Louisiana football ends transfer portal period with more losses

The NCAA transfer portal officially closed January 16 and it was a somewhat quiet period for Louisiana football.

After a 6-7 overall finish for the Ragin’ Cajuns, head coach Michael Desormeaux and his staff were hoping to reset and reload. This go-round, they didn’t pick up a ton from the portal, while on the flip side lost double-digit players. Among those leaving were two starting running backs, Zylan Perry and Bill Davis, and former starting quarterback Walker Howard.

On the bright side, emerging star quarterback Lunch Windfield is set to return for the 2026 season. Along with him are more young talents from last season, such as true freshman defensive back Brent Gordon Jr. and wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr.

Retaining some talent from last year plus signing 22 players from the Class of 2026, the Cajuns are hopeful to continue to build their roster with the a long offseason to go. Here’s a final roundup as of January 17 of UL football portal pickups and losses.

Louisiana football transfer portal additions

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Chikere was the fourth portal pickup for the Cajuns at the defensive lineman position. Last season for the Lions, he racked up 34 total tackles and a sack after appearing in 11 games. He has two years of eligibility after being rated a 3-star recruit out of high school by 247Sports.

LSU’s Prince Malbrue

The third portal pickup for the Cajuns is a local one in Lafayette Christian Academy alum Malbrue. The former LSU linebacker and will return to Lafayette after spending four years with the Tigers before two seasons at Northwestern State. This past season, he appeared in 12 games and finished with three total tackles.

Tarleton State’s Brodrick Stewart

The second addition from the portal comes out of Tarleton State in defensive lineman Stewart. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, he adds size to the line that would be lacking with the Cajuns graduating some starters from last season. He finished 2025 with six total tackles and has three years of eligibility remaining.

Tulane’s Jayce Mitchell

The first incoming transfer for the Cajuns addressed a group that needed more depth this past season on the offensive line. Former Tulane offensive tackle Jayce Mitchell announced his commitment to UL on January 5. At 6-5, 275, Mitchell was a three-star prospect according to 247Sports for the Class of 2024.

Louisiana football portal losses

• Quarterback Walker Howard to Ole Miss
• Wide receiver Charles Robertson
• Defensive lineman Fitzgerald West
• Cornerback Lorenzell Dubose
• Running back Hutch Swilley to McNeese State
• Offensive lineman Carter Milliron to Florida
• Linebacker Trey Fite to UTSA
• Running back Zylan Perry to Cincinnati
• Running back Bill Davis to Virginia Tech
• Offensive lineman Bryant Williams to Arkansas

Shannon Belt covers high school sports and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow her high school and Cajuns coverage on Twitter: @ShannonBelt3. Got questions regarding HS/UL athletics? Send them to Shannon Belt at sbelt@gannett.com.