More players have announced their plans to depart the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, with quarterback Mekhi Hagens being the latest.
Hagens announced his plans on X, formerly Twitter, on Thanksgiving.
“This was not an easy decision, but I believe it’s the right step for my personal growth, athletic development, and future aspirations,” Hagens wrote, in part. “To everyone who has been a part of my journey at UAPB, thank you. The memories we’ve created together will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Hagens, a redshirt junior from St. Louis, threw for 2,541 yards this season with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for three touchdowns.
He was the second-most prolific passer in the SWAC this season behind only Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson. He and wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson, who announced his plans to transfer on Monday, helped make UAPB’s passing offense the third-best in the SWAC with 219.5 yards per game, trailing only FAMU and Alabama A&M.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Hagens started every game this season, though junior college transfer DJ Stevenson finished each of the final two games. Stevenson appeared in four games this year, allowing him to redshirt this season.
UAPB has two other quarterbacks on the roster: Pine Bluff native Landon Holcomb, a true freshman, and Bethune-Cookman transfer Tysan Robbins, a redshirt junior. They appeared only in the final minutes of UAPB’s 73-0 win against Arkansas Baptist.
Hagens’ announcement was the fourth public declaration by a UAPB player this week. After Gibson’s announcement on Monday, true freshmen Rio Hay and Kyle Vocque also declared they will transfer.
Vocque, a linebacker, was UAPB’s leading tackler through four games with 25. The Bauxite native didn’t play after the Central Arkansas game, missing the entirety of SWAC play. He made nine tackles against Tennessee State and seven against Arkansas.
He was one of several linebackers to deal with injury this season, and he was one of the freshmen coach Alonzo Hampton praised highly after the final game.
Hay started the year as the backup longsnapper but went on to start the majority of UAPB games at the position. Hay committed to UAPB after the conclusion of spring practice and hails from Dripping Springs, Texas.
The transfer portal officially opens Dec. 9.