Memphis continues to build its roster for the 2026 season, and it added a Power Four wide receiver and linebacker on Wednesday. On3’s Pete Nakos reported that Michigan State wide receiver Alante Brown signed with the Tigers, and shortly after, CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer reported that Virginia linebacker Trey McDonald committed to Memphis.
Brown has spent time at Nebraska and Michigan State, but injuries have plagued his collegiate career. In six seasons, Brown has only recorded 27 receptions for 309 yards.
The wide receiver’s best season came in 2022 when he recorded 191 yards on 16 receptions for Nebraska. He transferred to Michigan State the next season and only recorded 47 yards on five receptions over three seasons.
Brown also served as a kick returner for both Nebraska and the Spartans, and he has recorded 630 yards and a touchdown on 33 kickoff returns.
If Brown can stay healthy, he looks like a player who can make a huge impact for the Tigers in the American Conference. The Tigers haven’t signed as many wide receivers out of the transfer portal, but they have now signed three receivers with Power Four experience.
McDonald also committed to Memphis after spending the last three seasons at Virginia. The linebacker, who is a Chattanooga native, recorded 74 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception over the last three seasons with the Cavaliers.
McDonald had a breakout season in 2024, recording 57 tackles, a pass deflection, a sack and an interception, but he played through an injury that required surgery after the season. He saw less of a role in 2025, but he should have a massive opportunity with the Tigers’ defense.
Memphis has yet to officially announce the signings of either Brown or McDonald, but when it does, the Tigers will have 56 players who have signed since the transfer portal opened. The most recent signee that Memphis has announced was De'Angelo Thompson, who transfers to Memphis from Syracuse.
Junior college transfer Gary Green also hasn't been officially announced by the Tigers.
Obviously with the coaching change, Memphis has been one of the busiest teams in the country, and they currently have one of the best transfer classes in the conference.