There were plenty of players who transferred into the MAC last season and were immediate difference makers for their new squads. A few of them included Ohio running back Anthony Tyus III, Akron quarterback Ben Finley, and Eastern Michigan linebacker James Djonkam. Each of these guys also transferred in from Power Four programs.
We can expect some more of the same this season with some quality talent transferring into the league. Here are a few of them who should immediately provide a spark.
WR Tim Grear Jr., Akron
Although he started in three games for Fresno State last season and appeared in 19 games over the past two years, Grear never really found his place within the Bulldogs’ offense. He has the potential to do so with the Zips and is a solid weapon for Finley. He could work well alongside All-MAC second-team wideout Adrian Norton.
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TE Koby Gross, Ball State
We saw a big time tight end just get drafted from the MAC in Harold Fannin Jr., and Gross could be another TE from the league who could draw attention from NFL scouts in an offense that utilizes tight ends. The graduate transfer was an all-conference selection for Florida A&M last season after hauling in 22 catches for 226 yards and three touchdowns. He will likely replace TE Tanner Koziol, who led BSU with 839 yards and eight TDs last year but transferred to Houston.
LB Gideon Lampron, Bowling Green
Lampron was a main fixture of one of the best defenses in the FCS last season and paced Dayton with 98 total tackles and 6.5 sacks while his 23.5 tackles for loss were second most in the FCS. The junior was tabbed a first-team FCS All-American and should have no problem having the same type of impact for the Falcons’ defense.
QB Noah Kim, Eastern Michigan
It’s been a bumpy career for Kim, who started five games for Michigan State in 2023 before joining Coastal Carolina ahead of the 2024 season. While at CCU, Kim was the No. 2 option behind Ethan Vasko but still had a few opportunities, especially when Vasko struggled. The graduate transfer passed for 333 yards and four TDs last season.
RB Jordan Nubin, Kent State
It’s likely Nubin initially transferred from Minnesota to Kent State because of Kenni Burns, who was Nubin’s previous RBs coach. However, Burns has since been fired but Nubin remains on the roster for his senior season. He rushed for over 600 yards and three scores during his three seasons with Minnesota, including starting four games in 2023.
WR Deion Colzie, Miami (Ohio)
Colzie will be the second Notre Dame wideout in as many years to transfer to the RedHawks. Last year, Joe Wilkins Jr. made the move and finished his season with 25 receptions for 343 yards. Miami lost its top three WRs from last season meaning there is plenty of production to be replaced. Colzie brings experience as a grad transfer after playing in 44 games where he had 21 catches for 345 yards and three touchdowns.
QB Dequan Finn, Miami (Ohio)
The 2023 MAC Player of the Year returns to the league he wreaked havoc on for three years. Finn spent last season with Baylor where he started the first two games of the season prior to losing the starting job. The senior only appeared in one more game before stepping away from the team to retain eligibility.
WR Trayvon Rudolph, Toledo
There’s no doubt the Rockets are familiar with Rudolph. He spent four seasons with conference foe Northern Illinois and had a breakout 2021 season before missing the entire 2022 campaign because of a preseason injury. He finished his career at NIU with 151 receptions, 2,032 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Rudolph is also an elite returner.
QBs Brandon Rose and Grant Jordan, UMass
There is a quarterback battle in Hadley, Massachusetts, and Rose or Jordan both could easily win the job. Whoever does will also need to beat out returnee AJ Hairston, though, who was last year’s backup. I think Rose or Jordan will earn the starting nod, however, which will be important to kickstart this offense in its new league. Rose transferred from Utah where he started one game last season and suffered a season-ending lisfranc injury. Jordan transferred from Yale and appeared in nine games last year, passing for a team-high 1,938 yards and 22 TDs.
Jordon Thomas, Western Michigan
Thomas led the United Athletic Conference with 14 pass breakups and added 45 tackles for Eastern Kentucky last season. He should step into a starting spot for a secondary that is returning little production at cornerback.
