The FCS has seen a high number of standout players explore other options when it became clear a fall season was not happening. More than 100 players have transferred to the FBS level.
With the FCS season now happening in the spring, others have decided to begin training for the NFL Draft and some are exploring the transfer portal to see what their best option is for playing in the fall of 2021.
The Missouri Valley Football Conference, arguably the best league in the subdivision, has especially been hit hard by departures.
Thirteen would-be returning All-MVFC players from 2019 do not plan on playing in the spring:
2019 First Teamers:
QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State — Declared for the NFL Draft
WR Cade Johnson, South Dakota State — Entered the transfer portal and exploring his options. Tweeted “If I decide to use my last year of eligibility it won’t be until Fall 2021. Prayers for a healthy season this year for everybody playing!”
OL Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State — Declared for the NFL Draft
DL Romeo McKnight, Illinois State — Transferred to Charlotte
DL Justus Reed, Youngstown State — Transferred to Virginia Tech
DL Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa — Declared for the NFL Draft
LB Jabril Cox, North Dakota State — Transferred to LSU
DB Devin Taylor, Illinois State — Transferred to Virginia Tech
2019 Second Teamers:
OL Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa — Declared for the NFL Draft
LB Chris Kolarevic, Northern Iowa — Entered the transfer portal
DB Xavior Williams, Northern Iowa — Entered the transfer portal
Honorable Mention:
RB Adam Cofield, North Dakota State — Entered the transfer portal
RS Trevor Heit, North Dakota State — Decided to move on from football
