Courtesy of UMass Athletics
The transfer portal is officially open, and for UMass Football, this 15-day window is the most critical period of the offseason. Coming off a winless 2025 season and preparing for a full return to the Mid-American Conference (MAC), Head Coach Joe Harasymiak and his staff are tasked with a total roster overhaul.
The departure of Offensive Coordinator Mike Bajakian to Michigan State has left the offense in flux, making the portal the primary tool for finding an immediate identity.
Top Roster Needs
The Minutemen are facing a “reset” level of turnover, with significant gaps at high-impact positions:
Quarterback: With AJ Hairston officially in the portal and Brandon Rose expected to follow, the room is thin. UMass needs a starter who can handle the physical nature of MAC play and provide veteran leadership to a young roster.
Offensive Line: Following the departure of offensive line coach Kurt Anderson to Boston College and the graduation of several starters, the line needs at least 2–3 immediate-impact transfers to protect a new quarterback.
Secondary: UMass was 136th in scoring defense last year. While they signed five high school DBs in December, they desperately need a veteran “shutdown” corner and a rangy safety to anchor the back end.
Wide Receiver: Leading receiver Jacquon Gibson is in the portal, and Frank Ladson Jr. has graduated. The team needs a vertical threat to complement 3-star signee Kai Owens.
Departures (Players Entering the Portal)
The following players have recently announced their intent to leave Amherst:
AJ Hairston (QB): Led the team in passing yards in 2025; a big hole to fill as he was the projected starter heading into the spring.
Jacquon Gibson (WR): The team’s leading receiver (616 yards) and the only bright spot in a tough year.
Kendall Bournes (DB): Leaves a void in an already struggling secondary.
Rashad Henry (LB): Henry had 67 tackles last season including 3 tackles for loss. The 6-3, 230 pound Henry is a big loss for a defense that lacks playmakers.
Players to watch
William “Pop” Watson, QB Virginia Tech: A Western Mass native and former Gatorade Player of the Year. He provides the dual-threat capability and local “hometown hero” energy the program needs. |
Kenny Minchey , QB, Notre Dame: A former 4-star recruit with high-level pedigree. While he’ll have P4 interest, UMass could offer the guaranteed starting role he wants.
Tucker McDonald, QB, UConn: The former Wachusett standout deserves an opportunity to compete for a starting job and could be an intriguing option for the Minutemen depending on what they do with the offensive coordinator opening.
Rasheem Biles, LB, Pittsburgh: An All-ACC talent who is officially in the portal. UMass needs a playmaker in the middle; he would be the highest-rated defender on the roster instantly. |
Kofi Asare, EDGE, Florida: Is a return to UMass possible? The Worcester native returning home to the MAC would give UMass the elite pass-rush presence they’ve lacked. He is further along in his physical development. Despite that, this is a long shot.
Benjamin Roy, IOL UCLA/Stanford: Reliable interior linemen with experience are the gold standard for G5 schools in the portal.
Outlook
Harasymiak has already proven to be an aggressive recruiter, signing the highest-rated high school class in UMass FBS history last month. However, the “Balloon Payment” NIL strategy used by the MassCo collective is designed to keep players through the season, meaning UMass likely has a war chest ready to lure impact transfers looking for a fresh start in January.