tied for most on the team with 71 tackles while adding an interception, fumble recovery, and blocked kick, building a résumé strong enough to enter the transfer portal and become a Cowboy. Johnson took over the starting middle linebacker spot, and excelled all season long. A top five defender in the Mountain West according to PFF, there was no hiccups in his transition from D2 to FBS. He should have enough of a track record now to get a shot in the NFL.
Cornerback
Lemondre Joe, Missouri State to Colorado State, Senior
Stat line: 56 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 13 PBUs (1st, 2nd in FBS), fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles (1st), PFF Grade of 66.2
Hailing from Daytona Beach, Florida, Lemondre Joe went under the radar as a recruit and landed at FCS Missouri State. He put together a great tenure with the Grizzlies, starting 24 games over four seasons with three interceptions as a true freshman and as a senior. With a year of eligibility left, Joe could’ve technically jumped to the FBS level by staying put, with Missouri State moving to CUSA in 2025, but he had his sights on a larger program. He entered the transfer portal, and committed to Jay Norvell and Colorado State. Manning the nickelback position for the entirety of the campaign, the Florida native racked up the counting stats, topping 50 tackles, tying for the Mountain West lead with two forced fumbles, and finishing second in the country with 13 pass breakups. Even with the lack of team success from the Rams, Joe has certainly cemented his status as a feisty, physical corner that isn’t afraid to cause some chaos in the backfield. The NFL has hopefully been paying attention.
Aamaris Brown, USF to UNLV, Graduate
Stat line: 48 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 INTs (3rd), 2 Pick Sixes (1st, tied for FBS lead), 7 PBUs, PFF Grade of 75.1
A talented safety prospect in the 2020 class, Aamaris Brown committed to Kansas State over Indiana and multiple Group of 5 programs, playing in 13 games across two seasons and recording 15 tackles before entering the transfer portal in 2021 to move closer to home at USF, just fifteen minutes from his high school. Returning to Tampa, he blossomed into a physical, wiry corner capable of handling explosive receivers, starting all but two games from 2022–23 and earning All-AAC honorable mention after a 40-tackle, two-interception junior campaign, putting himself on the cusp of an NFL training camp before injuries limited him to four games and four tackles as a senior; using his COVID year, he re-entered the portal and landed at UNLV. Immediately seen as a leader in the locker room once he arrived on the strip, Brown was electric in 2025, becoming the first Rebel since 2022 to have multiple pick sixes, getting him on the All-Mountain West second team for his efforts. With his lengthy college career coming to a close, he’ll now set his sights towards playing on Sundays, which should become a reality if his performance was anything to go off of.
Safety
Noah Avinger, New Mexico to Utah State, Senior
Stat line: 84 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, sack, 3 INTs (10th), 10 PBUs (2nd), fumble recovery, forced fumble, PFF Grade of 83
A highly regarded recruit out of Cerritos, California, Noah Avinger chose to stay home despite offers from Oregon, Arizona, Boston College, and Utah, committing to San Diego State and becoming the first true freshman corner to start there since 2009, posting 15 tackles, two deflections, and an interception during the Aztecs’ 12–2 season. He followed that with 36 tackles, another interception, and his first forced fumble, positioning himself as one of the Mountain West’s top young corners before a dislocated shoulder cost him the 2023 season; after a 4–8 finish and Brady Hoke’s retirement, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Bronco Mendenhall at New Mexico. Asked to move to safety amid a thin secondary, he returned from injury with 14 tackles, two deflections, and a fumble return touchdown in the opener, ultimately leading the team with 91 tackles and earning All-Mountain West honorable mention, only for Mendenhall to leave for Utah State after one season—prompting Avinger to follow him to Logan and join his third Mountain West squad. Originally starting the season at corner, the suspension of star safety Ike Larsen forced him to move to the back lines once again. He was still phenomenal in his role, finishing second in the conference in pass breakups and a career high PFF grade of 83. It’s unfortunate the he can’t transfer to a fourth team in the conference, instead, Avinger will move on to the professional ranks once his takes care of business in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
Brevin Hamblin, Utah Tech (FCS) to Utah State, Junior
Stat line: 102 tackles (7th), 2 TFLs, 0.5 sack, Pick Six, 6 PBUs, fumble recovery, 2 forced fumbles (1st), PFF Grade of 62.9
A three-sport star at Syracuse High School in Utah, Brevin Hamblin had to fight for every opportunity, receiving just one scholarship offer—from in-state FCS program Utah Tech—and joining the Trail Blazers ahead of the 2023 season. He quickly worked his way into the lineup, playing in eleven games as a true freshman and recording 43 tackles, including eight against future conference foe Colorado State, before stepping into a full-time starting role as a sophomore and emerging as one of the FCS’s most dynamic safeties with a team-leading 96 tackles, two forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal. But while his individual success shined, Utah Tech struggled to a 3–20 record during his time there, leading Hamblin to enter the transfer portal in search of victories and a bigger stage; with a strong résumé and a desire to stay in his home state, he jumped at Bronco Mendenhall’s offer to make the FBS leap, officially joining Utah State just ten days after filing his paperwork. Wasting no time making a name for himself amongst the Aggie faithful, he racked up over 100 tackles and two forced fumbles on his way to an All-Mountain West honorable mention nod. He also snagged his first career pick six against Nevada. With a year of eligibility to spare, Hamblin will have to choose between staying in the Beehive State or trying to jump to the Power Four as a senior.
Kicker
Joe McFadden, UConn to Nevada, Senior
Stat line: 19/25 on FGs (76%) (most FG makes by NEV K since 2021), 37/37 on XPs, long of 50 yards
Hailing from Southlake, Texas, Joe McFadden began his college career at UConn, contributing immediately as the Huskies’ primary kicker and punter and going 12-for-17 on field goals before a torn ACL cost him his sophomore season and hampered his return, leading to a 53.8% field-goal mark and three missed extra points in 2023; after entering the transfer portal and struggling to find a new home, he moved to Wall Street as a mortgage securities broker to support himself. The lifestyle offered security, but it couldn’t match life on the gridiron, so McFadden filmed himself kicking field goals against the RFK Bridge and posted it to Twitter/X—a clip Nevada special teams coordinator Parker Henry stumbled upon while searching for the Wolf Pack’s next kicker, discovering one of the most unique recruiting tapes of all time. The Wolf Pack’s season wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but McFadden was a consistent asset in the kicking game. His 19 made field goals on the year are the most by a Nevada kicker since 2021, and he finished second in the conference behind only the Tokyo Toe himself, Kansei Matsuzawa. Officially entering the NFL Draft a few days ago, the former Wall Street man will take his talents to the highest level of football only two years removed from a high rise office building in Manhattan.
Punter
Hunter Green, Northern Colorado (FCS) to San Diego State, Junior
Stat line: 59 punts for 2,762 yards (average of 46.8), 26 downed inside 20 yard line, 10 TBs, long of 68 yards
A two-sport star from Redmond, Washington, Hunter Green received just one offer—from Northern Colorado—and made the most of it, redshirting before becoming the Bears’ primary kicker and punter, going 9-for-12 on field goals and leading the Big Sky with nearly 3,000 punt yards to earn a Jerry Rice Award nomination. He was even better as a sophomore, switching full-time to punting and earning 3rd Team FCS All-American honors before entering the transfer portal and quickly landing at San Diego State. Green continued his excellent play with the Aztecs, leading the Mountain West in punts downed inside the twenty yard line on his way to a second team all-conference nod. He could use his senior year to start in the Power Four, or stay in San Diego to try and make a run at PAC 12 special teams player of the year.
Returner
Rayshon “Speedy” Luke, RB, Arizona to Fresno State, Junior
Stat line: 16 kick returns (1st), 341 yards (2nd), average of 21.3 (3rd)
Nicknamed “Speedy” for his shiftiness, Rayshon Luke was a decorated four-star recruit at St. John Bosco with offers from national powers like Georgia, LSU, USC, and Michigan, yet chose Jedd Fisch and Arizona, where he seemed poised to shine for a rebuilding program. Though buried on the depth chart, he played in seven games as a true freshman with 105 rushing yards, then saw a slightly larger role in 2023, totaling 153 rushing yards, 95 receiving yards, and contributing to a Wildcats team that finished No. 11 before Fisch departed for Washington and much of the roster entered the portal; Luke stayed and was projected to start, but new coach Brent Brennan instead brought in Quali Conley and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, relegating Luke to a screen-specialist role with just four carries in three games. Preserving his eligibility by appearing in only four contests, he entered the portal and was heavily pursued by Matt Entz and Fresno State, ultimately returning to his home state. Despite Fresno retaining top backs Bryson Donelson and Elijah Gilliam, Entz signaled early that Luke would be a major offensive piece, and Speedy delivered immediately with 96 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Georgia Southern, continuing with a 2025 season that lands him top-ten in the Mountain West in rushing yards (587), touchdowns (5), and yards per carry (6.1), plus 341 kick-return yards on 16 chances; with one year left, he must decide between being Fresno State’s offensive centerpiece in 2026 or pursuing a Power Four return, but his versatility and dynamism are now undeniable.
Long Snapper
Jack Mowrey, James Madison to Hawaii, Sophomore
A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jack Mowrey brought as much recruiting pedigree as a long snapper can. Ranked third nationally at his position coming out of high school, he committed to James Madison ahead of the 2023 season. After redshirting his first year in Harrisonburg, he appeared in all 13 of the Dukes’ games in 2024, serving as the long snapper on field goals and extra points. Seeking a new challenge, Mowrey entered the transfer portal and chose Hawaii. Long snappers are difficult to evaluate, but considering the Rainbow Warriors’ kicker is a Lou Groza Award finalist and their punting unit finished top ten nationally in yards per punt, it’s safe to say Mowrey excels at his job. If he returns in 2026 alongside Aussie punter Billy Gowers, Hawaii should once again contend for the Mountain West’s top special-teams unit.
Thank you for following along with the Transfer Team of the Week and spotlight series all season long, make sure to come back tomorrow and Friday to read up on the second and third teams!
