Josh Holst, DeAree Rogers among first NIU players to hit portal

Josh Holst, DeAree Rogers and Jake Appleget were among the first NIU football players to announce their entry into the transfer portal.

Holst, a Marengo graduate who began the year as the starting quarterback, started seven games this year. He sat out the first two Mid-American Conference games, allowing true freshman Brady Davidson to make the start.

Jalen Macon, a redshirt junior who transferred from Arkansas-Pine Bluff two years ago, started the final three games.

Thank you NIU

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Ben Clouser: (469-400-6460) pic.twitter.com/lTyjpEKLMv — Josh Holst (@JoshHolst08) November 29, 2025

In a social media post, Holst said it was not an easy decision but believed it was the best step for his development.

The MVP of the 2024 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl