Another top-level player from a North Carolina Division II football program has signaled his intentions to enter the transfer portal.
Lenoir-Rhyne quarterback Jalen Ferguson, who set multiple school records during the 2024 season, announced on Twitter/X on Wednesday that he intends to transfer for his final year of eligibility.
The redshirt junior from Clemmons, who starred at West Forsyth High School, threw for 3,276 yards and 19 touchdowns this season (with 12 interceptions). He completed 73 percent of his passes during Lenoir-Rhyne’s 2023 run to the D2 semifinals, finishing that year 114-of-157 for 1,537 yards and 17 scores (only two interceptions).
Ferguson’s 2024 campaign set a new school record for passing yardage, and his 411-yard passing day against West Alabama in the first round of the playoffs also broke a school record.
Lenoir-Rhyne isn’t the only South Atlantic Conference program feeling the impact of the transfer portal. Quarterback Brooks Bentley, who plays for Wingate University, one of the Bears’ chief conference rivals, also announced his intentions to transfer. Bentley earned Piedmont Division all-conference honors in the South Atlantic this season and holds a 16-3 record as the Bulldogs’ starter. [Read more about Bentley HERE.]
Other Notable D2 Transfers:
The trend of star players leaving North Carolina’s Division II programs extends beyond Lenoir-Rhyne. Here’s a look at some other key players who have entered the portal. For an expanded list of players across all divisions, visit our Transfer Portal Tracker.
- Catawba RB LJ Turner: Rushed for 1,224 yards in just eight games this season and is a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy.
- Wingate WR Evan McCray: Made 42 catches for 634 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
- Lenoir-Rhyne WR/KR DeAree Rogers: An All-American in 2023 known for his explosive plays.
- Catawba DB Denoris Wardlow: Top tackler with five interceptions in 2023.
- Wingate OL Erwil Anthony: Earned the South Atlantic Conference Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the league’s top lineman.
- Johnson C. Smith DB Shamar Baker: First-team All-CIAA in 2024.
- Barton DL Connor Stanley: Started 24 games since the school revived its program in 2020.
- UNC Pembroke RB Sincere Baines: The 2023 Mountain East Freshman of the Year with over 2,500 all-purpose yards in two seasons.
