WKU football has added 16 transfers this offseason

(Photo by Bobby McDuffie/Getty Images)

The transfer portal is making a huge impact in college athletics. Both players and teams now have access to yearly free agency. Some schools are just dipping their toe in the water while others are diving in headfirst.

Tyson Helton and WKU are going full out swimming in the transfer waters. The Hilltoppers signed just two high school players in their 2021 class and decided to go all-in on the portal. On Tuesday, WKU announced two more additions via Twitter.

Got ourselves a 𝙶𝚄𝙽𝚂𝙻𝙸𝙽𝙶𝙴𝚁 from 𝙲𝙰𝙻𝙸! ☀️

✍️ Carson Baker
📱 @Cbakess9
🏈 Quarterback
🏡 San Diego, Calif.
🔄 San Diego State#WelcomeToTheHill pic.twitter.com/vmXlxSexWj

— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) April 27, 2021

ρℓαумαкєяѕ ση ρℓαумαкєяѕ 😛

✍️ Kendall Abdur-Rahman
📱 @kInG_keNdaLL22
🏈 Wide Receiver
🏡 Edwardsville, Ill.
🔄 Notre Dame#WelcomeToTheHill pic.twitter.com/XUnF3J0rbV

— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) April 27, 2021

The Hilltopper football program has now added transfers from Bowling Green, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, and San Diego State this offseason. However, the most impactful additions have come from FCS Houston Baptist.

After finishing the 2020 season 117th in yards per play offense, Helton decided it was time to make a change at offensive coordinator. The former Tennessee play-caller — and younger brother of USC head coach Clay Helton — knew his program needed a spark after a step back in year two of his regime. So Helton went out and found a dynamite passing game.

Zach Kittley was a former Texas Tech staffer under Kliff Kingsbury where the Air Raid disciple got a chance to work with Patrick Mahomes. From there, the young coach would go to FCS Houston Baptist to call plays. In year three, Kittley had the most dynamic passing attack in college football. Now Helton is hoping that the 29-year-old can translate his high-octane offense to the Power Five level.

However, Kittley did not come alone. The offensive savant also brought his record-breaking quarterback and star receivers. Bailey Zappe is now a member of WKU’s quarterback room after putting up 458.3 passing yards per outing in four games last season. Joining him will be a pair of brothers — Jerreth and Josh Sterns — who were Zappe’s top receivers for HBU last season.

While doing research, I came across a fact that I don't believe was publicized at the time:

Houston Baptist senior Bailey Zappe's school-record 567 yards in a 35-33 loss at Texas Tech on Sept. 12 were the most ever by an FCS quarterback against an FBS opponent. pic.twitter.com/6xVv4ZNqi9

— Craig Haley (@CraigHaley) December 7, 2020

It certainly does appear that WKU is trying to zig while everyone else is zagging. The ‘Tops have won with defense in Helton’s first two seasons in Bowling Green, but losing defensive coordinator Clayton White to South Carolina creates some pressure. The head coach with an offensive background knows he needs to put points on the board to build excitement around his program and contend for conference championships.

WKU is planning to inject life into its program with some Air Raid magic combined with transfer roster additions. With over 20 players leaving WKU for the portal, new players were needed. Only time will tell if this experiment works.

No matter what happens, expect WKU to throw the ball all over the field and to not be in the bottom of the FBS when it comes to offense again as long as Kittley and Zappe are there. This team could be a total wild card in 2021, but the Hilltoppers won’t be boring to watch.