The 2026 FCS-to-FBS Transfer Rankings: EDGE

2026’s college football season is underway, with FCS programs kicking off the party during Week 0. The FCS-to-FBS transfer portal has some gems, including several pass rushers who starred at lesser-known programs. Who are the best FCS-to-FBS transfer EDGE rushers in the 2026 class? Are any of the FCS standouts going to be drafted after leading their teams in 2026?

Notes: All statistics are courtesy of College Football Reference and various school websites, where applicable. Players are listed alphabetically, not ranked by talent, program fit, etc. 247Sports was the primary website used for rankings.

You can find the positional rankings as they occur below:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Offensive Line

Starters

1. Caden Crawford | 6’4 251 | Redshirt Senior | Iowa State

Transfer from: South Dakota

Crawford switches sides in the Cy-Hawk rivalry after making a successful detour at South Dakota that saw him earn Second Team All-MVFC in 2025. He initially started his career at Iowa as a three-star prospect before leaving after three seasons in search of playing time. The former South Dakota pass rusher produced 78 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks in 2025. 247Sports once again rated him as a three-star recruit and ranked him as the 79th overall EDGE. He could be an interesting name to monitor during the draft process if all goes well. The Cyclones should compete for bowl eligibility in 2026 with their schedule and talent, but playing Iowa, Utah, and BYU in a six-game stretch is brutal.

2. Keyshawn Johnson | 6’3 235 | Senior | Syracuse

Transfer from: UT-Martin

Johnson is a three-star transfer EDGE from the Sunshine State who earned numerous First Team All-America selections from various organizations for his strong 2025 campaign. He posted 77 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and 17 sacks in his Skyhawks career, leaving UtT-Martin as an OVC-Big South DPOY and OVC-Big South First Team selection. His credentials are unquestioned at the FCS level; can he translate the accolades into a primetime FBS season? He’ll start at EDGE for a Syracuse program looking to rebound after a miserable 2025 season that went off the rails quickly. 247Sports rated the Sunshine State native as the 71st overall EDGE in the portal. He graduated from the powerhouse HS program, St. Thomas Aquinas.

3. Andrew Zock | 6’2 250 | Junior | Toledo

Transfer from: Mercer

Zock is among the many former Mercer players who transferred to Toledo with new coach Mike Jacobs. None could be more decorated upon arrival than the star pass rusher. He started as a zero-star recruit and became a three-star, award-winning transfer. The former Mercer star won the Buck Buchanan Award as the best defensive player in FCS in 2025. He produced 46 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. Zock earned All-SoCon First-Team honors in 2025 after earning All-SoCon Second-Team honors along with SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2024. 247Sports rated him as the 144th overall EDGE rusher in the portal class. Keep an eye on him as a prospect in 2027.

Rotational Players

1. Toby Anene | 6’4 260 | Redshirt Senior | Colorado

Transfer from: North Dakota State

Anene comes in from perennial FCS power NDSU after a standout career that produced 27 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and six PBUs. He was rated as a three-star transfer portal EDGE and the 44th overall player at his position. The former Bison pass rusher is a well-rounded prospect who could play a large role as a rotational EDGE behind starter Immanuel Ezeogu. Colorado could be a sleeper to finish middle of the pack in the ultra-competitive Big 12 in 2026.

2. Patrick Bauer | 6’3 235 | Redshirt Junior | Cincinnati

Transfer from: Illinois State

Bauer joins the Bearcats after playing a leading role for FCS national runner-up Illinois State, posting 67 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions. He’s a linebacker by trade but will do well as a pass rusher in DC Nate Woody’s scheme. Bauer projects as a rotational pass rusher behind starters Antwan Peek Jr and Thomas Johnson (NC Central). Johnson will start after a tremendous season that saw him produce 12 sacks en route to All-MEAC First-Team honors. Cincy’s schedule is a tale of two halves, starting light before facing the Big 12’s heavy hitters after their bye week. Home games against Utah, Texas Tech, and Kansas State will be their toughest challenge, and going to Provo won’t be easy either. Bowl eligibility should be the standard in 2026.

4. Balansama Kamara | 6’3 260 | Redshirt Senior | Colorado

Transfer from: Albany

Kamara began his career at Temple as a zero-star recruit before transferring to Hutchinson CC for the 2023 season. He then transferred to Albany for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The 2025 campaign was his finest yet, as he produced 67 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, earning an All-CAA First Team selection. 247Sports rated him as a three-star portal recruit and the 126th overall EDGE in the class. He transferred to Colorado and projects as a rotational pass rusher for the Buffaloes. He joins fellow FCS-to-FBS transfer EDGE Tony Anene as a key piece on Colorado’s defensive line.

5. Ezekiel Larry | 6’2 240 | Graduate | Virginia

Transfer from: Yale

Larry’s story is interesting: he originally enrolled at Yale as a three-star recruit and the 58th overall EDGE prospect from California. He transferred to San Diego State after the 2023 season but transferred back to Yale in 2024, where he spent the past two seasons. The former Bulldogs pass rusher had a standout career, especially in 2025, posting the Ivy League-best 10.5 sacks and 48 tackles. He earned All-Ivy First Team honors and was a FCS All-American Third Team selection. The Golden State native transferred to Virginia as a three-star portal recruit by 247Sports. He’ll be part of a rotation of veteran EDGE rushers for the Cavaliers.

Virginia broke out last season after years of mediocrity under Tony Elliott and will look to continue that run in 2026. The schedule is light enough for a midtable finish in the ACC.