Where did Memphis’ offensive transfers land? (Part 3)

Memphis saw most of its roster depart after Ryan Silverfield accepted the Arkansas coaching job. With so many players in the transfer portal, it’s a good time to see where they landed.

There has been a lot of talk about the 70+ newcomers on Memphis’ roster this season, but a number of former Tigers will continue their collegiate careers with other programs in 2026.

Multiple players followed Silverfield to Fayetteville, but more offensive transfers are heading elsewhere. Here’s a look at where six more offensive transfers will play this year.

WR CJ Smith (UAB)

CJ Smith was a four-star recruit and signed with Georgia out of high school. He spent two years with the Bulldogs and recorded 116 yards on six receptions.

He transferred to Purdue for the 2024 season, and he recorded 69 yards on six receptions. He transferred again after the 2024 season, landing at Memphis, but he didn’t see much playing time in 2025.

He entered the transfer portal again and will play the 2026 season at UAB. Smith has blazing speed, but injuries have played a huge role in his collegiate career.

QB Arrington Maiden (James Madison)

Arrington Maiden spent the last two seasons at Memphis after signing as a three-star recruit. He appeared in one game during his true freshman season and seven games as a redshirt freshman.

In 2025, he threw for 59 yards and ran for 79 yards and a touchdown. He will play at James Madison this season, and Athlon Sports predicts he will be the starting quarterback.

OT Yakiri Walker (Baylor)

Yakiri Walker started his career at UConn, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Colorado. The center redshirted his first season but appeared in 17 games with the Huskies over two seasons.

He appeared in only one game at Colorado because of an injury, and he entered the transfer portal again after the season and landed at Memphis. He started all 13 games for the Tigers and will finish his career in the Big 12 with Baylor.

IOL Sam Browder (East Tennessee State)

Sam Browder signed with Memphis as a three-star recruit, but he spent the 2025 season as a redshirt. He entered the transfer portal at the end of the season and will head to East Tennessee State.

The ETSU campus is about 30 minutes outside of Browder’s hometown of Kingsport, Tennessee.

IOL Jacob Norcross (Nevada)

Jacob Norcross started his career at Kennesaw State, where he made 12 appearances as a true freshman. He landed at Memphis for his sophomore season, but he appeared in only three games, including the bowl game against NC State.

He played only five snaps in the regular season, but he logged 72 snaps during the bowl game.

Norcross will head to Nevada for his junior season.

OG Sean Dugery (UL Monroe)

Sean Dugery spent two seasons at Albany before transferring to Memphis for his junior campaign. He didn’t see any playing time with the Tigers, and he will head to UL-Monroe for the 2026 season.