ETSU Bolsters Roster with 37 Transfer Portal Additions

New coach Will Healy emphasizes strengthening the offensive and defensive lines with 15 linemen among the transfers.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 5:31pm

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East Tennessee State University's football team has added 37 players from the transfer portal, with a focus on improving the offensive and defensive lines. Head coach Will Healy met with local media to discuss the new additions, which include 15 offensive and defensive linemen. The Bucs have lost around 75% of their previous roster due to the transfer portal and new NIL rules, requiring them to rebuild significantly each year.

Why it matters

ETSU, an FCS program, is facing the challenges of roster turnover common to smaller schools in the era of the transfer portal and new NCAA rules allowing players to be paid. Healy's emphasis on strengthening the lines indicates a focus on controlling the line of scrimmage, which is crucial for success in college football.

The details

The 37 new transfers include 15 offensive and defensive linemen, as well as a pair of Power 5 transfer quarterbacks and several skill position players on offense. Notable additions include offensive lineman Sam Browder from Memphis, who joins his brother Charlie, an ETSU tight end, as well as Noah Anker, a 6'8" 310-pound lineman from Northwest Oklahoma State. On defense, the Bucs added linemen from Penn State, Louisville, UCF, and North Carolina.

  • On January 27, 2026, ETSU head coach Will Healy met with local media to discuss the team's 37 transfer portal additions.
  • The Bucs have lost around 75% of their previous 75-player roster due to transfers and the new NIL rules.

The players

Will Healy

The head football coach at East Tennessee State University.

Sam Browder

An offensive lineman who transferred to ETSU from the University of Memphis.

Charlie Browder

An ETSU tight end and the brother of transfer offensive lineman Sam Browder.

Noah Anker

A 6'8", 310-pound offensive lineman who transferred to ETSU from Northwest Oklahoma State.

Ty Williams

An offensive lineman who transferred to ETSU from Austin Peay, where former ETSU coach George Quarles was on staff.

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What they’re saying

“We have about 10 players back from the 44 on our two-deep (roster). It's about where I expected it to be. If you have around 75 guys on some type of scholarship, you lose about 25 to graduation and then you're going to lose your top 15 because they're going to make more money somewhere else and 15 unhappy because they're not playing enough. You're down to about 20 of the 75 players, so yearly you're going to have to sign around 55 players.”

— Will Healy, Head Coach

“I'm very excited about the guys we signed from an offensive line perspective. With Sam and Charlie being from Kingsport, it was unique and a really big get for us. Noah is 6-8 and 310 pounds with his best football ahead of him. Brodie Bass, we beat a couple of Group of 5 programs and a significant amount of money.”

— Will Healy, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bucs are still waiting on word about a waiver to get quarterback Jacolby Criswell, who played in nine games in 2025, eligible for another season.

The takeaway

ETSU's aggressive approach to the transfer portal reflects the challenges smaller FCS programs face in retaining talent in the era of the transfer portal and new NIL rules. By focusing on rebuilding the offensive and defensive lines, the Bucs are prioritizing controlling the line of scrimmage, a key to success in college football.