UAB Adds 41 Transfers, Bolstering Roster for 2026 Season

The Blazers' transfer class includes 15 players from Power-5 schools and 16 from Group of 6 programs.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:15pm

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UAB football has officially announced a 41-player transfer class, capping off a busy few weeks of non-stop additions. The Blazers' transfer haul includes 15 players from Power-4 schools, 16 from Group of 6 programs, eight from the FCS level, and two junior college transfers. The class is heavily weighted toward the defensive side of the ball, with 27 defensive players joining the roster.

Why it matters

UAB is looking to build on a successful 2025 season and compete for a conference title in 2026. This influx of talent, especially from Power-5 programs, should help the Blazers improve on both sides of the ball and make a push toward the top of Conference USA.

The details

The Blazers' transfer class features several notable names, including linebacker Ike Esonwune and defensive backs Draden Fullbright and Jotavion Pierce from Oklahoma State, as well as running back Roderick Robinson II from Georgia. UAB also added experienced players from schools like Memphis, Colorado, and Liberty to bolster both the offense and defense.

  • UAB officially announced the 41-player transfer class on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The players

Ike Esonwune

A redshirt junior linebacker who started four games over 12 appearances for Oklahoma State last season, recording 30 tackles with two quarterback hurries and two pass breakups.

Draden Fullbright

A redshirt freshman defensive back who appeared in four games for Oklahoma State in 2025 after being a three-star recruit with offers from several Power-5 programs.

Jotavion Pierce

A redshirt freshman defensive back who did not see the field for Oklahoma State in 2025 after being a three-star recruit out of high school.

Roderick Robinson II

A redshirt junior running back who spent three seasons at Georgia, appearing in 17 games and scoring a touchdown in the 2025 SEC Championship Game.

UAB Football

The football program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which competes in Conference USA.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to welcome this talented group of transfers to our program. They will provide immediate impact and depth across the roster as we look to compete for a conference championship in 2026.”

— Bill Clark, Head Coach, UAB Football

What’s next

UAB will look to integrate these new transfers into the program during spring practice and summer workouts ahead of the 2026 season opener.

The takeaway

UAB has aggressively utilized the transfer portal to bolster its roster with experienced talent from Power-5 and Group of 6 programs, setting the Blazers up to be a Conference USA contender in 2026 and beyond.