At least nine University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football players will enter the transfer portal this month after the latest announcement on Friday.
UAPB defensive end Anas Luqman posted his intent to transfer on the social media platform X, just before lunch time.
“First off, I would like to thank God for this opportunity,” Luqman wrote, in part. “Also, I would like to give a big thanks to the coaching staff and professors for giving me a chance to continue my academics and play the sport I love.
“To my family, friends and fans that believe in me, thank you. I built relationships that will last forever. I have learned lessons on and off the field that will be with me forever!”
Luqman finished the 2024 season with 33 tackles, including eight tackles for loss and two sacks. He also recorded five quarterback hurries. He made a season-high four solo tackles with three assisted tackles against Alabama A&M on Nov. 9. He had 2.5 tackles for loss with a sack against Arkansas Baptist on Sept. 7.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Cincinnati native had a good start to the 2023 season by recording 2.5 sacks in UAPB’s first two games against Tulsa and Tennessee State but missed the rest of that season with injury.
At SWAC Media Day in July, UAPB head coach Alonzo Hampton said had Luqman not gotten injured in 2023, he likely would have been targeted by bigger schools through the transfer portal after that season, a prophecy which has now come true a season later.
Luqman is the ninth UAPB player to publicly announce his decision to transfer since the end of the season. He is the fourth defensive player but the first defensive lineman.
The other recent announcements came from running back OJ Ross, linebacker Jonathan Goins, defensive back Antwon Jackson and defensive back Dyelon Caradine.
Ross, who transferred to UAPB last offseason from Tennessee Tech, played in three games for the Golden Lions before a leg injury sidelined him. He rushed for 164 yards and four touchdowns in his limited action, which included a 100-yard, three touchdown performance against Arkansas Baptist.
Goins, a Pine Bluff High School graduate, made 15 tackles with one for loss. The true freshman also forced a fumble. He appeared in six games while fighting injury.
Jackson made eight tackles in nine appearances this season. He was credited with one pass breakup and one forced fumble.
Caradine, a freshman from Malvern, appeared in four games and made four tackles.
The transfer portal opens Dec. 9.