The Boston College Eagles are staring down a long winter after a tough 2-10 campaign, and the early signs of roster turnover are beginning to take shape. As expected, the transfer portal is already open for business in Chestnut Hill, and while the exodus hasn’t been massive, the names heading out the door do raise some eyebrows-particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Let’s break down who’s leaving, what it means for BC moving forward, and why this offseason could be a defining one for the program under Bill O’Brien.
QB Dylan Lonergan
Perhaps the most notable departure so far, Lonergan’s exit leaves a question mark at the most important position on the field. The Eagles didn’t get much out of the quarterback room this season, and while Lonergan didn’t light it up, his pedigree and potential made him a player worth watching. His decision to move on adds another layer of uncertainty to a position group that desperately needs stability.
WR/RB Datrell Jones
A local product out of West Roxbury, Jones came in with some buzz as a versatile 3-star athlete. But things never quite clicked.
After redshirting in 2023 and making a single appearance against Duquesne in 2024, Jones didn’t see the field at all this season. His departure won’t shake the roster, but it’s another example of a developmental player who didn’t pan out.
WR Nate Johnson
Johnson’s time at BC has been quiet. He saw the field in 2023, playing in eight games, but redshirted in 2024 and didn’t make an appearance in 2025. Like Jones, this is more about roster turnover than lost production, but it does thin out the depth at wide receiver heading into the offseason.
OL Jadon Lafontant
A 3-star offensive lineman from Connecticut, Lafontant redshirted in 2024 and got on the field for just one game in 2025. While he wasn’t a major contributor, offensive line depth is always valuable-especially for a program trying to rebuild from the trenches out. His departure is another dent in the long-term development pipeline.
DT Sterling Sanders
Now here’s a name that stings. Sanders was a former 4-star recruit and one of the more promising additions to the defensive front.
Unfortunately, injuries limited his impact-he only played in one game this season, a non-conference matchup against Fordham, before being sidelined for the rest of the year. Still, losing a player with that kind of upside is a blow for a defensive line that struggled to generate pressure all season.
LB Daveon “Bam” Crouch
This one might hurt the most. Crouch was the heart of the defense, a team captain, and a vocal leader both on and off the field.
He was expected to anchor the linebacker corps in 2025, but injuries derailed his season. Now, he’s heading for the portal.
For a team that already struggled defensively, losing a player of his caliber and leadership is a significant setback.
LB Jason Hewlett
Another linebacker with high expectations, Hewlett came to BC after a stint at Michigan, bringing with him the kind of athleticism that coaches dream about at the second level. He was pegged as a potential breakout player this season, but like Crouch, injuries limited him to just two appearances-against Michigan State and Pitt. With his decision to re-enter the portal, BC loses a player who could’ve been a difference-maker if healthy.
CB Ashton McShane
McShane has been a steady presence in an otherwise shaky secondary. He’s played regularly since 2023, starting some games and filling in as a rotational piece.
While he wasn’t a lockdown corner, he brought experience and continuity to a position group that’s been in flux since the coaching change. His departure doesn’t gut the defense, but it does thin out a unit that already lacked depth and consistency.
What’s Next for BC?
This isn’t a mass exodus, but it’s not nothing either. The Eagles are losing key pieces at quarterback, linebacker, and on the defensive line-three areas that were already question marks heading into the offseason.
The good news? There’s still time to reload.
The transfer portal works both ways, and Boston College will be aggressive in trying to bring in reinforcements.
But let’s be clear: after a 2-10 season, this isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about reshaping the identity of the program.
Bill O’Brien and his staff are facing a critical offseason, one that will define how quickly (or not) this team can bounce back. The names leaving may not be household ones, but for a roster that lacked depth and consistency, every departure matters.
The rebuild is officially on.