Portal to Evanston: New Transfers Ready to Fuel the FBS Transition

By BCDME Athletics Media

July 2, 2026

The transition to the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) requires not just elite young talent, but veteran firepower. Head coach Ted Lasso and his staff hit the transfer portal with a clear mission this offseason: find physical, experienced weapons who could seamlessly fit into the Travellers' culture and immediately impact the American Athletic Conference.

The result? Four major offensive additions that have the Evanston faithful buzzing. Tight ends Michael Pyrc and George Ostrander, wide receiver Maxwell Clobb, and fullback/running back Jason Fortier have all officially arrived on campus, ready to make their mark.

While their paths to the portal differed, they all shared one defining experience: the unique, authentic recruitment style of Ted Lasso.

Rebuilding the Air Attack

With legendary wideout Devonte Adams Jr. graduating, the Travellers needed size and reliability in the passing game. They found it in a pair of Michigan products looking for a massive stage.

Michael Pyrc (TE, R-So., Montrose, MI) — 89 OVR

Pyrc brings an elite 89-overall rating to the tight end room, giving quarterback Casey Baugess a massive safety valve and a vertical mismatch down the seam.

"When you enter the portal, it can be a pretty cold, business-like process," Pyrc admitted. "But the first time Coach Lasso called me, he didn't even talk about football for the first twenty minutes. He asked about my family, my hometown, and what I loved about the game. He sold me on a vision of belief. Joining this program right as it steps up to the FBS level is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The culture here is real, and we are hungry to shock some people in the AAC."

Maxwell Clobb (WR, R-So., Saginaw, MI) — 78 OVR

Clobb adds depth and a physical presence to the perimeter, pairing beautifully with junior star Bre Jurs to keep opposing secondary units honest.

"You can feel the energy in Evanston right now," Clobb said. "This isn't a program that's just happy to be in the FBS—this is a program that expects to win immediately. Coach Lasso looked me in the eye during my visit and told me he didn't just want my talent; he wanted my character. That meant everything to me. Playing alongside guys like Bre and Casey is going to be special, and I’m ready to give everything I’ve got to this offense."

Reinforcing the Midwestern Grit

The Travellers' historic identity has always been rooted in physical, smashmouth football. To survive the trenches of the FBS, Coach Lasso went out and secured two crucial components for the blocking and rushing schemes.

George Ostrander (TE, R-So., St. Johns, MI) — 76 OVR

Ostrander gives the Travellers incredible tactical flexibility, serving as a devastating inline blocker who can also split out and catch defenses sleeping.

"What sold me on BCDME was the transparency," Ostrander noted. "Coach Lasso and Coach Pantusso didn't promise me a starting spot; they promised me a fair shot to compete and a family that would look out for me. That's rare in college football today. To be part of the inaugural FBS class here is an honor. We’re stepping into a bigger conference, but the physical, blue-collar identity of this team isn't changing one bit."

Jason Fortier (FB, R-Sr., Saginaw, MI) — 78 OVR

A veteran 78-overall fullback and running back hybrid, Fortier provides the raw power needed to clear paths for star halfback Jae Thiele and grind out tough yards in short-yardage situations.

"As a redshirt senior, I wanted to spend my final year playing for something historic," Fortier said. "Coach Lasso's positivity is contagious, man. He makes you want to run through a brick wall for him, but he also treats you like a human being first. This team has a legacy of powerhouse rushing dating back to the 1960s, and my job is to come in and make sure Jae Thiele has gaping holes to run through. We’re ready to show the FBS what Traveller football is all about."

The Verdict

By utilizing the transfer portal to bring in high-character, high-impact players who buy into the "Belief" philosophy, Ted Lasso has fortified his roster for the grueling schedule ahead. Keep an eye on these four names on Saturdays—they are primed to be household names in Evanston very soon.