Another major offensive weapon from a North Carolina FCS program is heading to the transfer portal. Gardner-Webb wide receiver Chris Lofton, the top pass-catcher in the OVC/Big South Football Association this season, intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens in January, according to multiple reports.
Lofton, a 6-foot, 180-pound redshirt sophomore from Columbia, S.C., posted 934 receiving yards with five touchdowns during the recently completed FCS campaign — outpacing the next closest receiver in the conference by 246 yards. Lofton enjoyed four 100-yard games, including a dominant 11-catch, 169-yard, 1-TD performance in Saturday’s season finale against Western Illinois.
A transfer to GWU from James Madison, Lofton redshirted with the Dukes in 2023 and did not record a catch during the 2024 season before emerging as Gardner-Webb’s primary big-play threat this fall. His consistency, explosiveness and strong finish to the season make him one of the most notable offensive players from North Carolina FCS football to announce transfer intentions this early in the cycle.
Although the transfer portal does not officially open for FBS and FCS players until January 2, many players are announcing their plans now to connect early with recruiters and position themselves for the rapidly approaching transfer window.
Other top North Carolina FCS offensive standouts to announce for the portal include Western Carolina quarterback Taron Dickens, Campbell wideout Randall King and WCU wide receiver Malik Knight.
TRANSFER SEASON HEATS UP: We’re compiling a full North Carolina FCS Transfer Tracker, with updated details (the best we can!) on the latest roster movement, coming and going, with all seven of our state’s FCS programs.
