Saadiq Clements, Yusef Sanogo-Kendrick and Jaheim Williams all find new homes
Three Henderson County High School graduates are taking the next step in their college football careers, each finding a new home through the NCAA transfer portal in January.
Clements transfers from North Texas to Oklahoma State.
Defensive lineman Saadiq Clements is headed to Oklahoma State after a breakout season at North Texas, where he earned a starting role for a Mean Green team that finished inside the AP Top 25.
Clements, listed at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds, played in 10 games this season and totaled 30 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. A redshirt sophomore in 2025, he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Clements followed former North Texas head coach Eric Morris to Stillwater, choosing Oklahoma State over Auburn and Illinois. His college career began at Louisville before transferring to UNT.
“My transfer process went smoothly,” Clements said. “I visited three schools, first Illinois, then Auburn, and Oklahoma State. I’m excited about this season because it’s better competition and a bigger platform than last season. We still have some of the same players, so I’m expecting the same results in flipping this program around.”
Clements said the coaching turnover at North Texas prompted his decision to enter the portal.
“All of my coaches at North Texas left, so I thought I would hit the portal and see what was out there,” he said. “Oklahoma State ended up being a perfect match for me.”
Sanogo-Kendrick transfers from Southeast Missouri State to Eastern Kentucky
Offensive lineman Yusef Sanogo-Kendrick will transfer from Southeast Missouri State to Eastern Kentucky after establishing himself as a reliable lineman at the FCS level.
Sanogo-Kendrick, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman, played more than 1,000 snaps and allowed just one sack over two seasons as a starter for SEMO. He was a rare true freshman starter and will have two years of eligibility remaining.
He chose Eastern Kentucky over several FBS and FCS options, including Charlotte and Rice.
“My transfer process was great,” Sanogo-Kendrick said. “I had a couple of options to go FBS and FCS, but I decided to go the FCS route and play a more prominent role at Eastern Kentucky. They were the first school to contact me out of the portal.”
Sanogo-Kendrick cited EKU’s coaching staff as a major factor in his decision.
“They have a good group of coaches, especially on the offensive line, that can help me develop,” he said. “It’s exciting to go to a new team, play with new guys, learn from new coaches and just grow throughout the process.”
Williams moves from KWC to Kentucky State
Defensive back Jaheim Williams is transferring from Kentucky Wesleyan to Kentucky State after a standout season for the Panthers.
Williams, listed at 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, led Kentucky Wesleyan with three interceptions and 11 pass breakups while adding 33 tackles. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.
The move comes after a difficult 0–11 season for Kentucky Wesleyan, while Kentucky State finished 9–3 and earned the program’s first-ever NCAA Division II playoff berth.
“I decided to transfer because I felt it was the right step for my growth both on and off the field,” Williams said. “I’m looking for an opportunity to continue developing my skills, compete at the same level or higher, and contribute to a winning culture.”
Williams said Kentucky State was high on his radar once he entered his name into the transfer portal.
“I had my eyes on K-State because of the season they had going to the Division II playoffs,” he said. “This is a fresh start for me, and I’m excited to put in the work and help the team succeed.”
