East Carolina has landed a major portal win, securing a high-profile All-Big Ten talent as part of its 2026 roster overhaul. The move represents a significant statement for the Pirates and head coach Blake Harrell, signaling the program’s growing pull in the transfer portal.
Andrew Sprague, a standout offensive lineman from Michigan, officially committed to ECU after entering the transfer portal earlier this month. The former Wolverine made it clear that Greenville would be his next home, choosing the Pirates over multiple Power Five suitors and expressing a passionate connection to the program.
At Michigan, Sprague earned All-Big Ten recognition as a redshirt freshman and proved himself versatile across the offensive line, logging significant snaps at both tackle positions. His experience in the Big Ten brings elite-level competition exposure and immediately upgrades ECU’s offensive front.
Sources close to the program say ECU’s clear plan for Sprague’s role, combined with the culture and vision presented by Harrell and the coaching staff, were key factors in his decision. Sprague is expected to compete for a starting spot immediately, providing leadership and depth to a unit looking to make a leap in 2026.
This commitment marks another major portal success for East Carolina, reinforcing the Pirates’ strategy of targeting proven, high-level talent to accelerate competitiveness in the American Athletic Conference. Sprague’s passionate choice to join ECU not only strengthens the offensive line but also sends a clear message: the Pirates are serious players in the transfer portal.
