Reloading the Hornets: DSU Football Bolsters Roster with Talented Transfer Class

Dover, DE - The Delaware State University (DSU) Hornets football team is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, and second-year head coach DeSean Jackson has wasted no time in reloading the roster with a dynamic mix of transfers and high school recruits.

On National Signing Day, DSU officially welcomed 25 new players to the program, including 18 transfers and 7 high school prospects. This influx of talent is a clear signal that Coach Jackson is determined to build on the Hornets' 8-win season in 2025 and push the team to new heights in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Among the standout additions is former William & Mary quarterback Noah Brannock, who will bring valuable experience and leadership to the Hornets' offense. Brannock played in 8 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2025, completing 14 of 27 passes for 188 yards with 1 touchdown and adding 36 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Another notable addition is Shaun Boykins Jr., a running back transfer from Louisville who was a highly regarded high school prospect in Kentucky.

Rounding out the impressive transfer class are 3 players from Division II Virginia State and a trio from California, adding depth and competition across the roster.

"Bringing in seven new players on National Signing Day shows the direction we're going—young men with talent, passion, and a commitment to grow," Jackson said in a statement. "This class isn't just about counting numbers; it's about building culture, fostering competition, and creating opportunities."

The Hornets' 2025 season was marked by a strong push for the MEAC title, and the influx of talent from this transfer-heavy recruiting class signals that Coach Jackson is determined to take the program to new heights. With the addition of proven playmakers like Brannock and Boykins, alongside the depth and competition brought by the other transfers, the Hornets are poised to be a force to be reckoned with in the MEAC this upcoming season.

HBCUConnect Perspective: This impressive transfer class assembled by Coach Jackson and the Delaware State football program is a testament to the growing appeal and competitiveness of HBCU athletics. By attracting talented players from larger Division I programs, the Hornets are positioning themselves to challenge for conference titles and elevate the profile of HBCU football. This kind of roster-building demonstrates the passion and potential within the HBCU community, and the HBCUConnect community is excited to follow the Hornets' journey as they aim to make a statement in the MEAC and beyond.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.