Mountaineers Reload: Transfer Portal Delivers a Power Surge to App State Backfield and Beyond
Boone, NC — July 2025
After a rocky 2024 season and a significant coaching shake-up, the Appalachian State Mountaineers are wasting no time in rewriting their future—and the 2025 campaign is already shaping up to be a compelling comeback story. Under the fresh leadership of head coach Dowell Loggains, App State has tapped deep into the NCAA transfer portal and come away with a treasure trove of talent that has Mountaineer fans buzzing across the High Country.
At the center of this transfer haul are two running backs with SEC pedigrees who bring both toughness and upside to the Mountaineers’ backfield: Rashod Dubinion, formerly of Arkansas, and Khalifa Keith, a powerful runner out of Tennessee. Their arrival marks a bold shift toward a more dynamic, power-run attack that could define the new offensive era in Boone.
🚀 SEC-Caliber Backfield Lands in Boone
Dubinion, a 5’10”, 200-pound back, rushed for 888 yards and six touchdowns during his time at Arkansas. Known for his physical running style, he frequently bounced off would-be tacklers and carved out tough yards against stacked SEC defenses. His experience and proven production against top-tier competition give App State an instant leader in the backfield.
Joining him is Khalifa Keith, a 6’1″, 225-pound bruiser who spent two seasons with the Tennessee Volunteers. While he had limited opportunities in Knoxville, his high school tape and flashes of power and vision in spring games have long intrigued recruiters. Keith brings thunder to Dubinion’s lightning—a combination that promises to keep opposing defenses guessing.
“Having two guys with SEC toughness in our backfield is a game-changer,” said offensive coordinator Mike Miller. “Dubinion has that shiftiness and burst, while Keith brings the hammer. It’s exactly what we needed to restore our identity.”
🧠 A New Quarterback in Town: J. J. Kohl
As if the running back acquisitions weren’t enough, App State also added a highly touted quarterback: J. J. Kohl, formerly of Iowa State. Kohl, a 6’6″ pro-style passer, was once a top-200 national recruit and brings a strong arm and pocket presence to a QB room looking for leadership after the departure of star Joey Aguilar to Tennessee.
While Kohl didn’t start many games in Ames, he has drawn comparisons to former NFL quarterbacks thanks to his size, mechanics, and ability to read defenses. With spring and summer workouts already underway, coaches are high on his chemistry with receivers and his potential to lead a rejuvenated offense.
“J. J. has stepped in and taken command quickly,” Coach Loggains noted. “He’s smart, calm, and has that next-level awareness we’re looking for. With the weapons around him, we’re excited to see how he unlocks this offense.”
🧱 Building Depth Where It Matters
Beyond the headline names, App State has also landed key depth pieces on both lines and at wide receiver. Insiders point to two interior offensive linemen from Group of Five programs and a 6’4” wide receiver from the MAC as under-the-radar transfers who could play meaningful snaps as early as Week 1.
This influx of talent is timely, as App State eyes a tough early-season stretch, including a rivalry showdown at East Carolina and a pivotal Sun Belt opener against Coastal Carolina.
📈 New Era, New Energy
The message from Boone is loud and clear: the Mountaineers aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading.
After a 5–6 season and the end of the Shawn Clark era, fans were hungry for change. With Loggains orchestrating a fresh offense and the transfer portal breathing new life into key positions, expectations are once again climbing at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
“This program is built on toughness and belief,” said Loggains. “And these new guys? They believe. They’re here to win.”
App State kicks off its 2025 season on August 29 at Charlotte, and all eyes will be on how this new-look roster performs. One thing is certain: the Mountaineers aren’t flying under the radar anymore.
