WKU Football Preview: Roster Changes and New Additions

News Summary

As WKU football navigates a busy transition period, exciting roster changes are on the horizon. With key players staying and new talents joining, the Hilltoppers prepare for an eventful season. Standout commitments like Jayden Gray and Karlfonza Smith bring fresh skills, while Devonte’ Mathews and Keyshawn Swanson eye the NFL draft. Fans can expect a thrilling journey ahead as the season approaches!

WKU Football Update: Exciting Developments Ahead of Spring

Bowling Green, Kentucky is buzzing with excitement as WKU football navigates through a busy transition period. With the NCAA college football transfer portal winter window officially closed as of December 28, 2024, the team is gearing up for an eventful few months under the guidance of head coach Tyson Helton. For players not opting for a change, they’ll remain part of the Hilltopper family until the next transfer portal window opens from April 16 to April 25, 2025.

Players Staying Put

One notable decision came from wide receiver Moussa Barry, who has announced his commitment to stay with WKU after entering the transfer portal for a second consecutive year. The talented 6-foot-2, 194-pound receiver from Norcross, Georgia, completed his redshirt sophomore season at WKU after making the move from NCAA Division II Mars Hill. In 2023, Barry made a splash by catching nine passes for 145 yards, including a jaw-dropping 51-yard touchdown on his first reception. Moving into the 2024 season, he showcased his skill even further, tallying a career-high four receptions for 27 yards during the season opener against Alabama. By the end of the season, he secured a total of 10 catches for 100 yards and scored in the Boca Raton Bowl against James Madison.

New Faces Joining the Roster

On the flip side, WKU is also welcoming some fresh talent to their roster. One of the standout commitments comes from Jayden Gray, a former defensive lineman from Louisiana Tech. Gray made an impressive impact, participating in all 12 games last season, with two starts, totaling 14 tackles—three of which were for loss, along with two sacks, a pass breakup, and a quarterback hurry. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 271 pounds, Gray hails from Fort Worth, Texas, and also has experience from Iowa State.

Another exciting addition is Karlfonza “Fonzy” Smith, a three-star wide receiver from Trinity Christian in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Smith boasts an impressive high school career with 81 catches, racking up 1,684 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, not to mention his commendable defensive stats.

WKU fans will also be excited about linebacker Montreze Smith, who just completed his freshman year with the Blue Devils. At 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, he has previously shown his skills at Carrollton High School.

Additionally, the Hilltoppers have landed former North Hardin standout La’Vell Wright, who rushed for 609 yards and scored five touchdowns at Austin Peay this past season. Wright, who previously played at Kentucky, was a highly regarded three-star recruit in high school, and his experience will undoubtedly bolster WKU’s offense.

Future Stars Headed for the NFL

As changes unfold within the roster, two players are looking to step into the professional spotlight. Linebacker Devonte’ Mathews, who led WKU with a remarkable 98 tackles, and Keyshawn Swanson, who ranked third on the team with 63 tackles, both announced their plans to enter the NFL draft in April. Mathews was a key player, making several impactful plays throughout the season, while Swanson contributed significantly by participating in all 14 games.

As the football community eagerly watches these developments, WKU’s upcoming season is shaping up to be thrilling. With players choosing to remain and new talents joining, fans are set for an action-packed journey ahead on the gridiron!

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Additional Resources

• WNKY: WKU Football Transfer Portal Update (12/30/2024)
• BG Daily News: WKU Football Update (12/26/2024)
• WKU Sports: Men’s Golf Transfer Update
• WBKO: TJ Finley Enters Transfer Portal
• WNKY: WKU Football Transfer Portal Update (1/8/2025)
• Wikipedia: Western Kentucky University
• Google Search: WKU football
• Google Scholar: WKU football
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Football
• Google News: WKU football