UMass is no stranger to the transfer portal, with most of their offense new to Amherst in 2024.
UMass showed signs of life on offense not scene since Mark Whipple’s second stint. The Minutemen averaged more than 20 points per game for the first time since 2018. Unlike the recent past, a productive ground game was the centerpiece of the UMass offense.
Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams was the heart and soul of the UMass offense in 2023. With quarterback injuries plaguing the Minutemen, he produced multiple signature performances, the most impactful of which was his 234-yard game against Army to give them their first win over the Black Knights.
Lynch departs this year. Yet, with an experienced receiving corps and a healthy Taisun Phommachanh, there is much reason for optimism in Western Massachusetts.
Quarterbacks
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Departures:
- Carlos Smith (1,507 passing yards, six TDs, three INTs)
- Brady Olson (0-3, one INT in 2023; 1,936 passing yards combined in 2021-22)
Arrivals:
N/A
Returnees:
- Taisun Phommachanh (1,507 passing yards, six TDs, six INTs; two rushing touchdowns)
- Ahmad Haston (176 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns; 54 rushing yards)
Taisun Phommachanh introduced himself to the country during the Week Zero upset over New Mexico State. Phommachanh ran for 96 yards and completed ten passes for 192 yards, giving the Minutemen a dual-threat element that the program has lacked since the jump to the FBS. However, this element did not last long.
Phommachanh got injured against Auburn on September 2nd, however, and would not return again until September 30th. After his return, he had diminished ability on the ground, totaling 38 net yards on the season, 58 less than what he gained against New Mexico State. A healthy Phommachanh should shatter last year’s rushing numbers and passing average of 214 yards per game.
Ahmad Haston gained valuable experience after injuries to Phommachanh and the now-departed Carlos Davis last season. He is another dual-threat quarterback who can take a Wildcat role to limit Phommachanh’s workload on the ground.
Running backs
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Departures:
- Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams (1,157 rushing yards, 12 TDs; 20 catches for 118 yards)
- Greg Desrosiers (301 rushing yards; 8 yards/carry; 15 catches for 185 yards and two TDs; 31 kick returns for 597 yards)
Arrivals:
- Brandon Campbell (534 rushing yards between USC and Houston)
- CJ Hester (29 carries for 124 yards at Western Michigan in 2023)
Returnees:
- Jalen John (10 carries for 31 yards)
UMass has one of the more underrated running back pedigrees in the country. The exploits of names such as Rene Ingoglia, Marcel Shipp, Steve Baylark, and Marquis Young still ring through the rolling Western Massachusetts hills.
As mentioned earlier, Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams etched his name into UMass lore with a memorable 1157-yard season. However, his departure leaves a running back room with only 31 yards returning from last season.
Luckily, Coach Don Brown has dipped into the transfer portal to recapture some of Lynch’s 2023 magic. USC via Houston transfer Brandon Campbell brings Power Four talent in the backfield to supplement 2023 returner, Jalen John. CJ Hester transfers in from Western Michigan to give speed on the edge that the Minutemen lose with Greg Desrosiers’ departure. It may take a couple of weeks for the Minutemen to figure out who the top back is, but they have multiple viable options.
Passcatchers (receivers and tight ends)
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Departures:
- Gino Campiotti (21 catches for 289 yards and four TDs)
- George Johnson (35 catches for 421 yards and three TDs)
- Mark Pope (33 catches for 420 yards and three TDs)
- Christian Wells (11 catches for 169 yards and two TDs)
Arrivals:
- Sterling Galban (transfer from Jacksonville State)
- Dominick Mazotti (transfer from San Jose State)
- Sam Staruch (transfer from Michigan)
- Frank Ladson (transfer from Miami [FL] via Clemson)
Returnees:
- Anthony Simpson (57 catches for 792 yards and three TDs)
UMass returns only one receiver out of its top 10 pass catchers. This normally is a concern, but Don Brown hauled in a long list of experienced receivers, with multiple players beginning their careers in the Power Five.
Consequently, UMass receiving corps has the most upside of any unit on offense. Anthony Simpson anchors a group of veteran transfers that looks to give the Minutemen its best passing game since Mark Whipple’s second stint. Anthony Simpson looks to exceed his 792 yards from last year. With less turnover at quarterback, the 1000-yard mark is realistic.
A trio of transfers supplements him. Sterling Galban comes from Jacksonville State and brings a spark to the short passing game, with 559 career receiving yards on 38 catches and four touchdowns in two seasons. Galban also could factor in the return game, returning 12 punts for the Gamecocks last season. Miami [FL] via Clemson transfer Frank Ladson is a legitimate jump ball threat in the red zone at six-foot-four and 205 lbs. He has seven touchdowns on 56 career catches. Sam Staruch also brings more Power Five talent from Michigan.
While the loss of Gino Campiotti hurts, there is no drop-off at the tight end position. Dominick Mazotti brings 59 career catches and five touchdowns over four seasons of service at San Jose State. Mazotti will play a significant role in the play-action passing game should UMass’ run game maintain its 2023 form.
Offensive line
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Departures:
- LG Cole Garcia (Phil Steele 1st-Team All-Independent)
- LT Marcellus Anderson (12 starts)
- RT Jonny Hassard (12 starts)
Arrivals:
- LG Paul Tchio (transfer from Georgia Tech via Clemson)
- LG Mao Glynn (transfer from Cincinnati)
- LT Brayden Rohme (transfer from Cal)
- RT Luke Painton (transfer from FCS Columbia)
Returnees:
- C Josh Atwood (Phil Steele 2nd-Team All-Independent)
- RG Ethan Mottinger (7 starts)
The offensive line showed flashes of greatness last year in aiding Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams to a 1,000+ yard year.
2024 will see a healthy mix of returnees and Power Five transfers look to solidify the Minutemen line. Returnees Josh Atwood and Ethan Mottinger project to anchor the interior of the UMass’ inside run game.
The biggest question lays in pass protection.
Both tackle positions lose their 2023 starters in Marcellus Anderson and Jonny Hassard. However, incoming transfers Luke Painton and Brayden Rohme bring both size and experience to weather the storm of departures.
As with many programs, the Minutemen’s skill positions resemble a revolving door. However, the potential of a healthy Taisun Phommachanh and fresh transfer portal talent could make this the best UMass offense of Don Brown’s second tenure.