Following a disappointing 3-9 campaign, Sacramento State football turns its attention to the transfer portal.

While the portal does not officially open until Dec. 9, a number of Hornets have already announced their intentions to test the market. There is no deadline for players to choose a new school, but players cannot enter after Dec. 28.

Follow along with this live blog to stay updated on where those in the portal end up and who Sac State brings in to refresh their roster.

In the Portal:

Quarterback, Kaiden Bennett

The dual threat quarterback is the latest Hornet to enter the portal. Bennett started 12 games for Sac State across the last two seasons, before suffering an injury that left him sidelined for the rest of the 2024 season.

His campaign as a starter featured a heroic performance in Sac State’s upset win at Stanford and helped lead the team to their first road playoff win in program history over North Dakota.

Bennett finishes his Sac State career with 2,508 passing yards, 705 rushing yards, 23 total touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He announced an offer from Georgia State on Jan. 4.

Wide receiver, Jayden Weber

From San Mateo, California, Weber was redshirted for the 2023 season and did not appear in any games in 2024. Weber entered the portal on Nov. 28 and has yet to announce any offers publicly.

Offensive lineman, Maximillian Haro

From Richmond, California, Haro was redshirted during the 2022 season and did not play in 2023. Haro is not listed on the Sac State 2024 roster. He entered the portal on Dec. 9 and has announced offers from Southwest Baptist and Ottawa University.

Offensive lineman, Nathan Mejia

After starting every game at center as the anchor of the Hornets’ offensive line in the 2022 and 2023 season, Mejia missed the entire 2024 with a broken leg according to Sac State Athletics. A preseason All-Big Sky selection in 2024 and Freshman All-American in 2022, Mejia entered the portal on Dec. 10 and has yet to announce any offers publicly.

Wide receiver, Darren Gandy

Younger brother of Devin Gandy, Darren was redshirted during the 2023 season and played against East Texas, then Texas A&M Commerce, and Portland State. Darren did not record any statistics and entered the portal on Jan. 4. He has yet to announce any offers publicly.

Wide receiver, Mekhei Byrd

A product of Natomas High School, Byrd has spent two season with the Hornets. After being redshirted in 2023, Byrd did not appear in any games in the 2024 season. He entered the portal on Jan. 5 and has yet to announce any offers publicly.

Cornerback, Phoenix Rose

A 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Rose was redshirted during his freshman season in 2024. Despite appearing in only two games, Rose recorded two tackles and recovered a fumble against Cal Poly. Rose entered the portal on Jan. 5 and has yet to announce any offers publicly.

Safety, Xander Chisolm

After redshirting in the 2023 season, Chisolm played in two games in 2024 before suffering a knee injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season, according to Sac State Athletics. In his two seasons as a Hornet, Chisolm totaled three tackles. He entered the portal on Jan. 5 and has yet to announce any offers publicly.

Kicker, Zach Schreiner

Thanks to the same ruling that gave Kenion an extra year of eligibility, Schreiner was granted a fifth year of collegiate football and entered the portal on Jan. 6. Schreiner has served as the Hornets’ starting kicker for the past two seasons, making 78% of his field goals with a career long of 49 yards. He has yet to announce any offers publicly.

RELATED: ‘He goes out there and does his thing’: Sac State kicker earns scholarship

Tight end, Kyle Koontz

Redshirted last season, Koontz appeared in the final four games of the season. He returned a squib kick for 17 yards and recorded a special-teams tackle against Cal Poly. He entered the portal on April 17. 

Tight end, Jayden Flaig

After missing the entire 2023 season as a redshirt, Flaig appeared in seven games last year. He finished his 2024 campaign with six receptions for 54 yards, including a lone touchdown on his first reception. He entered the portal on April 16. 

Wide receiver, Jason Auzenne

A native of the Bay Area, Auzenne was redshirted in the 2024 season and did not appear in a game. A 2-star recruit out of Palo Alto High School, he finished his high school career with 91 catches, 1,675 yards and 22 touchdowns. He entered the portal on April 16.

Defensive lineman, Josh Aguilar

Appearing in one game during his redshirt season, Aguilar recorded no stats against Portland State. From Bellarmine High School in San Jose, he had 53 tackles in his senior season. He entered the portal on April 16.

Wide receiver, Tommy Poe

The former 2-star recruit from Del Oro High School didn’t appear in a game during his redshirt season in 2024. Poe played two varsity seasons at tight end, scoring 14 touchdowns and recording over 1,200 yards across both seasons. He entered the portal on April 16. 

Running back, Michael Johnson

Serving as the Hornets’ primary kick returner last season, Johnson returned 15 kicks for 310 yards. In 2024, he saw a career high in carries with 12 for 94 yards, but did not score. He entered the portal on April 16.

Defensive lineman, Spencer Patton

A graduate of Rocklin High School, Patton was redshirted last season, appearing in only two games. He was credited with a solo tackle against Montana State. Patton entered the portal on April 16. 

Cornerback, Timothy Christian Jr.

The native of Akron, Ohio, played in four games for the Hornets last season. Christian recorded one solo tackle against Montana State. He entered the portal on April 16.

Defensive lineman, Mason Brousseau

One of the longest tenured Hornets, Brousseau was a key piece of Sac State’s defense last season. He showed out early in the season and finished with 20 tackles, 5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks in 2024. He entered the portal on April 15.

Quarterback, Luke Baker

Baker made his collegiate debut against East Texas A&M early in 2024, but completed his first and lone completion against Montana State. Baker was redshirted last season and enters the portal with four years of eligibility. He entered the portal on April 16.

Defensive lineman, Riley Hernandez

Hernandez was a Hornet for the past three seasons, earning a more significant role in 2024. He played in eight games and recorded 2 tackles. He entered the portal on April 16. 

Defensive lineman, Kyle Stahlecker

After being redshirted in 2023, Stahlecker appeared in all 12 games last season, earning his first start against UC Davis. He finished his season with 9 tackles and half of a TFL. He entered the portal on April 16.

Middle linebacker, Taison Fa’asuamanu

Fa’asuamanu committed to Sac State during the fall portal window, but finds himself looking for a new home in the spring. In 2024, as a member of West Liberty University, he finished with 50 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He entered the portal on April 16.

Athlete, Carter Kraft

Originally a quarterback in high school, Kraft was listed as a defensive back on the Sac State Athletics’ roster. He was redshirted in 2024 and did not appear in a game. He entered the portal as an athlete on April 16.

Tight end, Coleman Kuntz

Maybe the most recognizable name on this list, Kuntz was a critical part of the Hornets’ offense for nine games before he was injured, which ended his season, according to Sac State Athletics. Kuntz was a preseason All-Big Sky selection last season and finished with 25 catches for 191 and two touchdowns. He entered the portal on April 15.

Nickelback, Malini Ti’a

A transfer from San Mateo Junior College, Ti’a appeared in all 12 of Sac State’s games in 2024. He snagged his lone interception against Idaho State and finished the season with 26 tackles and one pass defensed. He entered the portal on April 12.

Wide receiver, Joshua Nicholson

Nicholson joined the Hornets last season from San Diego State, appearing in six games. He finished the 2024 season with one catch for nine yards and a long rushing attempt that lost 10 yards. He entered the portal on April 18. 

Defensive lineman, Tyler Henry

A redshirt in 2022, Henry saw limited action in 2023, only recording one tackle. Due to a knee injury, he only played one game against San Jose State last season, according to Sac State Athletics. He entered the portal on April 16.

Wide receiver, Kai Hamilton

A 3-star recruit by 247 Sports, Hamilton was redshirted last season and did not appear in a game. He entered the portal on April 16.

Running back, Ardwon Morris

Another redshirt last season, Morris saw all of his playing time come against Montana State. Against the Bobcats, he racked up 23 yards on five carries. He entered the portal on April 17.

Defensive line, Amarian Hunter

A consistent role player on the Hornets’ defensive line, Hunter played in all but one of Sac State’s games last season. The transfer from Fresno Junior College recorded 10 tackles in 2024. He entered the portal on April 18.

Running back, Ezra Moleni

Thanks to the Pavia ruling, Moleni was granted another year of eligibility by the NCAA. The transfer from San Mateo Junior College was an important piece to Sac State before an injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Moleni punched in a pair of touchdowns while rushing for 170 yards on 33 carries. He also grabbed five passes for 47 yards and another touchdown. The former JUCO All-American entered the portal on April 2.

Defensive back, Amari Roberson

A fellow former San Mateo Bulldog, Roberson, joined the Hornets last season, but did not appear in a game. At San Mateo JC, he appeared in seven games, adding 14 tackles and an interception. He entered the portal on April 16.

Players Leaving:

Running Back, Elijah Tau-Tolliver 

An honorable mention on the All-Big Sky team, Tau-Tolliver led the Hornet offense last season with 950 rushing yards, 317 receiving yards and nine total touchdowns. While he never made an official announcement putting his name in the portal, he committed to Michigan State on Dec. 17.

Quarterback, Carson Camp

After transferring to Sac State from South Dakota State, Camp saw limited action in 2023 and did not play in 2024. In four games, he threw for 219 yards, one touchdown, one interception and ran for 72 yards. According to Camp’s social media, he committed to Southeastern Louisiana on Dec. 18.

Wide receiver, Danny Scudero

A breakout star of Sac State’s offense, Scudero entered the transfer portal on Nov. 27. In 2024, he posted the third-most receptions and receiving yards on the team, with 53 and 667, respectively, and five touchdowns.

In addition to his receiving prowess, Scudero has three rushes for 46 yards and two touchdowns in his career. Scudero announced on his social media that he committed to San Jose State on Dec. 24.

Quarterback, Jordan Barton

A JUCO transfer from Riverside Junior College, Barton joined the Hornets for the 2024 season. In his lone season, Barton completed two passes for 11 yards and ran for 30 yards. At Riverside JC, Barton led his team to the California 3C2A title over College of San Mateo. He entered the portal on Nov. 26 and announced he committed to Wagner on Jan. 1.

Wide receiver, Devin Gandy

Gandy was the first Sac State player to announce his entrance into the transfer portal on Nov. 25, but on Dec. 16 he said he would remove his name from the portal. On Jan. 3, his journey took another turn when he said Sac State decided to part ways with him and he was back in the portal. On Jan. 23, Louisiana Tech announced Gandy signed to play his final season as a Bulldog.

RELATED: Sac State wide receiver finds blessing in disguise

In his four years at Sac State, Gandy has totaled 892 yards receiving on 68 catches and five touchdowns. After suffering a season-ending injury in the second game of his sophomore year, Gandy returned as a key piece of the Hornet offense in 2023. That season, he totaled four scores, 412 yards and 33 receptions.

Long snapper, AJ Campos

Campos has been Sac State’s starting long snapper since 2022, appearing in every game during that span. The highlight of his career as a Hornet was the 2023 season when he was perfect on all snaps.

In addition, Campos has also contributed four tackles over his career. Campos announced his commitment to San Jose State on Jan. 18.

RELATED: ‘He’s kind of an unsung hero’: Sac State long snapper reflects on his roots

Kicker/Punter, Evan Kiely 

Serving as the Hornets’ kickoff specialist for the last two seasons, Kiely appeared in almost every game totaling 99 kickoffs, 37 touchbacks and only putting three kickoffs out of bounds. Kiely announced his commitment to Boise State on Jan. 16.

Defensive back, Murvin Kenion III

Due to a new court ruling that allowed former JUCO players to receive extra years of eligibility, Kenion entered the portal as a graduate transfer on Dec. 28. Kenion transferred to Sac State from Idaho last season and started all 12 games, recording 51 tackles and two interceptions. He announced his commitment to Nevada on Jan. 16.

Sac State Additions/Retentions:

Offensive lineman, Aidan Meek

With 21 career starts over the last two seasons Meek was a staple of the offensive line, playing at both tackle and guard in his time at Sac State. Meek entered the portal on Dec. 6, but withdrew his name on Dec. 10.

Defensive lineman, Josh Cashiola

A product of Modesto Junior College, Cashiola transferred into Sac State in 2023. Over two seasons as a Hornet, he has 50 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. Cashiola put his name in the portal on Dec. 10, but withdrew his name on Dec. 16.

“For me, I needed to hit the portal just in case they brought in a scheme that didn’t utilize me,” Cashiola said. “I prayed on it a lot and I felt like [staying] was the right decision for me.”

Quarterback, Cardell Williams

From Marion’s alma mater of Tulsa, Williams led the Golden Hurricanes in 2023 to the tune of 1,149 passing yards, 200 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns, but struggled with a turnover bug throwing seven interceptions. Williams announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 22 and will compete with Carson Conklin who announced he would be staying at Sac State for next season as well on Dec. 21.

Wide receiver, Timothy Conerly

A product of Fresno City College, Conerly has been at UNLV for the past two seasons alongside Marion. Conerly has totaled nine catches for 110 receiving yards and one score, while adding another 24 rushing yards and another touchdown on four attempts. Conerly announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 22.

Offensive lineman, Dean Abdullah

After spending a year at American River College, Abdullah left for San Diego State where he spent his last three seasons. Abdullah brings versatility to the offensive line taking significant snaps at both guard and center. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 22.

Wide receiver, Jace Wilson

From Denton, Texas, Wilson committed to University of Texas, San Antonio out of high school. In his two seasons playing for the Roadrunners, Wilson brought in 11 catches for 105 yards. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 23, making him the fourth player Marion has pulled from the FBS to Sac State.

Linebacker, Brennon Scott

Another transfer from Marion’s former home, UNLV, Scott struggled to find playing time with the Rebels after suffering a season ending injury in 2022, but showed flashes in 2021 finishing that season with four sacks and 10 tackles for loss. The former 4-star  announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 23.

Running back, Jamar Curtis

Landing Curtis might be Marion’s biggest signing yet. From Lafayette, Curtis has had a stellar career in the Patriot League totaling over 3,000 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns in three seasons. In 2023, he was named a finalist for the Walter Payton award and was a consensus All-American. Curtis announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 23.

Fullback, Sammy Norris

Norris spent three seasons at Colorado State before walking onto his hometown team UNLV last season. Norris is the third player from Marion’s former squad to transfer to Sac State, he announced his commitment on Dec. 23.

Defensive lineman, Miles Bailey 

The former Murray State Racer transfers into Sac State very early in his collegiate career. Only playing two seasons at Murray State, Bailey hasn’t found much playing time only racking up 15 tackles in that span. He announced his commitment on Dec. 24.

Cornerback, Ricky Lee III

Former freshman standout Lee comes to Sacramento from UAB where he notched 20 tackles, two interceptions and pass breakups. Lee suffered an injury in training camp that forced him to miss most of the 2024 season. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 24.

Wide receiver, Jordan Anderson

If Curtis was Marion’s biggest signing, Anderson is by far the flashiest. The young wideout redshirted at Oregon State during the 2024 season after signing there as a 4-star recruit out of Newport Harbor High School. He announced his commitment on Dec. 25.

Tight end, Logan Tanner

Tanner marks yet another FBS to FCS transfer from Marion, this time from San Diego State. Tanner redshirted the 2023 season and only appeared in eight games in 2024, recording no stats. A consensus 3-star recruit out of St. Pius X High School, he announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 26.

Defensive lineman, Brodie Tagaloa

A native of Pittsburgh, California, Tagaloa returns to the golden state after two years at Nebraska. A 3-star prospect from De La Salle High School, Tagaloa only appeared in one game for the Cornhuskers due to injury, where he did not record any stats. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 27.

Athlete, Damien McDaniel

Another transfer from Marion’s former home of UNLV, McDaniel was redshirted for the 2024 season, recording no statistics while playing all his snaps from the wide receiver position. In high school, McDaniel played both wide receiver and defensive back becoming a consensus 3-star rated player. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 28.

Kicker, Joseph Firebaugh

From UCLA, Firebaugh has not seen much action at the collegiate level, only making two extra points in the 2022 season. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Dec. 29.

Running back, Damian Henderson

A former 4-star prospect by ESPN, Henderson comes to Sac State from Colorado State. In his two seasons as a Ram, Henderson ran for 91 yards on 21 attempts, as well as totaling 13 receiving yards on two catches. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Jan. 1.

Tight end, Jordan Williams

A fellow former Colorado State player, Williams only appeared in four games in the 2024 season. Prior to that, he caught three passes for 36 yards and one touchdown in 2022 for the Rams. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Jan 1.

Wide receiver, Agiye Hall

A former 4-star prospect by 247Sports, Hall has played for some super powers in the college football world. In his freshman season at Alabama, he caught four passes for 72 yards, including two grabs against Georgia in their College Football Playoff matchup. He spent 2022 as a member of the Texas Longhorns, playing three games and making one catch for seven yards. Hall, then transferred to UCF, but never played for them. Hall announced his commitment to Sac State on Jan. 5.

Kicker, Grant Meadors

From Oregon, Meadors made all five of his extra point attempts in 2023 and did not kick for the Ducks in 2024. He announced his commitment to Sac State on Jan. 7.

Running Back, Rodney Hammond

Transferring in from Pittsburgh, Hammond will reunite with Sac State’s new head coach Brennan Marion next season. While Hammond had a down season in 2024, in his time with Pitt he rushed for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns. Hammond announced his commitment to Sac State on Jan. 11.

Cornerback, Zelmar Vedder

Vedder was redshirted due to injury for the 2022 season before becoming a key contributor to the Sac State secondary. Vedder snagged his first and only career interception in 2024, he finishes with 58 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack. He never made an official announcement, but he shared a promotion for the Sac State NIL collective on Jan. 15.

Wide receiver, Mikey Henderson

A Saint Louis native, Henderson heads to Sacramento after a season at Tarleton State. As a Texan, he brought in 13 catches for 108 yards and a score. The 6-foot-2 pass catcher committed to Sac State on April 16.

Defensive lineman, Itayvion Brown

Brown is yet another FBS to FCS transfer, playing two seasons at Michigan State. His last season of football was in 2022, before he was dismissed from the Spartans in 2023 due to facing two felony gun possession charges for an incident at a bar in East Lansing. 

Brown would later plead guilty, which lowered his charge to just a misdemeanor for firearms possession. He has been in the portal since 2022 and committed to Sac State on April 14. 

Cornerback, Warren Smith

A native of the Bay Area, Smith returns to his home state after two seasons at Washington State. Playing nine games for the Cougars, Smith totaled four tackles and one pass defensed. He committed to Sac State on April 19.