Portland State adds JUCO quarterback Hunter Herrera to 2026 roster

Hunter Herrera, a quarterback from Mt. San Antonio College, has committed to Portland State's 2026 roster, a development recorded in the January transfer notebook tracking day-by-day quarterback moves across FBS and FCS. The commitment arrived on Jan. 7, 2026, and slots Herrera into a growing list of JUCO and transfer additions that Portland State pursued during the January portal window.

For Portland State, adding a JUCO passer like Herrera is a pragmatic roster move. JUCO quarterbacks often arrive with game experience and the immediacy to compete in spring practices and fall camp, so Herrera's arrival increases competition in the QB room and provides a ready option behind or pushing for the starting job. With quarterback play central to any FCS offense, this is the kind of low-lift acquisition that can change depth-chart conversations heading into spring drills.

This commitment matters to fans and roster watchers because it signals Portland State is leaning into transfers and junior college talent to accelerate its roster turnover. January portal windows are when FCS programs often look for experienced options who can step in within a season, and Herrera fits that profile. For opponents and conference rivals, it is another signal that PSU's quarterback situation will be more contested come fall.

What to watch next: Herrera's role will be clearer once spring practice reports and official roster updates arrive. Expect coaches to evaluate him alongside existing quarterbacks on timing, command of the playbook, and red-zone decision making. Conditioning and familiarity with the offense will determine whether he is in the mix immediately or added as depth for next season. Local reporters and team beat writers will likely have the first looks during spring workouts and spring game, which are where quarterbacks can make tangible progress in the eyes of coaches and fans.

For the broader FCS community, this is another example of the churn at quarterback triggered by the transfer ecosystem. Tracking these moves day by day helps paint a picture of where programs are investing and which rooms will be battle-tested come September.

Our two cents? Keep an eye on spring practice reports and the early depth chart, not just headline transfers. Herrera's commitment is useful intel for Portland State followers looking for who might push for the job and which matchups could hinge on new QB looks.