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Rebuilding Rosters: How 14 New Head Coaches Revamped Their Teams

When a new head coach takes the reins, they often face a daunting task: rebuilding a roster decimated by departures. This offseason, 14 new head coaches in Power 4 programs tackled this challenge, each with varying degrees of success.

Plug and Play: Programs That Hit the Ground Running

Some coaches inherited a mess, but others were fortunate to find talent already in place. These five programs are thriving in Year 1, thanks to strategic portal additions.

• Indiana (6-0): With 30 transfers, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke, the Hoosiers have emerged as a surprise contender.
• Texas A&M (5-1): Mike Elko’s staff brought in 24 transfers, including defensive end Nic Scourton, who’s living up to his first-round potential.
• Syracuse (5-1): Fran Brown’s offense has been revitalized by transfers like quarterback Kyle McCord and receivers Jackson Meeks and Zeed Haynes.
• Duke (5-1): Manny Diaz’s team has exceeded expectations, thanks in part to transfers like quarterback Maalik Murphy and running back Star Thomas.
• Alabama (5-1): Kalen DeBoer’s staff added 14 transfers, including cornerback Domani Jackson, who’s been a game-changer in the Crimson Tide’s secondary.

Start from Scratch: Programs That Needed a Roster Overhaul

For some coaches, the task was more daunting. These programs had to rebuild from the ground up, relying heavily on portal additions.

• Mississippi State (1-5): Jeff Lebby’s staff brought in 18 transfers, including quarterback Blake Shapen, to revamp the offense.
• Houston (2-4): Willie Fritz’s team added 27 transfers, including quarterback Zeon Chriss, who’s shown promise in his first season.
• Michigan State (3-3): Jonathan Smith’s staff signed 24 transfers, including quarterback Aidan Chiles, to replenish a depleted roster.
• UCLA (1-5): DeShaun Foster’s team added 19 transfers, including quarterback Collin Schlee, to rebuild in the Bruins’ debut season in the Big Ten.

The In-Between: Programs That Fall Somewhere in Between

Two programs don’t fit neatly into either category, as they’re navigating a mix of high expectations and roster turnover.

• Washington (4-3): Jedd Fisch’s team added 27 transfers, including quarterback Will Rogers, to replace departed stars.
• Arizona (3-3): Brent Brennan’s staff signed 24 transfers, including running back Quali Conley, to rebuild in the Wildcats’ first season in the Big 12.

Portal Minimalists: Coaches Who Took a Different Approach

Three coaches took over under unusual circumstances, opting for a more conservative approach to the portal.

• Michigan (4-2): Sherrone Moore’s staff added just nine transfers, focusing on internal development.
• Boston College (4-2): Bill O’Brien inherited a portal class and opted to focus on his existing roster.
• Northwestern (3-3): David Braun’s team added only six transfers, prioritizing continuity over overhaul.