FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 17)

The latest news from around FCS football, including major transfer portal additions for Abilene Christian and Youngstown State

The FCS Football Front Page will deliver the biggest and most storylines from across the FCS throughout the offseason.

Each day we will bring you the top stories from around the country regarding FCS football. From coaching changes to recruiting updates, and everything in between the FCS Football Front Page has you covered.

Holy Cross QB Matthew Sluka Transfers To UNLV

Former Holy Cross quarterback Matthew Sluka announced his commitment to UNLV on Tuesday. He will compete with former Campbell quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams for the starting job next season.

Sluka earned first-team FCS All-American honors last season and was named the 2023 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year. He was a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist and was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award in 2020. He was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year. 

Over four seasons at Holy Cross, Sluka totaled 5,916 passing yards, 59 passing touchdowns, 3,583 rushing yards, and 38 rushing touchdowns. He set the NCAA Division I single-game record with 330 rushing yards against Lafayette this season. 

Furman TE Mason Pline Accepts Invite To East-West Shrine Bowl

Furman tight end Mason Pline accepted an invite to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas on Feb. 1. He earned an invite after a stellar performance in the Hula Bowl last week. 

Pline played one season at Furman, earning second-team All-Conference honors. He ended the season with 32 receptions for 287 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. He had a career performance with nine receptions for 78 receiving yards and one touchdown against Montana in the FCS Playoffs. 

Pline started his career at Ferris State, where he helped lead the Bulldogs to two NCAA Division II national championships. He was a two-sport athlete for the Bulldogs, seeing action in 30 games as a basketball player at Ferris State. 

Tulane QB Carson Haggard Commits To Abilene Christian

Former Tulane quarterback Carson Haggard announced his transfer to Abilene Christian on Jan. 11. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining for the Wildcats.

Haggard played two seasons at Tulane, seeing action in one game against Alcorn State for the Green Wave. The 6-foot, 175-pound quarterback signed with Tulane out of Gulliver Prep as a three-star prospect in the class of 2022.

Haggard was the No. 90 quarterback and No. 191 player in the state of Florida, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He was named the 2021 Florida High School 4A Player of the Year and earned All-State honors as a senior. He finished the season with over 3,000 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns. 

Youngstown State Signs Former Marian DL Tyler Bukur

Former Marian defensive lineman Tyler Bukur has officially signed with Youngstown State. He will have one season of eligibility remaining as a graduate transfer for the Penguins.

Bukur earned first-team MSFA Mideast League honors last season, which was his third consecutive season earning All-League honors. He earned second-team honors in 2021 and was an honorable mention the next season in 2022. He finished the 2023 season with 50 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, and three quarterback hurries. 

Over the past two seasons, Bukur totaled 83 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, seven sacks, one interception, three pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive lineman signed with Marian out of Valparaiso High School. He was a two-time All-Conference selection and earned All-State honors as a junior. 

FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 16)

FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Jan. 15)