Transfer Portal Spotlight:
Reshad Sterling

Patrick Harkness • August 5, 2026

Edge


Reshad Sterling - Houston



Reshad Sterling fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 250-pound high-motor EDGE/DL with four-star pedigree, explosive point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power burst, heavy hands, dip-and-rip pass-rush nuance, and two-way versatility who immediately adds depth, competition (potential starter), and physicality to a revamped defensive line/EDGE room in their  scheme.



He’s a redshirt freshman transfer from Houston (Big 12) who committed in January 2026, via the portal (entered early January). A four-star recruit (No. 11 player in Louisiana, top-50 nationally at EDGE) out of Lutcher HS (Lutcher, LA), he has four years of eligibility remaining (#51).



Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit:

Tulane’s defense relies on active, violent EDGE rushers who can win with first-step quickness, heavy hands, redirection in pursuit, and a mix of power and bend off the edge, whether as a hand-down DE in 4-man fronts or hybrid roles. Sterling is a natural scheme fit as a classic four-man end or bandit.


•  Pass-rush and disruptiveness: Highly active with point-of-attack violence, speed-to-power ability, heavy hands, inside counter, and dip-and-rip arc-running athleticism. Flashes sudden redirect and effort plays that combine with athleticism and technical awareness.


•  Physicality and versatility: Two-way HS experience (DL + offensive tackle) shows toughness and football IQ; ideal for sustaining blocks in the run game while creating pressures. Coach Hall has raved about his intangibles and quick integration.


•  Traits alignment: 

Self-described “beast” on the field with Micah Parsons-like traits (his sports hero); brings P4-caliber tools that were underutilized in limited Houston snaps.


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Exterior of a stadium with overlaid text reading “WHAT IF THERE WAS NO PORTAL”
By Patrick Harkness September 19, 2026
 Same rules as the offense: only original Tulane high-school recruits, including guys who later left. No portal arrivals (Ed Smith IV, Reshad Sterling, Derrick Shepard, Chris Rodgers, Jack Tchienchou, Anthony Rogers, Macho Stevenson, Dalton Hughes, Justin Agu, Kajuan Banks, etc.). Tulane’s current defense is a 4-2-5. Defensive line DE Geordan Guidry/Josh Lewis/Gerrod Henderson DT Kameron Hamilton/Maxie Baudoin DT Maxie Baudoin IV/Jordyn Crites Hamilton (Zachary HS) is the big keep, multi-year starter, 12 career sacks, back for a fifth year. Guidry (Ruston HS, 2024 class) is a homegrown edge still on the roster. Lewis is a young homegrown end. The 2025 CFP front was mostly portal/graduates (Harvey Dyson, Santana Hopper, Tre’Von McAlpine). Without the portal you don’t get those Power-4-bound imports or the 2026 replacements (Smith, Sterling, Shepard). Bandit (hybrid DE/OLB) Matthew Fobbs-White/Jah’rie Garner/Warren Roberts Jr Garner (St. Augustine, New Orleans) is already the 2026 starter and a true homegrown product. Fobbs-White (Neville, Monroe) signed with Tulane, became a 2024 starter at bandit, then left for Baylor. In this world he never leaves, so you have a proven local edge duo instead of leaning on portal rushers. Linebackers MLB Makai Williams/Jesus Machado WLB Cory Platt Jr/Dickson Agu/JC Joseph Agu (Dutchtown, Geismar) is a homegrown starter right now. Williams (Cibolo Steele, TX, 2023 class) is a long-time Tulane recruit and the next man up. Chris Rodgers, the current WLB, came from Troy with Sumrall, so he doesn’t count here. The room loses portal depth (Dalton Hughes) but keeps two original Wave LBs who already play. Secondary CB E’zaiah Shine/Jahiem Johnson CB Reyshaun Pleasant/Armani Cargo Spear Javion White/Micheal Igbinoghene SS Kevin Adams III/Josh Simms FS Kentrell Webb/Joshua Moore Shine (Mainland, FL, 2024 class) is already a 2026 starter. Nicholas is a West Jefferson / Harvey product. Adams (Destrehan) is a homegrown safety and current starter. Moore (Clear Falls, TX) was a 2023 signee and would start at free safety instead of Troy transfer Jack Tchienchou. Javion White (playmaking sophomore safety/nickel who left for Houston) and Jahiem Johnson (starting CB, 4 INTs in 2025, left for Arkansas) were developed at Tulane after signing there. If they stay, the back seven is actually one of the stronger parts of this hypothetical. Jayden Lewis, a 4-star 2025 high-school signee who later entered the portal, adds another homegrown corner. Bottom line The back seven is playable Agu, Adams, Shine, Garner, Williams, Moore, plus leavers like Fobbs-White, White, and Johnson. The front is the problem. Without portal D-linemen, you’re asking Hamilton and a bunch of younger homegrown ends/tackles to replace an entire CFP rotation that walked to Power 4 schools. Special Teams K Patrick Durkin P William Carroll LS Jason Arrendendo If I’m missing anyone please let me know. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
By Hunter Sheffield September 19, 2026
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