With the new rules (or lack there of) regarding transfers in the state of Indiana, moving between schools is as easy as ever before.
Blitz isn’t stupid (about this anyway), he knows that there are kids out there who transfer purely for athletics reasons. But his opinion, so what? If kids transfer to schools for better marching band, theater or choir programs, or to schools that offer a specialty in an academic field of interest to them, then why can’t they transfer without penalty for athletics?
It’s cause for argument, but Blitz isn’t here for one. Transfers happen for a variety of reasons. Regardless of why, here are eight area transfers who could have big seasons for their new teams.
RB Brandon Gaither II
- Old school: Bishop Luers
- New school: North Side
As part of a one-two punch in the backfield last year at Bishop Luers, Gaither burst onto the scene as a sophomore rushing for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns. He had arguably his best performances in the playoffs, rushing for 160 yards against Twin Lakes, a pair of touchdowns against Knox and 172 total yards on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium in the state title game loss to Cascade.
Now at North Side, Gaither II becomes the lead back in a loaded Legends offense. His ability to take some of the pressure off of junior starting quarterback Brandon Sanders will be big as Sanders settles into the starters role.
In addition, Gaither II’s presence takes some of the pressure off of Caleb Kiengele, who led North Side in rushing last year despite battling injuries. Keeping Kiengele fresh, and giving him an opportunity to line up in the slot, will open up more opportunities for both of them.
OL/DL Darius and Nicholas Holley
- Old school: Bishop Luers
- New school: North Side
Bishop Luers’ loss is North Side’s gain as the Holley brothers – junior Nick and sophomore Darius – bring big bodies and big expectations over to the Legends.
Darius started along a very talented defensive front last year for the Knights, securing 44 tackles, six tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Nick was more of a rotational player, but still amassed 21 tackles and can play both offensive and defensive lines.
North Side has all the skill talent in the world, but can it block and open holes for those skill players? The brothers Holley will go a long way towards achieving that and being impressive defenders.
QB Knox Johnson
- Old school: Bishop Luers
- New school: Bishop Dwenger
Johnson and classmate Tommy Reichert split time at the quarterback spot at Bishop Luers last season, with Reichert seemingly winning the battle as the season progressed as he was behind center during the run the to the Class 3A state title game.
Now at Bishop Dwenger, Johnson is in a battle with Tommy Coffman for the signal caller job for the Saints. Even if Coffman gets the nod at QB1, Johnson is in a prime position to grow as the backup and know exactly where he is in the pecking order – the heir apparent to Coffman for 2027.
But the Saints are high on Johnson’s abilities to get the ball downfield, and could use him in certain packages even if Coffman is the guy.
QB Braydon Peppler
- Old school: Carroll
- New school: Northrop
After suiting up for two seasons for the Chargers, Peppler took his quarterbacking skills to Northrop over the summer, and the Bruins have been better for it.
All indications are that Peppler, a junior, has come in and done and said all the right things. Peppler is a respectful and hard worker who has already been voted a team captain despite not playing a single game for the Bruins. While he is in a quarterback battle with sophomore Jaelin Jackson, Peppler has at the very least pushed Jackson to be better both with his skills and his leadership.
Peppler is in prime position to see some snaps for Coach John Schaefer’s team even if he starts the season as the backup. He has a strong arm, makes good decisions and, as already mentioned, has earned the respect of his teammates.
RB Aaron Perlich
- Old school: Leo
- New school: East Noble
Contrary to popular belief, Leo actually did have other running backs other than Nathan Foster last year. In fact, outside of Foster and quarterback Titus Stoller, the leading back for the Lions was the freshman Perlich, who rushed for 391 yards and a touchdown on the year on just 39 carries.
Yes, some of his touches came late in blowouts, but seeing the field for the Lions as a freshman is no easy feat. He also saw some action on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker, just one of several freshman who really stood out for Coach Jason Doerffler’s team on defense in 2025.
With his father Jamie hired as the athletics director at East Noble over the summer, Perlich will now suit up for the Knights in Kendallville, giving them a talented sophomore who has already seen considerable time on the field on Friday nights.
OL/DL Carson Powell
- Old school: Norwell
- New school: Homestead
If there was one thing that stood out when watching Homestead last year, it was the dearth of size in the trenches for the Spartans.
Powell, all 6-foot-3 and 290 pounds of him, will help in that regard. A huge body with great technique and impressive footwork, the senior will thrive along the offensive front at guard. A three-year starter who qualified for semistate last year at heavyweight in wrestling, Powell is extremely tough to shed by defenders. His leverage is elite.
If Homestead is to have a successful season, it needs to play bigger up front. Powell will help tremendously, as he can also line up at defensive tackle.
QB Bracen Staley
- Old school: Carroll
- New school: DeKalb
Much like Peppler, Staley has gone from backing up Gabe Frisinger at Carroll to competing for the starting quarterback job at another program.
Staley is currently in a battle to replace the departed Eli McCormick, who threw for 2,100 yards and 23 touchdowns in his senior season, at QB1 with Xavier Vice. Both are juniors, although Staley seemingly has the experience at the quarterback spot after Vice saw significant time at running back as a sophomore. Staley has similar attributes to McCormick had in that while not exactly physically imposing, he can make all the throws and makes good decisions.
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Blitz on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
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