Courtesy of Coach Brian White
AMHERST- As the 2026 offseason chugs along, UMass Football is navigating a period of significant transformation under head coach Joe Harasymiak.
Following a challenging 2025 season and the departure of several key starters, the Minutemen have been aggressive in the transfer portal looking to rebuild their roster. This cycle is particularly crucial as the program continues its transition back into the Mid-American Conference (MAC), and the staff has focused heavily on securing regional talent and veteran experience to stabilize the depth chart.
The most significant changes this winter have occurred in the quarterback room. After losing all three of last year’s quarterbacks to the portal, UMass secured a major commitment from Springfield native William “Pop” Watson III. Returning to his home state after a three year stint at Virginia Tech, Watson brings a dual-threat dynamic that the offense lacked last year. Joining him is RJ Johnson III, a transfer from Florida A&M (previously Toledo), providing the Minutemen with two experienced options to compete for the starting job alongside their incoming freshman class.
The offensive overhaul extends to the receiving corps, headlined by the homecoming of Joseph Griffin Jr. from Wisconsin. Like Watson, Griffin is a Springfield product whose 6-foot-4 frame offers a massive target for the new quarterbacks. The team also added Randall King from Campbell and Devin Matthews, signaling a clear intent to increase the size and explosiveness of the passing attack.
To protect these new assets, the Minutemen reinforced the offensive line with massive tackles like Aitor Urionabarrenechea from Colorado State and Greg Knox from McNeese State.
Defensively, UMass has prioritized the secondary and the edge. The arrival of Chris Stanley from Garden City Community College marked the first official transfer of the cycle, bringing a physical cornerback presence to Amherst. He is joined by Isaiah Reed (UCF/Brown) and Jahmad Harmon (Ball State/Kent State) to provide veteran leadership in the defensive backfield.
On the defensive line, the Minutemen signed brothers Andrew and William DePaepe. Andrew, a former highly-rated recruit from Michigan State, and William, a rising talent from Indiana, are expected to provide a spark to a defensive line that needs it.
While the loss of several players from last season’s roster highlights the volatility of the modern portal era, the 2026 transfer class represents a tactical shift toward “grown man” football. By blending Power Four transfers with local stars returning home.
Coach Harasymiak is attempting to build a roster more capable of competing at the top of the MAC. The next few months of spring ball will be the true litmus test for how quickly these new pieces can mesh under a revamped coaching staff.