How Georgia Southern transfers fared at their new homes

via @dex5will/Instagram

Following the 2024 season, over 20 Georgia Southern football players entered the transfer portal. While some had success across various levels of college football, a number of their former teammates did not have the same luck.

This article — the first of a two-part series — will recap how each player fared with their new team.

DL Alijah Lacey - Georgia Military College: Due to a preseason shoulder injury, Lacey did not see the field during his one season in Statesboro. He produced at a high level in Milledgeville, however, accumulating 22 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble.

DB Caimon Mathis - UT Permian Basin: After originally committing to Wofford out of the portal, Mathis switched his commitment to UTPB. He thrived with the Falcons, earning Second-Team All-Lone Star Conference honors in 2025.

QB Colton Fitzgerald - West Georgia: After getting shoved down the depth chart during his time in Statesboro, Fitzgerald struggled to find consistent playing time in Carrollton as well. He threw for 295 yards, one touchdown and one interception while completing 50% of his passes. While it is unclear online, it appears that Fitzgerald may have one year of eligibility remaining.

WR DeAndre Buchannon - West Georgia: Buchannon hauled in 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns, establishing himself as the Wolves’ clear No. 2 receiver in 2025. He was also one of the best kick returners at the FCS level, averaging nearly 30 yards per return. Despite his success in Carrollton, Buchannon has entered the portal yet again.

DB Deontre Morris - Alabama State: After serving as a rotational piece in the Eagles’ secondary in 2024, Morris stepped into a slightly larger role with the Hornets. He racked up 52 tackles, three interceptions, three pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack this season. He has exhausted all of his eligibility and has declared for the NFL Draft.

QB Dexter Williams - Kennesaw State: Despite winning the starting job for the Owls during the offseason, Amari Odom eventually overtook Williams as the Owls leader. However, Williams threw for 787 yards and six touchdowns while completing just 53.6% of his passes in eight appearances. He also added 153 yards and three scores on the ground. He entered his name into the transfer portal for the third time in mid-December.

DL Elhadj Fall - Virginia Tech: Fall was one of two members of the Eagles’ defensive line to receive Power Four interest. He totaled 25 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumbled for the Hokies this season. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

LS Gaines Wood - Georgia Southern: After entering the transfer portal in late April, Wood made the decision to return to Statesboro. He has not seen game action during his two years as an Eagle.

DE Isaac Walker - Jacksonville State: In his last season of college football, Walker accumulated 30 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble and one pass deflection. He now appears to be starting a rap career under the stage name Ikefromda6.

WR Joshua “Jet” Thompson - UTEP: Thompson was used sparing during his time as an Eagle, but that use dwindled to none with the Miners. He has since entered the portal for the second time and will have one year of eligibility remaining.

TE Khai Isaac - Georgia Military College: After not making an appearance on the offensive side of the ball for the Eagles, Isaac went the junior college route in an attempt to revive his career. He hauled in seven receptions for 214 yards and four touchdowns and has recently committed to Eastern Michigan. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

DL Kyron Anderson - East Texas A&M: Anderson did not see any game action while at Georgia Southern and he struggled to find playing with the Lions as well. He recorded just two tackles and has three years of eligibility remaining.

DL Lonnie Leverette - Valdosta State: After struggling to find the field in Statesboro, Leverette carved out a role for himself at the Division II level. He totaled 31 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass deflection in 11 games this season. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

DB Marc Stampley - Houston: Stampley made the jump to the Power Four level after three strong seasons as an Eagle and his production stayed roughly the same in his one season as a Cougar.

LB Marques Watson-Trenton - Nebraska: Despite being named the Sun Belt’s Defensive Player of the Year award during his last season as an Eagle, Watson-Trent struggled to find a consistent role at Nebraska. In 11 appearances and four starts, he totaled 39 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. After exhausting his eligibility in Lincoln, he entered his name into the 2026 NFL Draft.

DL Nasir Smith - Kennesaw State: Smith did not receive any playing time for the Eagles, but did get a few opportunities at Kennesaw State. In his limited playing time, he accumulated three tackles, one tackle for loss and one sack in six appearances. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

WR Sam Kenerson - Uncommitted: After entering the transfer portal, the market for Kenerson — a dual-threat quarterback turned wide receiver — was unfortunately nonexistent. He did not end up committing to another school and it appears his football career ended after five years in Statesboro.

LB Skylar Malone - Stetson: Malone did not see any game action for the Eagles and this trend unfortunately continued with the Hatters. He has three years of eligibility remaining.

K TJ Hartley - Georgia Southern: Similarly to Gaines Wood, Hartley entered his name into the transfer portal in April. However, he also returned to Georgia Southern and made his collegiate debut against James Madison.

DT Troy Pikes - South Carolina: Similary to Elhadj Fall, Pikes made the jump to the Power Four level and saw an uptick statistically. In 12 appearances, he accumulated 16 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

OL Weston Wallace - Western Kentucky: After announcing his transfer to Western Kentucky, Wallace was forced to retire from the game of football. He has since begun posting poker content to his Instagram account, @bluff_eagle.

The second installment of this series will highlight what the transfers into Georgia Southern accomplished this season.