CFBSep 26
Kienholz, Memphis playmakers emerge as early transfer surprises
Under-the-radar additions are delivering immediate returns, from Louisville’s quarterback to productive new faces in the backfield and along the offensive line.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
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Louisville’s quarterback bet pays off
The opening month of the 2026 season has offered a reminder that transfer success depends on more than landing the biggest names. Players arriving with limited experience or modest production are already reshaping their new teams. At Louisville, Kienholz has quickly rewarded Jeff Brohm’s confidence. He arrived from Ohio State with only 36 career pass attempts, then delivered 307 passing yards, 69 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 41-38 loss to Ole Miss. His next major test brought a better result: 219 total yards and three touchdowns in a 41-31 victory over SMU. Kienholz is averaging 11.2 yards per attempt and has gone his first 177 snaps without a turnover, helping Louisville reach No. 16 in the AP poll.
Memphis finds explosive production
Carter and Tipton have given Memphis immediate offensive rewards from the portal. After a limited role at Southern Miss, Carter has rushed for 437 yards and scored seven touchdowns through four games. His early highlights include 201 total yards against Arkansas State and an 80-yard touchdown run against Boise State. Tipton, who arrived from Middle Tennessee, leads FBS tight ends with 307 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 16 catches. Most of that yardage came against Boise State, when he finished with 229 yards, including an 87-yard scoring reception. LSU has also found a productive back in Wisconsin transfer Jones. After rushing for 300 yards during an injury-shortened 2025 season, he opened with 113 yards against Clemson and added 106 against Ole Miss.
Quieter additions strengthen protection
The early returns extend beyond the skill positions. Finau has settled into BYU’s left tackle role, allowing one pressure and zero sacks while helping the Cougars start 3-0. At Texas, Sikorski won the left guard job after arriving from Oregon State with six career starts. He played all 78 snaps against Ohio State and has allowed zero pressures through three games, providing valuable protection for Arch Manning.
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