App State Adds 35 Transfer Portal Newcomers, Many From FCS

Appalachian State announced a major influx of transfer portal additions, publishing a Jan. 21 roster update that listed 35 newcomers who joined the Mountaineers program for spring classes. The arrivals included a mix of players from FBS, FCS and lower divisions, with a noteworthy contingent of FCS alums moving up to FBS competition. The breadth of the haul signals an aggressive roster reset headed into spring practice and gives App State new options across multiple position groups.

"To date, with spring classes underway in 2026, App State Football has announced the addition of 35 transfer portal newcomers from NCAA institutions," the athletics release stated, and the school followed with individual bios, physicals and previous statistics for each player. The release broke down the newcomers by position: 10 defensive backs, five receivers, four linebackers and other additions across the roster, indicating a clear focus on defensive backfield depth and receiving room expansion.

Selected entries on the list illustrate the FCS footprint in this class. Eric Adams, a safety from North Carolina Central, brings FCS experience to the secondary. Ki’Shawn Harvey, a defensive lineman out of ETSU, and wide receivers Chris Lofton from Gardner-Webb and Sam Pickett III from Samford add proven FCS production to App State’s skill group options. Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski arrives from Kennesaw State, giving the Mountaineers another signal-caller option as spring drills begin.

App State’s strategy follows a broader trend of FBS programs mining the FCS transfer pool to find experienced, game-ready players who can contribute immediately. For App State, the influx of 35 transfers in a single cycle will accelerate competition for starting spots and special teams roles while forcing coaching staff to make quick evaluations during spring practices. The positional spread suggests defensive priorities, while the addition of multiple receivers and a quarterback underscores attention to offensive depth and schematic flexibility.

The movement also has ripple effects on the FCS landscape. Programs such as ETSU, Samford, Gardner-Webb and Kennesaw State are among those that will need to replace production and leadership lost to the portal, and FCS roster builders must now account for accelerated churn in the transfer market. For players, the portal remains a clear pathway to FBS opportunities that can alter career trajectories and visibility.

With spring practice now underway, these newcomers will be measured by how quickly they assimilate into App State’s schemes and contribute on game days. For FCS reporters and roster trackers, the Jan. 21 release provides a primary source of names and bios to monitor. What comes next is spring evaluation, a reshaped depth chart and an offseason that highlights the transfer portal’s growing role as a talent marketplace between FCS and FBS.