North Texas Football Faces Roster Overhaul as Stars Enter Transfer Portal
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A wave of departures is expected from the University of North Texas football program following a historic season, as key players signal their intent to explore opportunities elsewhere via the NCAA transfer portal. The exodus is largely attributed to the recent hiring of coach Eric Morris by Oklahoma State on November 25.
North Texas concluded its season with a thrilling 49-47 victory over San Diego State in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl on Saturday, but the celebratory mood is tempered by the looming prospect of significant roster changes. The program anticipates substantial attrition as it transitions from Morris to new coach Neal Brown.
Hawkins Headlines Transfer Movement
Leading the charge is freshman running back Caleb Hawkins, who announced Sunday his plans to enter the transfer portal. Hawkins, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound standout from Shawnee, Oklahoma, enjoyed a remarkable debut season with the Mean Green, leading the FBS with an astounding 29 touchdowns. He amassed 1,804 yards from scrimmage – the third-highest total in the FBS – and earned All-America honors, along with being named the American Conference Rookie of the Year.
“He’s expected to be one of the top running backs available when the portal officially opens Friday,” a source stated. Hawkins surpassed 200 total yards in six games, including a dominant 233-yard performance against San Diego State, where he was named offensive MVP of the bowl game.
Wide Receiver and Additional Players Join the List
Hawkins isn’t alone in his decision. Wide receiver Wyatt Young, who ranked as the third-leading receiver in the FBS with 1,264 yards as a sophomore, also intends to enter the transfer portal. Further compounding the roster concerns, running backs Ashton Gray and Makenzie McGill II, defensive linemen Ethan Day and Joshua Pierce, linebacker Ethan Wesloski, and safety Quinton Hammonds have all announced their intentions to transfer.
The departures come after North Texas achieved a program-best 12-win season and reached the American Conference title game for the first time in its history. However, the success appears to have inadvertently fueled the current transfer activity.
Coaching Staff Exodus Impacts Roster Stability
The situation is further complicated by Morris’s decision to bring several members of his North Texas staff with him to Oklahoma State, including defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, multiple assistant coaches, and general manager Raj Murti. This mass movement of personnel has undoubtedly contributed to the uncertainty surrounding the Mean Green’s future.
Quarterback Mestemaker’s Decision Looms
The future of North Texas’s passing attack also remains uncertain. Star quarterback Drew Mestemaker, the FBS leader with 4,379 passing yards, planned to postpone a decision regarding his future until after the bowl game. Should he choose to transfer, he would immediately become one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the transfer portal, which is open from January 2-16.
In his third season as coach, Morris transformed North Texas into an offensive powerhouse, boasting the No. 1 scoring offense in the FBS at 45.1 points per game. The program now faces the challenge of rebuilding momentum under new leadership while navigating a period of significant roster turnover.
