Five FCS to SEC Defensive Transfers to Watch in 2024

By Mark Pszonak

While P4 to P4 transfers get the most attention, during every transfer portal cycle more and more FCS transfers are making an impact at the highest level. This year may prove to be the most productive for FCS transfers as numerous are in position to make a statement in 2024. Here are five to watch in the SEC:

LB Alex Howard – Texas A&M (Youngstown State)

The skinny: As is the norm after a head coaching change, the Aggies roster experienced an overhaul since the conclusion of the 2023 season. And while a multitude of transfers were brought in, Howard may prove to be one of the more valuable. Coming off a season when he finished with 76 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception, he will likely be relied on to try and replace star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who declared for the NFL Draft.

DL Joey Slackman – Florida (UPenn)

The skinny: An FCS All-American and the reigning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, Slackman finished his last season at UPenn with 50 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and four sacks. With the Gators, he is likely to replace Chris McClellan’s reps, who transferred to Missouri, but also has the potential to establish an even bigger role as the 2024 season progresses.

DL Anton Juncaj – Arkansas (Albany)

The skinny: Juncaj was dominant in 2023 with 55 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, 15 sacks and five forced fumbles. The 15 sacks led FCS nationally and set a new program record. After entering the portal, the Razorbacks were able to beat out schools like Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Arizona, Oklahoma State, Kansas, Houston and Maryland for his services and while nobody expects him to duplicate his statistics from Albany this season, he possesses the talent to make a statement in the SEC. 

DB Donovan Saunders – Texas A&M (Cal Poly)

The skinny: At 6-foot-3 and with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining, Saunders may prove to be valuable at Texas A&M both in the present and future. He joins several portal additions at cornerback, so the competition will be fierce during the spring and summer, but with the Aggies working overtime to flip his commitment from TCU, they see the potential that produced four interceptions and 12 pass breakups in only 17 games at Cal Poly. 

DB Gerald Kilgore – South Carolina (Tennessee Tech)

The skinny: Having his brother, Jalon Kilgore, a freshman All-American last season, was a huge advantage for the Gamecocks in their pursuit of Gerald. However, it also wasn’t a cakewalk, as he took an official visit to West Virginia before committing to South Carolina. Having made the transition from quarterback to defensive back, Kilgore shined during his first full season at his new position at Tech with 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and five pass breakups.