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Rhode Island Football's A.J. Pena Left For An FBS Program, But He Went Back

Rhode Island Football's A.J. Pena Left For An FBS Program, But He Went Back

URI Football's A.J. Pena did something that is almost unheard of in the transfer portal era: he returned to his original school after leaving. Here's why.

Jul 24, 2025 by Lindsey Plotkin
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A.J. Pena was not planning on finishing out his college career as a Rhode Island Ram. After helping Rhode Island Football to a program-record 11 wins at linebacker and being named a First-Team AP All-American, he hit the transfer portal, landing with the Memphis Tigers. 

But his time in Memphis only proved one thing: clarity. So Pena sat down, wrote out his goals, and it was clear as day: Rhode Island is where he’s supposed to be. So he re-entered the spring transfer portal and went back. 

“I had to really try to figure out what I really wanted and what was important to me,” Pena said. “Being there, it (had its) ups and downs. I went through my battles, but eventually my heart fell through and I came back home.”

When he decided that he wanted to return to Rhode Island, he was welcomed back with open arms by head coach Jim Fleming. 

Fleming understands the challenges that come with entering the transfer portal, especially with the recent development of NIL and the ability to make money, an area where the FCS schools are often unable to compete with FBS schools. 

“I was just really thrilled that AJ wanted to come back,” Fleming said. “(The transfer portal gives) the opportunity for a young person to recognize that the grass isn't always greener on the other side… And I think for AJ to recognize that was an easy thing for me. ‘Sure, come on back.’ I get an All-American defensive player because of that. But I got more than that.”

Pena has fully embraced his leadership role amongst the Rams, and is excited to get back into a position where he can help Rhode Island to more than another CAA Championship. His return to FCS football has already earned him honors, as he was named the CAA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He’s also earned the honor of being a Preseason FCS All-American.

Looking to follow up on his 82 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and two fumble recoveries in the 2024 season, Pena knows what it takes to be a leader, and he understands how to win games.

His goal for this season is bigger; he wants to help Rhode Island back up its historic season with another one, taking them all the way to the national championship. 

“I'm chasing a lot of big things, but honestly, I just want another ring,” Pena said. “I want to chase that. I want to (win) a national title. I truly believe that we can do that with the players that we have and everything that we've been training for these past two months over the summer. And this stems from a long time. It's my fourth year, and I'm so excited about this group. I get to, actually, lead a bunch of younger guys that I've seen as puppies.” 

Pena is not the only one hungry for more after Rhode Island fell to Mercer in the second round of the FCS playoffs. He knows that his whole team has its eyes on a deeper playoff run, and the group is as close-knit as ever, another factor that went into his decision to return home.

“The reason for that is because of the love and how family-oriented the University of Rhode Island is, especially in the program itself,” Pena said. “I know I'm just speaking it, but it means so much more to me, and it's extremely important.” 

Here's how to not miss any Rhode Island Football in 2025. 

Rhode Island Rams Football 2025 Schedule

FloCollege is the home of CAA Football, and all Rhode Island Rams home games and conference games* will be aired on FloCollege. All times are in Eastern Time.  

  • August 29 - 6:00 p.m. - Campbell - FloFootball
  • September 6 - 6:00 p.m. - Stony Brook - FloFootball
  • September 13 - TBA - Holy Cross - ESPN+
  • September 20 - 6:00 p.m. - LIU - FloFootball
  • September 27 - TBA - Western Michigan - ESPN+
  • October 4 - TBA - Brown - ESPN+
  • October 11 - 1:00 p.m. - New Hampshire - FloFootball
  • October 18 - 3:30 p.m. - UAlbany - FloFootball
  • October 25 - 1:00 p.m. - Bryant
  • November 8 - 2:00 p.m. - Elon
  • November 15 - 1:00 p.m. - Maine
  • November 22 - 1:00 p.m. - Hampton

Rhode Island Football 2024 Record

*FCS Playoffs

  • August 31 - Holy Cross - W, 20-17
  • September 7 - Minnesota - L, 0-48
  • September 14 - Campbell - W, 21-9
  • September 21 - LIU - W, 28-21
  • October 5 - Hampton - W, 46-44 (OT)
  • October 12 - Brown - W, 31-21
  • October 19 - New Hampshire - W, 26-9
  • October 26 - RV Maine - W, 24-14
  • November 2 - Monmouth - W, 37-28
  • November 9 - Delaware - L, 21-24
  • November 16 - UAlbany - W, 20-17
  • November 23 - Bryant - W, 35-21
  • November 30 - Central Connecticut State - W, 21-17*
  • December 7 - Mercer - L, 10-17*

Watch Rhode Island Football Highlights


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Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloFootball schedule page for the latest games. 

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