North Texas Football Faces Major Roster Overhaul with 52 Transfers Under New Coach Neal Brown
The North Texas Mean Green football program is experiencing a dramatic transformation as new head coach Neal Brown takes charge, with the spring roster revealing a staggering 52 transfers. This significant turnover comes on the heels of a historic season where the team achieved a school-record 12 wins and earned its first-ever finish in the AP Top 25 rankings.
Key Departures Following Former Coach Eric Morris
The 96-player roster released this Wednesday includes 44 returning players, but the Mean Green have suffered notable losses. National passing leader Drew Mestemaker is among approximately a dozen players who followed former UNT coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. Additionally, North Texas' top rusher and receiver have also departed with Morris to the Big 12 Conference, creating substantial gaps in the team's offensive lineup.
Mestemaker, in his only season as a starter for No. 24 North Texas, threw for an impressive 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns as a freshman. Caleb Hawkins, another freshman standout, rushed for 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns, while sophomore Wyatt Young led the receiving corps with 70 catches for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns. Their exits mark a critical challenge for the new coaching staff.
Influx of Talent from Power Four Schools
To counter these losses, North Texas has aggressively utilized the transfer portal, bringing in 22 players from Power Four schools. One of the most notable additions is running back Jaheim White, who played the past three seasons at West Virginia. White's connection to Coach Brown is significant, as he spent his first two collegiate years under Brown's guidance at West Virginia, boasting seven career 100-yard rushing games and 2,200 all-purpose yards.
In the quarterback position, sophomore Chris Jimerson returns after attempting only two passes behind Mestemaker last season. The Mean Green have also bolstered their quarterback room with two transfer additions: senior Tayven Jackson from UCF and redshirt freshman Chaston Ditta from East Carolina. Jackson brings experience with 16 starts in 27 games played, having previously spent two seasons at Indiana after beginning his career at Tennessee.
Rebuilding the Receiving Corps
The receiving unit is undergoing a major reshuffle, with six portal additions complementing six returning players. This mix aims to rebuild depth and talent following the departure of top performers, ensuring the offense remains competitive in the upcoming season.
This roster overhaul reflects the dynamic nature of college football, where coaching changes often lead to significant player movement. Under Neal Brown's leadership, North Texas is navigating this transition, blending returning experience with new transfers to build on last season's success and aim for continued prominence in the AP Top 25.
