Let’s just put this front and center: I wrote a version of this article in 2024, and I was wrong about nearly everything. Reginald Harden, the 6’5″ WR from Benedict College, couldn’t put it together for Keith Heckendorf’s offense. Kamari Stephens, the defensive end out of Jackson State, delivered some minutes but just one sack. Timmy McClain had his moments at QB, but he never really challenged Jaylen Raynor, and Jordan Mahoney never recaptured the glory at corner he had attained at Massachusetts. None of these guys were a bust, but none became breakout athletes.

This year, Butch Jones welcomes at least 36 transfer players to Jonesboro. Who knows if Jones is finished? Guys can magically appear out of a top hat. This season, Jones focused largely on both sides of the trench, importing six offensive linemen and six defensive linemen. He’s also brought in six new linebackers and seven defensive backs. You may be getting the feeling that Jones was concerned about how the defensive played that season.

Who among these men have the potential to change the outcome of the game? Last year, the transfers who emerged as studs included defensive end Bryan Whitehead and linebacker Marvin Ham. Who will Howl Hard in 2025? Your guess is probably better than mine, but this is my website, not yours.

Kenyan Clay, RB, Redshirt Junior (Southern Miss)

Charlie Huff was brought aboard to mop up the mess in Hattiesburg, but 6’1″ 220-pound Clay wasn’t sticking around for janitorial duties. A former three-star prospect, Clay was the #2 RB for the Golden Eagles in 2024 but racked up a team high seven rushing touchdown (380 yards rushing). Clay is a big load who should make for a nice change of pace against the speedy Ja’Quez Cross, Devin Spencer and a (hopefully) healthy Cedrick Hawkins.

JJ Harrell, Wide Receiver, Redshirt Freshman (Mississippi State)

Harrell redshirted as at freshman for the Bulldogs and mysteriously saw his 24/7 rating drop from 4-stars to three. Did a year of inactivity in Starksville blunt his skills? Doubtful! The 6’1″ receiver is said to possess exceptional acceleration and speed, which would be a big help to QB Jaylon Raynor, who could use another big playmaker alongside Corey Rucker.

NOTE: It appears that Harrell is no longer on the Red Wolves roster

Will Saxton, Offensive Lineman, Redshirt Junior, (Southern Miss)

The massive 6’3″ 322-pound lineman made nine starts for the Golden Eagles last year, which is game time experience this youngish Red Wolves offensive line desperately needs. Saxton is among a cadre a beefy OL reinforcements that includes Zuri Madison (Arkansas, 6’3″ 305) and Kobe Williamson (Memphis, 6’3″ 312).

Cody Sigler, Defensive Lineman, Redshirt Junior (West Alabama)

Sigler’s options as a prospect appear to be West Alabama and West Alabama. But the 6’3″ 287-pound defensive tackle blossomed last season with 24 solo tackles and 12 TFLs. Sigler and fellow transfer Gavin Ransaw (Coastal Carolina 6’3″ 295) joins a defensive line in need of girth and experience with only Bryan Whitehead, Marcus Bradley and Ethan Hassler returning with significant PT.

Javante Mackey, Defensive End/Linebacker, Redshirt Sophomore (Memphis)

As a redshirt freshman, Mackey ranked second on the Red Wolves with 84 tackles – as a linebacker. The online roster has the 6’1, 222-pound athlete as a defensive end, which tracks as Butch Jones isn’t afraid to experiment with putting athletes out of his traditional position (see Justin Parks at safety, Wyatt Beagel at wide receiver and TW Ayers at nose guard). Whether we see Mackey and linebacker or defensive end, it’s undoubtedly great to see him back in the Scarlet & Black.

Avante Dickerson, Cornerback, Redshirt Senior (Oregon/Utah State)

As a recruit, Dickerson approached five-star territory, gobbling up offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Texas, Ohio State, Tennessee and just about every other blue blooded program before landing at Oregon. Unfortunately, the 5’11” 170 pound phenom didn’t receive a great deal of playing time in Eugene, but Dickerson found his value at Utah State where he totaled 21 tackles and a pick in two years at Logan. Dickerson’s experience will be much needed, as six of the team’s nine corners are freshmen or redshirt freshmen.

AG McGhee, Safety, Senior (Marshall)

The Red Wolves have some experience at safety, with Brandin Greil and Brandon Barnes returning to the role. However, Mister McGhee arrives to Jonesboro having started every game last season for SBC champion Marshall, recording 28 tackles on a defense ranked 37th against the pass (Arkansas State, by contrast, was ranked 112th last season). Look for McGhee to start this year in the Red Wolves secondary.

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