Five former FCS standouts that will be household names in the Power Four
© Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK
Thousands of college players transferred to new schools during the last two months. Many of them moved from one Power Four program to another but some transferred up to the Power Four level from the FCS ranks.
Here are five former FCS players who will be household names at the Power Four level come this season.
THIS SERIES: Breaking down the biggest impact transfer for each Big Ten program | Biggest SEC transfers | Biggest ACC transfers | Biggest 12 transfers
MORE TRANSFER PORTAL: Latest news | Transfer search | Transfer Team Ranking | Football Player Ranking
Ohio State stars Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau are off to the NFL so there is an opportunity for playing time at defensive end next season. Of course, the Buckeyes have a few big-time defensive ends ready to fill the void but George is expected to see the field plenty this season.
The former Idaho State star has two years of eligibility remaining. In his first two collegiate seasons, George amassed 51 quarterback pressures according to Pro Football Focus. He was also credited with nearly 20 tackles for a loss and six sacks this past season.
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Diehard football fans are likely familiar with Gronowski but even casual viewers will get to know Iowa's next starting quarterback during the upcoming season. He spent the first four years of his college career with South Dakota State where he won two FCS National Championships in addition to being named FCS National Player of the Year in 2023.
Gronowski had the option of entering the upcoming NFL Draft but decided to spend his final year of eligibility playing for the Hawkeyes and head coach Kirk Ferentz. Even though Gronowski is recovering from an injury that will keep him off the field this spring, he is expected to step in and take over the starting role.
His track record of winning and high-end production should give Iowa fans a lot to be excited about heading into the upcoming season.
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Head coach Lane Kiffin and his high-flying offense is what moves the needle at Ole Miss but the Rebels had to replace a lot of outgoing talent on the defensive side of the ball during this transfer cycle. In fact, three of the four highest-ranked transfers Ole Miss signed are on the defensive side of the ball. Jones is among those four and should hear his name called frequently during the upcoming season.
The SWAC co-Defensive Player of the Year last season, Jones was credited with 122 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Look for Jones to step into the role vacated by Chris Paul Jr.
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Safety was a position of need for Miami and the Canes are expecting Poyser to be a major upgrade compared with their starting safeties from last season. Poyser is coming off a highly productive season at Jacksonville State where he posted eight pass breakups, three interceptions and 66 tackles according to Pro Football Focus.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Poyser is in position to become a key piece of Miami's secondary for years to come.
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Smith had a prolific 2024 campaign at Southeast Missouri State (76 catches for 929 yards and six touchdowns) but he'll be a household name for Clemson fans for another reason – he was the first non-quarterback transfer the Tigers have taken since Dabo Swinney became head coach.
Receiver was certainly a position of need for Clemson and it didn't waste time in the courtship of Smith. He announced his commitment to the Tigers just one week after the transfer portal opened.
As Clemson works to re-tool its receiving corps, Smith (6-foot-5) brings a much-needed element of size to the table so don't be surprised if he draws significant attention in the lead-up to the 2025 season.
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