The transfer portal has become more prominent in college football in the past few years, adopting a win-now mentality and adding already established names to their roster.
Countless success stories from big programs in the Power Five/Group of Fives or smaller programs in Division II, Division III, or junior college have greatly benefited from the transfer portal.
This idea, however, has been hit-or-miss in the MEAC, with teams more often opting to build their teams from the ground up with players coming straight out of high school.
That being said, there are some exceptions, such as Latrell Collier, who went on to have a profound impact on North Carolina Central from Marshall University.
Here is a player from each team in the MEAC who will look to follow in that mold.
Delaware State Hornets: WR Jordan Jakes
Going into the offseason, the Delaware State offense was a point of interest following a season in which they finished the conference fifth in total yards and scoring.
UNLV wide receiver transfer Jordan Jakes will try to improve the Hornets’ offensive performance.
Though he received little playing time at UNLV, producing just five receptions for 49 yards in four games, Jakes, who stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall, brings abnormal size to the Hornets.
He is looking to become the first Delaware State receiver to record 500 receiving yards in a season since Trey Gross in 2021.
Howard Bison: DB Phillip Smitherman
The Howard Bison are looking to become the first MEAC team to win back-to-back outright conference championships (shared with North Carolina Central in 2022) since North Carolina A&T in 2017 and 2018 (shared with South Carolina State in 2019).
One key to the Bison’s success was their elite pass defense, which led the MEAC in allowing just 142.8 passing yards per game and just 13 touchdowns.
Looking to add to what is already a spectacular Howard secondary is former Harvard defensive back Phillip Smitherman.
Last season, Smitherman got his first opportunity to play on defense for Harvard, putting up solid numbers in 10 games. He tallied 25 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Morgan State Bears: DB Jadon Carter
As Morgan State enters its third season under head coach Damon Wilson, the Bears feel they are due for a breakout season.
Last season, they took a big step forward, establishing themselves as a top defensive team, allowing a MEAC-low 21.4 points per game.
Though the Bears have lost some key components from their defensive unit, including linebacker Lawrence Richardson and defensive lineman Noah Washington, they have quite a few game-changers set to return, and some top transfers have joined the team.
One is Bowie State defensive back transfer Jadon Carter, who will bring his ballhawk abilities to the Morgan State secondary. Carter recorded six interceptions and 10 pass breakups in his two seasons with BSU.
Norfolk State Spartans: WR Jacquez Jones
Despite finishing with a 3-8 overall record last season, there were plenty of positives Norfolk State could take with them into this upcoming year.
The Spartans were no slouch, with four of their eight losses coming within a single possession. They also had the second-best rushing attack in the MEAC.
The Norfolk State offense got a spark from quarterback Otto Kuhns in his second year since transferring to the team. He will look to build on his solid season with help from Lane wide receiver transfer Jacquez Jones.
One of the most prolific receivers in recent SIAC history, Jones produced 105 receptions for 1,851 yards and 17 touchdowns in his three years with the Dragons.
North Carolina Central Eagles: DB Isaiah Fisher-Smith
North Carolina Central is not often known for building its team through the transfer portal, with much of its talent being homegrown.
Names such as Davius Richard, Khalil Baker, and Devin Smith began their college careers with the Eagles and became household names in HBCU football.
However, this offseason, North Carolina Central added quite a few names out of the portal who will look to buck tradition, namely former Duke defensive back Isaiah Fisher-Smith.
Smith played in 37 games with Duke and recorded 29 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and three blocked kicks.
South Carolina State Bulldogs: DE Jayden Broughton
South Carolina State is entering a new era moving forward without longtime head coach Buddy Pough and ushering in former Benedict head coach Chennis Berry.
Berry brings in a number of transfers from his former employer, chief among them all-conference defensive end Jayden Broughton.
Broughton was a star performer in the 2023 season, recording 56 total tackles, 24.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
Defense has always been the backbone of South Carolina State’s success, and Broughton has the talent to add his name to the team’s defensive lineage.
