If you’ve been following social media, you know the transfer portal is in full swing all across college football.
Players from countless Power Four programs have announced their intentions to transfer, along with plenty from Group of Six programs.
Here’s a full list of Southwest Florida players at the Division I-FBS level that have announced their intentions to transfer. This list will be updated with commitments and new transfers.
Updated 10:41 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21
Richard Young, Alabama RB
Was never able to crack the starting rotation in Tuscaloosa, rushing 59 times for 234 yards and 5 TD over three seasons with the Crimson Tide. Young committed to Colorado, reuniting with his former high school coach in James Chaney, who serves as the Director of Player Development.
Kendrick Raphael, California RB
Saw extensive touches in Berkeley as the Golden Bears’ bell cow, rushing 232 times for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Raphael added 13 receptions for 121 yards and a score. Raphael is staying in the ACC, and will play for SMU next fall.
Chris Graves Jr., Ole Miss DB
Graves announced his intentions to enter the portal following the Rebels’ loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals. During his time in Oxford, the Bishop Verot alum had 61 tackles, a pair of fumble recoveries, and seven pass breakups. He didn’t allow a touchdown in over 700 snaps this season. Graves joined Missouri’s secondary and committed to the Tigers earlier this month.
Winston Watkins Jr., Ole Miss WR
The true freshman committed to Ole Miss largely because of Lane Kiffin and entered the portal following their loss to Miami in the CFP semis. Watkins finished with 26 receptions for 373 yards and a touchdown, adding 21 rushing yards on five attempts. Watkins announced Monday he’ll be joining Kiffin in Baton Rouge with LSU.
Greg Delaine, Syracuse DB
Saw limited time in his junior season with the Orange, accounting for 6 tackles and a pass breakup. For his career, Delaine finished with 24 tackles, an interception, and four pass breakups.
Jaheim Buchanon, FIU OL
Was widely recognized after his redshirt freshman year, earning Conference USA All-Freshman Honors. He was a preseason All-CUSA First Team pick by Athlon Sports and was a Second Team Offensive selection after his redshirt sophomore campaign. After visits to TCU and Nebraska, Buchanon announced he was committing to TCU.
Jordan Church, Louisville OL
Church split time at right guard over the final seven games of the season for the Cardinals, putting together a PFF grade of 77.5 in a win over in-state rival Kentucky. Church’s time in the portal ended with a commitment from Texas Tech, the Big 12 champions.
Kensley Louidor-Faustin, Auburn DB
Played in 11 games as a sophomore, registering 20 tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. The Naples High alum added a pick and two pass breakups. Faustin has since committed to Missouri, and will stay in the SEC.
Jonas Duclona, USF DB
Saw a lot of time as a defensive back in Tampa after transferring from Wisconsin, totaling 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, adding a sack, a forced fumble, an interception, and four pass breakups. After a visit to Georgia Tech, Duclona committed to the Yellow Jackets Thursday afternoon.
Eric Fletcher, Oklahoma State DB
Found time in the rotation towards the second half of the season, accounting for 11 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. Fletcher was the first local to commit to a new program, inking with Wisconsin for next fall.
TJ Hedrick, Ole Miss OL
The CSN alum didn’t take a snap on the field with the Rebels in 2025, despite the program making the College Football Playoff semifinals. He will have four years of eligibility remaining at Auburn, where he committed on Friday.
Shawn Simeon, Toledo RB
Was unable to crack the rotation as a true freshman, rushing just once for 10 yards against Northern Illinois on Nov. 5. Expect Simeon to burn a redshirt as he heads to his next program. Simeon committed to UConn on Saturday.
Khari Bendolph, Jacksonville State LB
Was able to find the field as a freshman, amounting for 16 tackles, including a career-high 5 against Kennesaw State on Nov. 15. Bendolph has since committed to UMass.
Ashton Rivera, Kent State OL
The redshirt junior appeared in 11 games on the offensive line for the Golden Flashes, but has since transferred to Cal in what is set to be Tosh Lupoi’s inaugural squad with the Golden Bears. Lupoi served as Oregon’s defensive coordinator under Dan Lanning for four seasons.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: See which former SW FL stars entered college football transfer portal
Reporting by Alex Martin, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
