Boston College Hits the Portal Hard: Bill O’Brien Ushers In a New Era with 27 Transfers
If you thought the transfer portal was just a side dish to college football’s recruiting feast, think again. At Boston College, it’s become the main course.
In just two whirlwind weeks, BC welcomed 45 transfer prospects to Chestnut Hill - and walked away with 27 new additions to the roster. That’s not just a roster shakeup.
That’s a full-blown reboot.
“It’s like speed dating,” head coach Bill O’Brien said with a grin. “It’s a very, very involved process that happens quickly.”
Welcome to the new normal in college football, where one transfer window means programs have to act fast and players have to trust their gut. O’Brien, who took the reins at BC in 2024, admits he didn’t see the sport evolving this quickly. But now that it has, he’s leaning into the chaos - and building a team that looks vastly different from the one that finished the 2025 season.
A New Look Roster
Let’s put it into perspective: BC’s 27 transfers, combined with 23 incoming freshmen (eight of whom are already on campus), mean that nearly half the 2026 roster will be made up of new faces. Some of that turnover was out of necessity - key players graduated or hit the portal themselves - but O’Brien made it clear this overhaul was also by design.
“It’s a brand-new team,” he said. “New coaches, new team. We’re just excited to get going.”
And while not every transfer will earn a starting job, don’t expect many of them to be content watching from the sidelines.
“These guys aren’t transferring to sit on the bench,” O’Brien emphasized.
Names to Watch
The headliner of this transfer class might just be quarterback Mason McKenzie, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound dual-threat from Saginaw Valley State. Coming off a stellar Division II career where he threw for 4,301 yards and 31 touchdowns across 25 games, McKenzie is aiming to follow in the footsteps of players like Trinidad Chambliss - who went from Division II standout to SEC contributor. O’Brien loves McKenzie’s field vision, creativity, and athleticism, and made it clear the offense will be built to suit his strengths.
“We’re not going to try to stuff him into a system that doesn’t fit,” O’Brien said.
Joining McKenzie in the backfield is Evan Dickens, a 5-11, 195-pound running back from Liberty who finished third in the nation in rushing yards per game (121.7) and tied for sixth with 16 rushing touchdowns. That’s high-level production - and exactly the kind of spark BC needs in the run game.
On defense, there’s plenty of intrigue. Kris Jones, a former four-star linebacker from Georgia, brings SEC experience and physicality.
Justin Medlock, a 6-foot, 223-pound linebacker from SMU, adds versatility and playmaking ability - including a 96-yard pick-six last season. Defensive back Kam Howard (Alabama) and Kevyn Humes (Maryland) both played high school ball with returning BC standout KP Price at Saint Frances Academy, so there’s already chemistry in that secondary.
Reinforcements in the Trenches
If there’s one area BC clearly prioritized in this portal class, it’s the offensive line. The Eagles brought in six new linemen - and not just for depth. This group is expected to compete right away, especially after BC finished 15th in the ACC in rushing yards per game last season.
The newcomers include:
- Trevon Humphrey (6-5, 285) from North Carolina Central
- Reggie Jackson (6-5, 300) from Jacksonville State
- Veguer Jean-Jumeau Jr. (6-8, 288) from Tennessee State
- Jani Norwood (6-4, 290) from North Carolina
- Kristian Phillips (6-4, 310) from Michigan State
- Owen Snively (6-4, 300) from Eastern Michigan
“When we watched them on film, we felt like they were tough and athletic,” O’Brien said.
That toughness will be needed. BC’s offense struggled to establish the run last year, and if O’Brien wants to bring a more physical identity to the program, it starts up front.
Defensive Upgrades
On the other side of the ball, BC has work to do - especially when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. The Eagles finished last in the ACC with just 17 sacks in 2025, and the absence of Donovan Ezeiruaku, the 2024 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, was felt all season.
To address that, BC added some key pieces, including:
- Demetrius Ballard (DE, Buffalo)
- KJ Sampson (DT/DE, Florida State)
- Anthony Palano (LB, Washington State)
Combined with Jones and Medlock, this group brings speed, size, and a much-needed edge to a defense that struggled to disrupt opposing offenses.
“Look, there’s a lot we have to improve on,” O’Brien acknowledged. “But we’re bringing in guys who can help us get there.”
New Faces on the Sidelines
It’s not just the roster that’s getting a facelift - the coaching staff is undergoing changes too.
Ted Roof takes over as defensive coordinator, replacing Tim Lewis. Roof has been around the block, with stops at Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma, and most recently UCF. O’Brien described him as an “aggressive, attacking” defensive mind - exactly what BC needs to turn up the heat on opposing quarterbacks.
On offense, Will Lawing won’t return as coordinator, and while a replacement hasn’t been officially named, other key hires are in place. Michigan legend Mike Hart is expected to coach running backs, bringing instant credibility to the position.
Kurt Anderson, with experience at Northwestern and Arkansas, will handle the offensive line. Joe Dailey returns to coach wide receivers, adding continuity to a room that’s seen plenty of turnover.
Building for the Long Haul
O’Brien made it clear on Tuesday: he’s not going anywhere. He’s got three years left on his contract and is committed to turning this program into a consistent contender.
“I’m going to work my butt off to try to get this thing right,” he said.
And with 27 transfers, a fresh batch of freshmen, and a revamped coaching staff, it’s clear he’s not just talking the talk - he’s walking it.
Boston College 2026 Transfer Class (by Position)
- Offensive Line (6): Trevon Humphrey, Reggie Jackson, Veguer Jean-Jumeau Jr., Jani Norwood, Kristian Phillips, Owen Snively
- Wide Receiver (4): Javarius Green, Reed Swanson, Jackson Wade, Landon Wright
- Linebacker (4): Kris Jones, Justin Medlock, Bodie Kahoun, Anthony Palano
- Defensive Line (3): Demetrius Ballard, Christian Hudson, KJ Sampson
- Defensive Back (3): Kam Howard, Kevyn Humes, Chandler Jordan
- Quarterback (2): Mason McKenzie, Grayson Wilson
- Running Back (2): Evan Dickens, Nolan Ray
- Tight End (1): Cam Kossman
- Punter (1): Bryce LaFollette
- Long Snapper (1): John Owens
This isn’t just a roster refresh - it’s a full-scale renovation. And if O’Brien’s vision comes to life, Boston College could be one of the more intriguing programs to watch in 2026.