Since the addition of the transfer portal in October of 2018, the National Collegiate Athletic Association has made it easier for athletes to transfer schools. Many collegiate athletes have used the transfer portal in recent years. Quincy University’s football team has recently made some additions to their team through the transfer portal. Some of these transfers come from all over the country, and some from Division I programs.

One of these new recruits is Zach Hudson a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility, coming from Southeast Missouri State. Hudson plays offensive line and had a lot of eyes on him while he was in the portal. Hudson had a lot of playing time in the 2024 season for the Redhawks, and being a part of a conference championship team. Hudson brings experience, size, and strength to the Hawks offensive line. Hudson comes with a winning mentality, and a competitive nature into this offseason to work toward his goals for this Hawks football team.

“My hopes for the team this season is pretty simple. I want to go undefeated and win in the playoffs. I came to Quincy to play more and win more. That’s what I hope to acomplish here at QU,” Hudson said.

Another athlete picked up from the transfer portal is Jackson Metzdorff, a redshirt sophomore with three years of eligibility, from Western Illinois University. Metzdorff is also an offensive linemen that has played at the DI level, and bring size and toughness to this QU football team. Metzdorff is coming to QU with high hopes for this new season and has already been impressed by the brotherhood of this QU football team.

“I choose QU because of the brotherhood and the way everyone treats each other. From the moment I got here, the coaches and players were super welcoming and made me feel like I truly belong. I also feel there is a real opportunity here to compete and play. I know this program is built the right way,” Metzdorff said.

With both players coming in bringing a ton of size and experience at the DI level, there are high expectations for this upcoming season. Both of these players want to be a part of something special at QU, and the culture change being set by head coach Jason Killday. The culture shift that is happening at QU in the football program has encouraged players to create a brotherhood and bond that is built through constant actions of selflessness.

“What I am most excited about for this upcoming QU football team is the chemistry. It seems like this team has a strong bond and that is super important for a team to move onto a championship level team,” Hudson said.