By Mark Pszonak
Most of the transfer attention is paid to FBS-to-FBS transfers, but plenty of interesting movement also takes place at the FCS level. This includes transfers that will be making the move to the FCS level after already proving themselves at FBS programs. Here are the top five FBS to FCS transfers that took place this winter:
S Micah Harper – Montana (BYU)
The skinny: Harper brings plenty of experience and talent to Montana. As a true freshman in 2020 he played in 11 games, while making five starts. He finished the season with 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one pass breakup. After redshirting in 2021, he enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2022 with 62 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Unfortunately, he missed the 2023 season with an injury before playing in seven games in 2024. If he can overcome injury issues which have hindered his progress, Harper has the potential to be a big-time contributor for the Grizzlies in 2025.
RB Rodney Hammond Jr. – Sacramento State (Pittsburgh)
The skinny: Hammond was a steady contributor for the Panthers during his first three seasons, totaling 1,510 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. However, his 2024 season was rather disappointing. After being suspended at the start of the season, he only played in four games before deciding to sit out in order to preserve his eligibility. During his time on the field in 2024 he had 12 carries for 35 yards. Even with the disappointment of 2024, Hammond has the potential to shine with a Sacramento State program that everyone will be keeping an eye on after the early recruiting success shown by new head coach Brennan Marion.
QB Jacolby Criswell – East Tennessee State (North Carolina)
The skinny: In what will be the most interesting FCS quarterback battle of the off-season, Criswell will compete with another FBS transfer, Cade McNamara (Iowa), for the starting job. Getting one of these two transfers would have been a major boost to the program, but getting both was borderline stunning. While McNamara has the better overall resume, Criswell is coming off his best collegiate season (2,459 yards, 15 TD, 6 INT) so he is my choice to make the bigger contribution during the 2025 season.
RB Ikaika Ragsdale – Stony Brook (North Texas)
The skinny: While Ragsdale has had his last two seasons cut short with injuries, he is a big addition for a Seawolves team that enjoyed a surprisingly successful 8-4 season in 2024. When healthy in 2021 and 2022 he totaled 1,289 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He also showcased his pass catching abilities in 2022 with 19 receptions for 135 yards and three touchdowns. If Ragsdale can regain his form from 2022, he will become one of the top running backs in the CAA.
More Sports News
S Cole Batson – UC Davis (Boston College)
The skinny: A native of California, Batson is returning to his home state for his graduate season. After redshirting in 2021, Batson became a reliable contributor during the 2022 and 2023 seasons while totaling 67 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and four pass breakups. Injuries cut his 2023 season short and hindered him in 2024, but now healthy his 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame has the potential to be a bigtime contributor in the Aggies’ secondary in 2025.
