This group is very exciting - so much potential!
Roll on you Bears!
Photo by X Jericho Johnson
Post Transfer Portal Additions and Departures
DEFENSIVE LINE
Additions:
Jericho Johnson: 6’4, 342 RS Sophomore from Oregon, 3 Star (89) rated transfer, 4 Star (95) rated HS recruit
Johnson’s a massive human with surprising quickness for his size. Innately strong, he’s a classic interior DT/Nose Guard. He got around 70 snaps last year for the Ducks and looked good. This is his third year in college and often this is the year where the technique, fitness and body shaping catch up with raw talent and size. Johnson’s the obvious replacement for Aidan Keenaaina
Jayden Williams: 6’2, 298 Junior from North Texas, 3 Star (85) rated transfer, 3 Star (82) rated HS recruit
Williams played right away at UNT as a true freshman and has amassed over 400 snaps in two seasons as the primary interior DT backup to a veteran star. He’s stronger against the run than the pass, brings decent size to the position and tackles well.
Ashun Shepphard: 6’3, 295 RS senior from Mississippi State, 3 Star (85) rated transfer, 3 Star (87) rated JC recruit
Shepphard’s older, this being his fifth year of college football after a two year JC stint and then Mississippi State this past year. He’s long and well built. He was a rotation player two years ago before deciding to redshirt in 2025 after the second game. Ashun plays with plus quickness and athleticism, he’s more of a traditional 4-3 SDE with his length. He plays hard and is a sure tackler. He doesn’t always keep great pad level and can get pushed around in the run game
Departures:
Tyson Ford:
Curlee Thomas IV:
Projected Depth Chart:
RDE:
Nate Burrell - RS Senior
Ashun Shepphard - RS Senior
Legend Journey - RS Sophomore
BJ Canady - RS Sophomore
Frank Fanua - Freshman
NG/DT:
Jericho Johnson - RS Sophomore
Stanley McKenzie-Saole - RS Senior
Zae Smith - RS Senior
Nemyah Telona - Freshman
LDE:
Derek Wilkins - RS Senior
Jayden Williams - Junior
Michael Anthony Okwura - RS Sophomore
Lebron Williams - RS Freshman
Kingston Schirmer - Freshman
Notes: This is a deep and veteran group. There are five RS seniors in the top eight or nine of the depth chart. Burrell’s had nearly 1,200 snaps in his career, McKenzie more than 700 and Wilkins 600+. Those three plus the transfer additions will form the backbone of the group upfront. Canady had a promising debut year as did Okwura and, along with Journey, form a nice stable of third-year players ready to step up their contribution.
Concerns: Are their enough difference makers in this room? Burrell will be 100% entering the Spring and he has shown he can be a quality contributor. Wilkins and McKenzie are career backups. Are they ready for a bigger role? Zae Smith is explosive but struggled in 2025 playing with discipline and good technique. A lot will fall on the shoulders of Johnson, if he can be the plugger against the run, it will lift the rest of this unit. Shepphard and Williams will be in the rotation so the additional depth should help keep this group fresh.
Ceiling: Top third of the ACC
Floor: Bottom quartile of the ACC
EDGE:
Additions:
Justin Beadles: 6’5, 270, RS senior, 3 Star (87) rated transfer, 3 Star (86) HS recruit
Emmanuel Okoye: 6’5, 243, RS sophomore, 3 Star (86) rated transfer, 4 Star (90) HS recruit
Solomon Williams: 6’1, 250, RS sophomore
Joshua Pierce: 6’4, 250, RS junior
Departures:
Ryan McCulloch
TJ Bush
Projected Depth Chart:
Right Edge:
Solomon Williams
Emmanuel Okoye
Serigne Tounkara*
Left Edge:
Jayden Wayne
Justin Beadles
Joshua Pierce
Odera Okaka
Notes: Williams and Okoye are game wrecker athletes. They are very high on potential and very short on production. The bet is they will be breakout players in 2026 and they certainly have the explosiveness and athleticism to be dynamic pass rushers. Tounkara’s knee injury was rough and he won’t be back until fall camp. If healthy, he can get after the QB. Wayne was a revelation in 2025, playing better and better as the season progressed, getting over 600 snaps. Beadles and Pierce are quality depth with good size and experience. Journey, Canady and Williams, depending on their physical development, could also slot at the edge.
Concerns: A lack of proven production. Wayne, Pierce and Beadles have plenty of snaps though not a lot of dynamism. Williams and Okoye have very few snaps but lots of upside. Coaching and player development will be at a premium at this position
Ceiling: Upper third of the ACC
Floor: Bottom third of the ACC
Others in this series:
Never miss the latest news from Bear Insider!
Join our free email list
