The 2024 transfer portal season is officially underway, and a number of North Carolina college football players are exploring their options for the future.
This page will (try to!) track the latest updates and provide a comprehensive list of players leaving and/or joining programs across the Old North State. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest news.
Monday, November 25 Updates
A trio of defensive standouts from Elon, Gardner-Webb’s starting quarterback and a long-range kicker from Charlotte are among those who indicated their intentions to transfer.
Charlotte kicker Stephen Rusnak will play Saturday despite transfer announcement
Two days after racking up 15 kicker points – including a 50-yard field goal to help beat FAU – Rusnak declared for the portal. Rusnak, the AAC’s specialist of the week, came to the 49ers from Michigan State. He has made all 11 field goal attempts this season, including a 54-yarder against Gardner-Webb, and is 25-of-25 on PATs. Reports are that Rusnak will play in Charlotte’s season finale Saturday against UAB.
Just because a player jumps in portal does not mean he’s leaving at all, particularly if a new coach may be coming on board. Go Niners!!
— Tim Brewster (@TimBrewster) November 25, 2024
Gardner-Webb QB Tyler Riddell on the move again
Riddell, who came to Boiling Springs from East Tennessee State, told On3 that he intends to transfer out of Gardner-Webb. Riddell played in 12 games for the Bulldogs, completing 216 of 344 passes for 2,573 yards, 16 TDs and 10 interceptions.
Defensive standout Cazeem Moore will forego final year at Elon, enters transfer portal
The junior defensive end from Vanceboro (West Craven HS), a preseason All-CAA selection, has been a key piece of Elon’s defense over the past three seasons, appearing in 35 games. Moore has amassed 106 total tackles, including 21 tackles-for-loss and 13 sacks during his career. This season, he stood out with 51 stops, 12 TFLs, six sacks, and three forced fumbles, solidifying his reputation as one of the conference’s top defenders.
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me to be where I am today. I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for the memories created these last 3 years #Juice #BMB 🖤🙏🏽
I will be entering my name in the transfer portal with 1 year left of eligibility pic.twitter.com/XI5R3YIpi6
— CazeemM (@CazeemMoore) November 25, 2024
Elon linebacking duo Marco Patierno and Brandon Tyson announce transfer plans
Marco Patierno, a redshirt sophomore from Wake Forest (Heritage HS), has played in 22 games for Elon over the past three seasons, including eight in 2024. He has compiled 109 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, a sack and three fumble recoveries, according to Elon’s official stats.
Patierno earned freshman All-American status a year ago by FCS Stats Perform, FCS Football Central and Phil Steele. He also landed on the 2023 midseason Jerry Rice Award watch list, one of 22 candidates for national freshman of the year honors. Patierno has two years of eligibility remaining.
Brandon Tyson, also a redshirt sophomore, has seen action in 21 career games with the Phoenix. He made 25 tackles this season with an interception. For his career, the Whiteville standout (Whiteville HS) has amassed 98 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, one pick, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Tyson earned second-team All-America status a year ago from Phil Steele and was third on the team in tackles with 73.
NC A&T’s Leading Tackler, Kade Moledor, Signals Intention To Transfer
The sophomore inside linebacker from Dawsonville, Ga. (Dawson County HS) had a monster season for the Aggies, leading the team in solo tackles (36) and total stops (84). Moledor had a 16-tackle game against Towson and made 13 stops in conference action against William & Mary. Moledor has two years of eligibility left.
I will be entering the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility (and a redshirt) remaining.
Proverbs 16:3 pic.twitter.com/Y6MEc6tQV4
— Kade Moledor (@KadeMoledor) November 24, 2024
Connor Stanley To Forgo Final Season At Barton
One of the founding members of Barton’s revived football program, Connor Stanley plans to transfer for his last year of eligibility. Stanley, from Garner (Cleveland HS), has started 24 games at the Wilson school since his 2020 debut. He has accumulated 129 tackles, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two blocked kicks. Stanley scored a touchdown on a blocked punt return in the season opener against West Virginia State.
Playmaking D2 running back Sincere Baines hits the portal
The Fayetteville rushing standout (Jack Britt HS) earned 2023 Mountain East Conference freshman of the year honors. He galloped for 714 yards and eight touchdowns this season, including a 166-yard outburst against West Virginia Wesleyan. He has more than 2,500 all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, returns) at the collegiate level over two seasons.
Elijah Starkey intends to transfer from Elizabeth City State
The junior wide receiver made 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown this past season. He made nine grabs for 179 yards and two scores in 2023. Elizabeth City State is searching for a new coach after dismissing Marcus Hilliard a few weeks ago.
Bryce Robinson from Livingstone jumps into transfer portal
The junior from Massapequa, NY is listed as a wide receiver and defensive back on the Blue Bears 2024 roster. He caught three passes for 58 yards and a TD this past season for the 6-4 Bears. He also made one tackle.
READ MORE: D2 Standouts DeAree Rogers, LJ Turner Announce Transfer Plans
