MASS EXODUS IN NEWARK
DELAWARE FACES MAJOR OVERHAUL AS THEY ARE SET TO LOSE 40 PLAYERS
After an unforgettable 11-win campaign in their first season at the FBS level, which was capped with a bowl victory, the Delaware Blue Hens are facing a dramatic roster shakeup.
With 29 players departing due to exhausted eligibility and 11 more entering the transfer portal, new head coach Tony Sanchez and second-year offensive coordinator and now recruiting coordinator DJ Porter will have their hands full reshaping the roster, particularly with head coach Ryan Carty departing for a coordinator position at Northwestern.
We’ll take a position-by-position look at who’s leaving, who’s staying, and where Delaware might look to fill key gaps.
Quarterbacks
Delaware’s quarterback room will look drastically different in 2026. Zach Marker, the team’s clear starter, played 814 snaps and threw for 2,949 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions. Despite his up-and-down production, Marker was a durable presence and accounted for the bulk of the team’s offensive snaps.
Behind him, there is upheaval. Sophomore Braden Streeter and freshman EJ Archield Jr. have both announced their intent to enter the transfer portal, while redshirt sophomore Blake Brown, who saw limited action (54% completion, 510 yards, 2 TD, 5 INT), remains on the roster and is currently the presumed starter heading into spring.
Delaware also returns redshirt freshman Tre Lloyd, who did not see the field in 2025. Given the lack of experience and depth, the Blue Hens are expected to be active in the transfer market. The team has already signed two incoming three-star freshmen in Larry Azur and Alfonso Arora, who they will try to get on campus early, though both may need time to develop before they’re ready to lead an FBS offense.
Runningbacks
The biggest loss for Delaware’s offense may be at running back, where Jo'Nathan Silver, the emotional and physical engine of the unit, is set to graduate. Silver was everything for the Blue Hens in 2025, a durable workhorse back who racked up 1,112 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 250 carries, often setting the tone for the offense.
With Silver’s departure expected, the staff had high hopes for Saeed St. Fleur, a shifty back who proved his potential late in the season. When Silver battled injuries near the end of the year, it was St. Fleur who carried the load, including a standout performance in the bowl win over San Diego State. He finished the year with 368 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 91 carries.
But in a major blow to the program, St. Fleur announced he would be entering the transfer portal, citing a desire for more exposure in hopes of making it to the NFL.
“We had a long talk,” said offensive coordinator DJ Porter. “We made sure to let him know that the NFL has eyes everywhere and if he performed for us he wouldn’t be overlooked. Ultimately he made the decision that he felt was best for him and we respect that. We wish him nothing but the best.”
With both of the top backs from 2025 now gone, the Blue Hens turn to sophomore Oliver Redd, who flashed in limited reps — averaging 7.1 yards per carry on 8 attempts, including a touchdown. He’s currently the most experienced back on the roster.
Also returning are redshirt freshman Greg Spiller and sophomore Daniel McConomy, who combined for just two carries in 2025. Neither has seen significant live reps.
To date, Delaware has not signed any running backs in their 2026 recruiting class, making the position one of the top priorities for portal activity or late high school adds.
Wide Receivers
From a numbers standpoint, wide receiver is one of the hardest-hit position groups for the Blue Hens heading into 2026. Three of their top four producers — Jake Thaw, Nicholas Laboy, and Max Patterson — have all graduated after productive final seasons.
Jake Thaw led the team with 79 receptions for 858 yards, adding 2 touchdowns. Nicholas Laboy was the top red-zone threat, finishing with 61 receptions, 666 yards, and a team-high 9 touchdowns. Max Patterson chipped in 34 catches for 422 yards and 3 touchdowns. Those three combined for 174 receptions, 1,946 yards, and 14 touchdowns, leaving a significant production gap behind them.
The most experienced returning player is junior Ja’Carree Kelly, who was second on the team in receptions (63), third in yards (571), and tied for third in touchdowns (2). He’ll be the clear leader of the receiving corps next fall.
However, the depth takes another hit with sophomore Sean Wilson entering the transfer portal, thinning out an already depleted room.
The next names up are Donovan Lewis, Nick Tyree, and Luke Brown — none of whom recorded a single catch in 2025. All three were part of last year’s depth chart but have yet to contribute in meaningful game action.
To help replenish the room, Delaware signed three wide receivers in the 2026 class:
Matthew Sash – 3-star recruit.
Lloyd Upshaw – 3-star recruit.
Garrison Shead – 2-star JUCO transfer with two years of eligibility remaining.
With most of the proven production departing and untested options remaining, wide receiver will be a priority development area for the coaching staff this spring and summer. Expect another potential addition from the portal before fall camp.
Tight End
The tight end position saw a relatively even split in usage throughout the 2025 season, with Elijah Sessoms and Jake Bredell sharing top duties. Both dealt with injuries at different points, but it was Sessoms who emerged as the more productive target in the passing game.
Elijah Sessoms finished his final season with 26 receptions for 349 yards and 2 touchdowns, offering a reliable outlet over the middle and a steady presence in blocking packages.
Jake Bredell wasn’t far behind, recording 24 catches for 333 yards despite missing time.
With Sessoms graduating, Bredell returns as the de facto TE1 heading into 2026, bringing valuable experience and versatility to a reshaping offense.
Two other names from the position group will depart:
Connor Witthoft, a special teams contributor who did not record any offensive stats, has graduated.
Noah Vitko, the team’s long snapper who saw occasional snaps at tight end and fullback, remains on the roster but is expected to continue in a hybrid utility role.
To bolster the position for the future, Delaware has already signed Miles Omiyale, a three-star prospect out of Atlanta, Georgia. Omiyale brings athletic upside and could push for early playing time, depending on how quickly he adjusts to the college game.
While Bredell provides a solid starting option, depth remains a concern. Expect the staff to consider adding another tight end through the transfer portal or late-cycle recruiting as they look to replace Sessoms’ production and shore up blocking in two-tight end sets.
Offensive Line
Devastation is the first word that comes to mind when evaluating the state of Delaware’s offensive line heading into 2026. The group has been hit harder than any other position on the roster, with a staggering nine players graduating and two more entering the transfer portal. The result? A total overhaul is not just expected, it’s absolutely necessary.
Departures
All five starters from the 2025 season are gone:
LT Anwar O’Neal is entering the transfer portal, hoping to land at a Power Five school to boost his NFL Draft profile.
LG Wahkeem Roman, C Steven Demboski, RG Patrick Methlie, and RT Fintan Brose (who missed the end of the season due to injury) have graduated, leaving no starting experience on the roster.
Depth has also been wiped out:
Tackles Thomas Chernasky, Cole Snyder, and Carmine Lupi, as well as guards Patrick Shupp and Jaime Ramos, all exhausted their eligibility.
G Cade Wentworth, who did not dress in 2025 but was expected to compete for a spot this fall, has also entered the portal.
In total, that’s eleven offensive linemen exiting the program, leaving behind just six players in the room—none of whom have played meaningful snaps.
The Outlook
Delaware currently has not signed a single offensive lineman in the 2026 recruiting class. The urgency to replenish the unit is critical, and this position will almost certainly become the top priority for both late-cycle high school recruiting and transfer portal acquisitions.
The coaching staff will face a monumental task in rebuilding this group from scratch. Expect multiple incoming transfers, as well as late JUCO or high school additions, to round out the depth chart before fall camp.
Until then, the offensive line room is as thin as it’s ever been, and the foundation of the Blue Hens’ offense will depend entirely on how quickly they can find experienced, ready-to-play reinforcements.
“Obviously getting in 40 new players is a huge undertaking.” DJ Porter said. “Offensive line is the albatross there for us for sure.”
Defensive Line
The defensive front for Delaware is in nearly as dire a position as the offensive line, suffering major departures from both the interior and edge positions. Altogether, the Blue Hens lose seven key contributors from the defensive line rotation.
Four of the five players listed on the depth chart at defensive tackle are graduating, headlined by Keyshawn Hunter, who finished the season as the team’s sack leader with 6.5. Joining him in departure are Dominick Brogna, Nick Karika and Ethan Saunders.
That leaves only sophomore Trace Scott as a returning player at the position. Scott saw limited action in 2025, and while he may step into a larger role, he’ll need reinforcements alongside him to stabilize the interior.
On the outside, the hits continue. Jake Hall, a steady veteran presence, has graduated. Noah Matthews, who started every game on the edge, has announced he will enter the transfer portal. Carson Shockley, a key rotational player in 2025 and a projected 2026 starter, is also entering the portal.
That leaves juniors Kion Wright and Nate Ray as the top returners at defensive end, though neither played significant snaps last season. Both are expected to get heavy looks in spring and fall camp, but they represent question marks rather than known commodities.
The silver lining is the commitment of Ted Krumholz, a four-star recruit who has the frame and athleticism to play either edge rusher or tight end. If the staff commits to keeping him on defense, he could factor into the rotation immediately. But Krumholz alone won’t be enough.
This unit will require significant attention in the portal, and possibly late-cycle high school or JUCO additions. If Delaware hopes to maintain any kind of pressure in 2026, they’ll need to rebuild from both ends of the line.
Linebackers
Delaware’s linebacker corps is undergoing a significant transition, with six players departing the program this offseason, four due to graduation and two projected contributors entering the transfer portal.
The transfer portal losses sting, particularly in terms of depth and development. Both Anthony Crenshaw Jr. and Chris Collot are exiting the program after being considered key pieces in the rotation moving forward.
On top of that, four linebackers are graduating:
OLB Montez Cowing: 11 total tackles
OLB Blake Matthews: 27 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1.0 sack
OLB Dillon Trainer: 14 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3.0 sacks
MLB Marje Mulumba: 6 total tackles
These departures strip away much of the experience from the edges and middle of the defense.
The good news is that Gavin Moul, the team’s top inside linebacker, is returning. A steady presence in the middle, Moul will be asked to take on an even greater leadership role in 2026.
True sophomore Julius Puryear is another name to watch. After a promising freshman season where he logged 15 tackles, 1 TFL, and 1.0 sack, Puryear figures to be a key piece in the linebacker rotation going forward.
The lone newcomer so far is three-star OLB Phil East, who has already signed and should have an opportunity to earn playing time early. With only a handful of proven returners and a few contributors gone to the portal, this position group will need reinforcement.
Expect Delaware to aggressively pursue additional help via the transfer portal and late high school or JUCO signings to shore up what has suddenly become a thin and inexperienced linebacker unit.
Defensive Backs
Compared to other position groups, the secondary faces a more manageable level of turnover, with only three players departing, though one of them is a major loss.
The biggest departure is cornerback Keontae Jenkins, who anchored the unit in 2025. Jenkins led the team with three interceptions and was third overall in tackles with 59, showing physicality both in coverage and run support. His presence on the outside will be hard to replace.
Also departing is Mysonne Pollard, a backup safety whose on-field contributions were minimal, but whose leadership and locker room presence earned praise within the program.
Perhaps the most surprising loss is junior CB Jason McBurrows, who has entered the transfer portal. McBurrows was likely in line for increased playing time or even a starting role, making his exit a blow to the secondary’s projected depth.
Despite the losses, Delaware returns a solid core of contributors, especially at safety:
Kahlil Ali (44 tackles, 1 interception) and Kshawn Cox Jr. (23 tackles) project as the top two cornerbacks entering spring.
The safety room is loaded with experience:
KT Seay: 46 tackles, 1 interception
Hasson Manning Jr.: Team-high 62 tackles, 1 interception
Kingsley Royal: 54 tackles, 1 interception
All three safeties played significant roles in 2025 and give Delaware a strong foundation in the back end. Given the depth at safety, a position switch, possibly moving one of them to corner or outside linebacker, is reportedly under consideration to maximize three of the team's top players time on the field.
The defensive backs group should be a relative strength compared to the depletion seen in the front seven. With experienced tacklers and ballhawks returning, defensive coordinator Manny Rojas and the rest of the staff may feel confident leaning on this group while they rebuild the front and edge.
Special Teams
The special teams unit was a weak spot for Delaware in 2025, and unfortunately, the players most responsible for those struggles, kicker Nate Reed and punter Jake Cupitt, have both exhausted their eligibility.
Nate Reed connected on less than 50% of his field goal attempts, a mark that cost Delaware points in multiple tight games throughout the season.
Jake Cupitt, the team’s punter, averaged under 36 yards per punt, often putting the defense in unfavorable field position.
With both specialists moving on, there will be major competition and scrutiny in these roles heading into 2026.
Skyler Sholder, a sophomore kicker, will likely get the first shot to take over kicking duties. He saw increased practice reps last fall amid Reed’s struggles but was never given a chance in-game. Coaches will be watching closely this spring to determine if he’s ready.
Brock Glass, a redshirt sophomore punter, is also in line to step up, though his accuracy and power were both inconsistent in 2025 camp sessions. He will need to make significant strides if Delaware is to improve in the field position game.
If reliable portal or late recruiting options emerge, don't be surprised if the Blue Hens pounce, particularly at kicker, where close-game outcomes could hinge on consistency.
Senior wide receiver Jake Thaw, the team’s primary punt returner in 2025, graduates. His loss opens the door for new return options.
Ja’Carree Kelly and Donovan Lewis, who both return in 2026, handled kickoff return duties last season and are expected to take over punt returns as well.
Delaware will hope that more explosive plays in the return game can help make up for the question marks in the kicking and punting game.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season will be remembered as a landmark campaign for Delaware Football as they accomplished an 11-win debut at the FBS level, which included a bowl victory over San Diego State, and a confident identity forged under Ryan Carty’s leadership. But with Carty now accepting the offensive coordinator position at Northwestern, the Blue Hens have turned the page quickly, bringing in Tony Sanchez as the program’s new head coach.
Sanchez, a former head coach at UNLV and New Mexico State with deep recruiting ties and offensive pedigree, inherits a program facing one of the most significant offseason overhauls in the country. 29 players have graduated, and 11 more have entered the transfer portal, gutting key position groups across the board. From the offensive line to the quarterback room, from linebacker depth to the backfield, Sanchez and his staff face a full-scale rebuild from the ground up.
Still, Delaware acted swiftly, making the hire before the coaching carousel could spin out of control. Sanchez will now have a chance to stabilize the roster, re-recruit key returners, and dive into the portal and late-stage recruiting with clarity and urgency. He’ll have some foundational talent to build around in players like Ja’Carree Kelly, Gavin Moul, Kahlil Ali, and Hasson Manning Jr., and an energized fanbase still buzzing from the program’s FBS breakthrough.
The 2026 season will bring new schemes, new faces, and likely some growing pains. But with Sanchez at the helm, Delaware hopes it can turn a period of transition into another chapter of resilience and rise. The hard part starts now—but the bar has been raised, and the Blue Hens intend to stay there.
Graduated/Used up Eligibility (29 Players)
QB Zach Marker
RB Jo Silver
WR Nicholas Laboy
WR Max Patterson
WR Jake Thaw
TE Elijah Sessoms
TE Connor Witthoft
OT Fintan Brose
OT Thomas Chernasky
OT Carmine Lupi
OT Cole Snyder
OG Jaime Ramos
OG Wahkeem Roman
OG Patrick Shupp
C Steven Demboski
C Patrick Methlie
DT Dominick Brogna
DT Keyshawn Hunter
DT Nick Karika
DT Ethan Saunders
EDGE Jack Hall
OLB Montez Cowing
OLB Blake Matthews
OLB Dillon Trainer
MLB Marje Mulumba
CB Keontae Jenkins
SS Mysonne Pollard
K Nate Reed
P Josh Cupitt
Entering Transfer Portal (11 Players)
QB EJ Archield Jr | Brand Exposure
QB Braden Streeter | Playing Time
RB Saeed St. Fleur | Pro Potential
WR Sean Wilson | Brand Exposure
OT Anwar O'neal | Conference Prestige
OG Cade Wentworth | Conference Prestige
EDGE Noah Matthews | Playing Style
EDGE Carson Shockley | Conference Prestige
OLB Anthony Crenshaw Jr | Conference Prestige
MLB Chris Collot | Brand Exposure
CB Jason McBurrows | Pro Potential
