From realignment to new coaches, there is plenty of change taking place within Conference USA this season. And among those, of course, are the transfers coming in.
There’s likely plenty of all-conference caliber talent transferring into the league and making an immediate impact for their respective teams. Here’s a look at some of those top CUSA transfers.
WR Alex Perry, FIU
The former Hawaii wideout didn’t see much production during his time with the Rainbow Warriors even though he started 13 games the past two seasons. He finished with 491 receiving yards and three touchdowns during his three-year stint there. Now in an offense that is completely rebuilding, Perry can be the top pass catcher and a nice weapon for quarterback Keyone Jenkins.
QB Dexter Williams II, Kennesaw State
Williams has shown positive flashes during his career that started at Indiana before suiting up for Georgia Southern last year. Most notably was rallying GASO from an 18-point second-half deficit for a victory over Marshall. The redshirt senior has battled injuries throughout his career, but I think he has the grit and determination to earn this job.
DB Noah Biglow, Louisiana Tech
The Bulldogs had the top passing defense in the league last season, and it should be solid again in 2025, especially with the addition of Biglow from Pittsburgh. The redshirt senior was a backup corner and spent time as a special teamer but will bolster a secondary that returns three starters.
QB Ethan Vasko, Liberty
The Flames lost a dual-threat QB in Kaidon Salter to Colorado but replaced him with another dual-threat guy in Vasko. Last season, Vasko passed for 2,110 yards and 14 touchdowns while rushing for 447 yards and five more scores. He also started four games for Coastal Carolina in 2023. Vasko’s decision making was questionable at times last season, but the redshirt junior should only improve in that area as he steps into big shoes.
DB Juwon Gaston, Middle Tennessee
Gaston started two games at safety for Houston in 2023 and saw significant playing time before deciding to redshirt in 2024. Prior to redshirting, Gaston appeared in four games for the Cougars and totaled 13 tackles and one tackle for loss. He has Power Four experience and should aid a defense that was among the worst in the league last season.
WR Tyler King, New Mexico State
If this guy touches the ball, there’s certainly a chance he’s going to take it to the house. The junior was a game breaker for Wyoming last year and scored as a rusher and on special teams. He did not have any receiving TDs but caught 17 passes for 236 yards for an offense that was limited in the passing game and only had 11 passing TDs.
QB Logan Fife, NMSU
This journeyman signal-caller started eight games for Montana last season after spending three seasons at Fresno State. Last year, he passed for 1,885 yards and 14 scores while rushing for 135 yards and five more. Fife has a good arm and can be a quality guy with the right weapons and good protection. NMSU’s passing attack was almost nonexistent last season so it should improve with Fife under center.
LB Micah Davey, UTEP
The redshirt senior should immediately make his presence felt for the Miners defense after spending his first four seasons at McNeese State. There, he started 18 games and finished with 311 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, an interception, seven pass breakups, and three forced fumbles.
DB Jalen Emery, Western Kentucky
Emery’s freshman season showed a lot of promise after he finished with seven pass breakups for Houston. His playing time took a hit, however, as he saw action in just two games last season where he had two tackles and one PBU. Emery will be a nice addition for a secondary that needs to replace production.
DL Mackavelli Malotumau, WKU
Malotumau started eight games for Nevada in 2024 and should be one of the stars of the Hilltoppers defense. At 6-foot-1, 290 pounds, the senior should pose problems for CUSA offensive linemen.
