On Jan. 2, the college football transfer portal officially opened, and thousands of players across the country entered their names looking to find a new football program for the 2026 season. For Cal Poly football, this offseason’s transfer cycle is especially important as roster turnover is common during the first year under a new head coach.
Cal Poly appointed Tim Skipper as head coach in early December, taking over after three seasons under former head coach Paul Wulff. The team that trots onto the field next season will be largely shaped by who leaves or enters the program through the portal in the coming months.
So far we have seen at least eight former Mustangs testing the open waters of college free agency. Let’s break it down.
Ty Dieffenbach — QB
Dieffenbach’s time at Cal Poly was defined by competition. After transferring in ahead of the 2025 season, the quarterback battled for the starting role throughout the year in an offense still searching for consistency. Dieffenbach ultimately took the reins for much of the season, throwing for over 1,300 yards with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions while also contributing with his legs in key games. He brought size and mobility to the position while navigating a rotating offensive cast and a demanding Big Sky schedule. His season reflected both growth and adversity, as he worked to establish rhythm and leadership amid constant pressure under center.
Brian Dukes Jr. — S
Dukes Jr. spent his Cal Poly career contributing in the secondary as a safety, providing depth and experience in the defensive backfield while also playing a role on special teams. Dukes offered steadiness and versatility in a unit that relied on rotation throughout the season. His decision to enter the transfer portal closes his time with the Mustangs as he looks for one final opportunity to finish his collegiate career with an expanded role.
Victory Johnson — EDGE
Johnson emerged as a rotational presence along the defensive front, earning snaps as the Mustangs leaned on youth and versatility up front. As a redshirt freshman in 2024 he appeared in nine games, tallying 10 tackles, including a notable performance against Stanford as part of a defensive line that was often asked to shoulder long drives and high snap counts. Johnson showed flashes of disruption and athleticism, signaling potential that he’ll now look to develop further at his next stop.
Jordan Garrison — WR
Garrison served as a depth receiver in a wide-open room that saw frequent changes throughout the season. While his opportunities were limited, he remained part of the offensive rotation and special teams mix, working behind more established targets as Cal Poly experimented with personnel groupings. His portal entry comes as he looks for a clearer path to consistent reps and offensive involvement.
Charlie Adams — OL
Adams was part of a young offensive line unit that experienced heavy turnover and constant adjustment during the season. He provided depth in the trenches, stepping into rotational roles as injuries and lineup changes forced shuffling up front. Offensive line continuity was a season-long challenge for the Mustangs, and Adams’ departure continues that reshaping process.
Jasdev Banwait — OL
Banwait brought experience to the offensive line room, having spent multiple seasons in the program. He contributed as both a rotational player and depth piece, offering stability in a group that relied heavily on versatility. His move to the portal marks the loss of a veteran presence along the line as Cal Poly continues to retool its front.
Jeremiah Bernard — S
Bernard saw action in the secondary and on special teams, gaining valuable game experience in a defensive backfield that leaned on younger players throughout the year. His role grew as the season progressed, particularly in support and tackling situations, making his decision to enter the portal part of a broader youth movement seeking expanded roles elsewhere.
Racin Delgatty — OL
Delgatty was one of the more established pieces on the offensive line, earning meaningful snaps and serving as a steady presence in the interior. His experience and physicality made him a key contributor as Cal Poly worked through offensive growing pains. Delgatty’s exit represents one of the more significant departures among the group entering the portal, given his role in the trenches.
Together, these departures highlight a program in the middle of change. As Cal Poly looks ahead to spring and beyond, the focus now shifts to rebuilding depth, creating continuity and defining the next phase of the Mustangs’ roster under Skipper.