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It’s here. College football’s new transfer portal window officially opened on Dec. 5. Despite new NCAA transfer windows being adopted and put into place, many players have already announced they will be leaving their current school and looking for a new home in 2023.
Last season saw the likes of Caleb Williams, Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix and Jahmyr Gibbs enter the transfer portal. Williams was the recipient of the Heisman Trophy in his first year at USC, while Penix Jr., Nix and Gibbs all enjoyed standout seasons at their new homes as well.
Who will be next year’s standout transfers?
We’re tracking the biggest names to enter the college football transfer portal.
Dec. 19: Former Notre Dame QB Drew Pyne to Arizona State
2022 stats: 64.6% completion percentage, 2,021 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, six interceptions
Why it matters: Pyne is a three-year player who started 10 games for the Fighting Irish this year. He went 8-2 in his 10 starts, and 4-1 against Top 25 teams. His lone loss to a Top 25 team came this past weekend against USC, where he completed 23 of 26 passes for a career-high 318 yards and three passing touchdowns. Pyne, who was a four-star prospect coming out of high school, has three years of playing eligibility remaining. He joins new Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham, who has a strong track record of success with transfer quarterbacks as offensive coordinator at Florida State and Oregon.
Dec. 19: Former USC LB Ralen Goforth to Washington
2022 stats: 43 total tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, one touchdown
Why it matters: Goforth was a key member of the Trojans defense for three seasons and appeared in 11 games in 2022. He gives the Huskies some veteran experience in their linebacker room.
Dec. 19: Former Arizona WR Dorian Singer to USC
2022 stats: 66 receptions, 1,105 receiving yards, six touchdown receptions
Why it matters: Singer is one of the most accomplished receivers to hit the transfer portal so far this season, having played a crucial role in the Wildcats’ dynamic passing attack with quarterback Jayden de Laura. USC is very familiar with Singer as he had a three-touchdown performance against the Trojans on Oct. 29.
Dec. 18: Jackson State WR/DB Travis Hunter
2022 offensive stats: 18 receptions, 188 receiving yards, four touchdown catches
2022 defensive stats: 19 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, two interceptions, one fumble recovered
Why it matters: Hunter made history last December when the No. 1 overall prospect and erstwhile Florida State commit flipped to Jackson State on signing day, joining Deion Sanders and becoming the highest-rated prospect in the modern recruiting era to sign with an HBCU.
Hunter played on both sides of the ball for the Tigers in his true freshman season, and could rejoin Sanders at Colorado — though many powerhouse programs who recruited Hunter out of high school will likely show interest again.
Dec. 18: Former Purdue OL Spencer Holstege to UCLA
Why it matters: The Bruins needed to shore up their offensive line for new quarterbacks Collin Schlee (transfer from Kent State) and Dante Moore, a five-star class of 2023 recruit who flipped his commitment to UCLA from Oregon on Monday. Holstege, who started 31 games for the 2022 Big Ten West champions, provides a major boost there.
Dec. 18: Former Alabama CB Khyree Jackson to Oregon
2022 stats: Six total tackles
Why it matters: Despite playing sparingly in 2022, the former four-star junior college transfer picked up several Power 5 offers including from Penn State, Maryland and USC before committing to Dan Lanning and the Ducks.
Dec. 18: Former Alabama OL Javion Cohen to Miami
Why it matters: Former Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal helped build Oregon back into a top-10 team as head coach by recruiting well in the trenches. Cristobal is looking to follow the same approach at his alma mater by getting Cohen out of the portal from his former employer.
Dec. 18: Former Texas A&M QB Haynes King to Georgia Tech
2022 stats: 55.6% completion percentage, 1,220 passing yards, seven touchdowns, six interceptions
Why it matters: King was a former four-star prospect who appeared in 10 games in three years at Texas A&M, making seven career starts. He began the 2022 season as the team’s starting quarterback and played well in a season-opening victory over Sam Houston. He finished with three touchdowns on 20-of-31 passing for 364 yards, the most by an Aggie in a season opener since 2009.
The Aggies finished 1-5 in games King played in this season. King will head to Atlanta to ostensibly replace outgoing quarterback Jeff Sims, who transferred to Nebraska.
Dec. 18: Former Texas EDGE Prince Dorbah to Arizona State
2022 stats: Seven total tackles, one tackle for loss
Why it matters: Dorbah was a top in-state recruit for the Longhorns in the class of 2020 but never saw much playing time under new head coach Steve Sarkisian. He will get a fresh start alongside Arizona State assistant coach Bryan Carrington, Texas’ former director of recruiting under Tom Herman.
Dec. 18: Former Coastal Carolina LB Josaiah Stewart to Michigan
2022 stats: 37 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble
Why it matters: Stewart had a massive freshman season in 2021, recording 43 tackles and 12.5 sacks en route to earning freshman All-American honors. While he did not match that production in his sophomore campaign, Stewart still enjoyed a solid 2022 year where he helped lead the Chanticleers to a 9-3 record and a spot in the Sun Belt Championship Game. His best game came in a 26-23 win over Southern Miss on Nov. 12, where he recorded five tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. His commitment marks a major addition to the Big Ten champions as Jim Harbaugh revamps his linebacker room.
Dec. 18: Former Alabama WR Aaron Anderson to LSU
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: Anderson is a former five-star prospect and consensus top 50 overall recruit in the 2022 class. He redshirted in his first collegiate season after suffering an early-season injury. The New Orleans native joins Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge after Kelly led the Tigers back to the SEC championship game in his first year at LSU.
Dec. 18: Former Georgia Tech QB Jeff Sims to Nebraska
2022 stats: 58.5% completion percentage, 1,115 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 302 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown.
Why it matters: Sims was a three-year starter at Georgia Tech who has thrown for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in his collegiate career. He can also get it done with his legs, totaling more than 1,000 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground. Sims started the first seven games of the 2022 campaign under center for the Yellowjackets but suffered a foot injury in a 16-9 loss to Virginia on Oct. 20. He seems poised to start under center in new head coach Matt Rhule’s first season leading the Huskers.
Dec. 18: Former Oregon LB Justin Flowe to Arizona
2022 Stats: 35 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss
Why it matters: The former five-star out of Upland (Calif.) High School was one of the top recruits to commit to former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal while Cristobal was in Eugene. Flowe dealt with injuries during his three seasons with the Ducks, but when healthy showed flashes of the talent that made him one of the top players in his high school class. He racked up 14 tackles in his collegiate debut in the Ducks’ 2021 opener versus Fresno State, but missed the rest of the season due to injury. He had 35 tackles over 10 games with the Ducks in 2022.
Flowe’s younger brother, former Oregon safety Jonathan Flowe, also entered the transfer portal and visited Arizona with him and is expected to commit to the Wildcats.
Dec. 18: Former Georgia DL Bill Norton to Arizona
2022 stats: Three total tackles
Why it matters: Norton saw action in all 13 games this past season for the defending national champions, primarily as a backup and on special teams. He will likely see a bigger role for Jedd Fisch’s squad in Tucson.
Dec. 18: Former LSU WR Jack Bech to TCU
2022 stats: 16 receptions, 200 yards, one touchdown catch
Why it matters: Bech was expected to play a big role in the Tigers’ 2022 offense, and though he did suit up for all 12 of LSU’s games, he failed to record a catch in four of them. He will join a TCU program looking to build off a surprising College Football Playoff berth in 2022.
Dec. 18: Former Arizona CB Christian Roland-Wallace to USC
2022 stats: 42 catches, six passes defensed
Why it matters: Roland-Wallace started 29 games for the Wildcats and fills a big need for the Trojans as top cornerback Mekhi Blackmon is out of eligibility and likely headed for the NFL draft.
Dec. 17: Former Alabama WR JoJo Earle to TCU
2022 stats: 12 catches, 155 yards, two touchdowns
Why it matters: Earle was a massive recruit coming out of Aledo, Texas. The former four-star prospect committed to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide, where he totaled 24 catches for 303 yards and two scores in two seasons. He is headed home to play for Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs.
Dec. 17: Former Kent State QB Collin Schlee to UCLA
2022 stats: 59.0% completion percentage, 2,109 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, five interceptions
Why it matters: After enjoying a solid junior season at Kent State, Schlee is expected to commit to UCLA, according to ESPN. The Bruins will be looking for a replacement under center as four-year starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson is heading to the NFL. In addition to throwing for 2,109 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2022, Schlee also totaled 492 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
Dec. 17: Former Oklahoma QB Nick Evers to Wisconsin
Why it matters: Luke Fickell went to work quickly to improve the Badgers’ quarterback room by adding former Oklahoma signal-caller Nick Evers. A former four-star recruit out of Texas, Evers was the No. 8-ranked QB in the 2022 class, according to 247Sports.com. He backed up Dillon Gabriel at Oklahoma this past season and should have a chance to compete for the starting QB job at Wisconsin after former starter Graham Mertz entered the transfer portal.
Dec. 16: Arkansas DB Jalen Catalon
2022 stats: Eight tackles
Why it matters: Catalon was named a FWAA Freshman All-American and a first-team All-SEC selection in 2020. He was a preseason second-team All-American selection heading into his sophomore year, but suffered a season-ending injury. He has been limited to just seven games the last two seasons due to injury. Catalon has totaled 159 tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles at Arkansas.
Dec. 16: Kentucky OT Kiyaunta Goodwin
Why it matters: Goodwin is a massive prospect, both literally and figuratively. The 6-foot-8, 351-pound offensive tackle was a five-star prospect in the 2022 class. He signed with Kentucky and appeared in 11 games as a true freshman. He will likely receive plenty of interest from Power 5 programs across the country.
Dec. 15: Stanford OT Walter Rouse
Why it matters: Rouse has been a four-year starter at the left tackle for the Cardinal. His decision to transfer comes in the aftermath of David Shaw resigning as head coach at the conclusion of the 2022 regular season. The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Rouse will be a welcomed addition to a team in need of a starting offensive tackle.
Dec. 15: Syracuse DB Ja’Had Carter
2022 stats: 35 tackles, three interceptions
Why it matters: Carter is a three-year starter who has recorded 135 tackles and five interceptions during his time at Syracuse. He is the ninth Syracuse player to depart the program this offseason, joining fellow starting DB Duce Chestnut. Carter should receive plenty of interest this offseason.
Dec. 15: Former Nebraska LB Ernest Hausmann to Michigan
2022 stats: 54 tackles, one sack
Why it matters: Hausmann started seven games as a true freshman at Nebraska in 2022. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker recorded 54 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in 10 games. He had a career-high 12 tackles in a 15-14 loss to Wisconsin.
Dec. 15: Oregon OT Dawson Jaramillo
Why it matters: Jaramillo is a fifth-year junior who appeared in 10 games for the Ducks this past season. He was expected to compete for a starting role in 2023, but instead will be looking for a new home. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Jaramillo has experience playing both guard and tackle and should receive plenty of Power 5 interest.
Dec. 14: Western Kentucky LB JaQues Evans
2022 stats: 101 tackles, eight sacks, two fumble recoveries
Why it matters: Evans was a force for the Hilltoppers in 2022, recording a team-high 101 tackles. He will be a welcomed addition to a team looking for help at linebacker.
Dec. 14: Former Michigan TE Erick All to Iowa
2022 stats: Three catches, 36 yards
Why it matters: All was named a team captain after a 2021 season in which he recorded 38 catches for 437 yards and two touchdowns, and kept his captaincy after undergoing season-ending back surgery in September. He will join former Michigan QB Cade McNamara at Iowa.
Dec. 14: Former Arizona DL Kyon Barrs to USC
2022 stats: 39 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss
Why it matters: Barrs enjoyed a productive four years at Arizona, improving each season he was there. The 6-foot-3, 310 pound defensive lineman recorded 102 tackles and five sacks at Arizona.
Dec. 13: Texas OL Logan Parr
Why it matters: Parr was a four-star recruit when he signed with the Longhorns in 2020.
Dec. 13: North Carolina State WR Devin Carter
2022 stats: 31 receptions, 556 receiving yards, six touchdown catches
Why it matters: The Wolfpack receiver has been a valuable downfield threat playing alongside Devin Leary, and could team up with Leary — currently the top quarterback in the transfer portal — again.
Dec. 13: LSU S Derrick Davis Jr.
2022 stats: Four total tackles
Why it matters: Davis was one of the top safeties in the class of 2021 and saw 12 games of action in his true freshman season. But Davis redshirted in 2022, only appearing in four games amid rumors he may convert to running back, where he starred as a two-way player in high school. Davis is a Pittsburgh native, but shot down an early report that he was already committed to transfer to his hometown school of Pitt.
Dec. 13: Ohio State S Jantzen Dunn
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: The Buckeyes had high hopes for Dunn as he arrived in Columbus as a four-star prospect from nearby Kentucky. But Dunn suffered a season-ending knee injury early in his freshman year in 2021 and appeared in just four games this past season, all on special teams.
Dec. 12: Former South Carolina TE Jaheim Bell to Florida State
2022 stats: 25 receptions, 231 receiving yards, two touchdown receptions
Why it matters: Bell still has two seasons of eligibility left after a productive year in the Gamecocks’ offense and is considered the top tight end to have entered the portal this cycle. His addition is a big one for Mike Norvell and the Seminoles.
Dec. 12: Arizona State QB Emory Jones
2022 stats: 62.8% completion percentage, 1,533 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, 31 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns
Why it matters: Jones spent the first four years of his collegiate career at Florida before playing at Arizona State this past season. He has totaled 4,480 passing yards, 33 passing touchdowns, 1,304 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores during his career. He is transferring out as a grad transfer, so he will be eligible immediately.
Dec. 12: Notre Dame TE Cane Berrong
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: Berrong was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Georgia, ranked as the No. 10 tight end in the 2021 class, per 247Sports.com composite rankings. He did not play as a true freshman at Notre Dame.
Dec. 12: Former Indiana LB Dasan McCullough to Oklahoma
2022 stats: 48 tackles, four sacks
Why it matters: McCullough was the highest-ranked prospect in Indiana’s 2022 recruiting class. He recorded 49 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks as a true freshman, while starting all 12 games for the Hoosiers. He joins the Sooners and a defensive-minded head coach in Brent Venables.
Dec. 12: Michigan State WR Germie Bernard
2022 stats: Seven catches, 128 yards, two touchdowns
Why it matters: This is a tough loss for Mel Tucker and the Spartans, as Bernard showed a lot of promise as a true freshman. The former four-star prospect saw action in nine games this season, hauling in seven catches for 128 yards and two scores, including the first touchdown of the season for the Spartans in a Week 1 win over Western Michigan.
Dec. 12: Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall
2022 stats: 69.1% completion percentage, 2,633 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 183 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns
Why it matters: McCall has started for the Chanticleers the past three seasons and is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in three straight seasons, including a 2,633 yard, 24 touchdown effort this past year. He is a three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year award winner and will be one of the most coveted transfers on the market this offseason, regardless of position. McCall, who has totaled over 8,000 passing yards and 78 touchdowns during his time at Coastal Carolina, still has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Dec. 12: South Carolina RB MarShawn Lloyd
2022 stats: 573 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 18 catches, 176 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Why it matters: Lloyd is set to relocate to a new school after leading the Gamecocks in rushing with 573 yards in 2022. The 5-foot-9, 212-pound back was a highly-touted recruit in the 2020 class, but suffered a torn ACL during fall camp of his freshman campaign. He bounced back in 2021 and had a breakout year this past season. He totaled 801 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in two seasons. He also added 220 yards and two scores on 21 receptions during that span.
Dec. 12: Virginia LB Nick Jackson
2022 stats: 104 tackles, five sacks, one fumble recovery
Why it matters: Jackson has been one of the most productive linebackers throughout all of college football over the past three years. The former three-star recruit has topped 100 tackles in three straight seasons, including a team-best 104 this past year. He has totaled a jaw-dropping 352 tackles during his time as a Cavalier.
Dec. 12: West Virginia WR Kaden Prather
2022 stats: 52 catches, 501 receiving yards, three touchdowns
Why it matters: Prather is a big-bodied receiver, standing at 6-foot-4, 211 pounds, with the ability to stretch the field and make plays. He ranked second on this West Virginia team in catches with 52 and third in receiving yards with 501. He was a highly-touted recruit coming out of Maryland, with offers from the likes of Texas, Michigan, Ohio State, Alabama and Penn State.
Dec. 12: Former Western Michigan RB Sean Tyler to Oklahoma State
2022 stats: 209 carries, 1,027 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 12 catches, 111 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown.
Why it matters: Tyler was one of the most productive rushers in college football throughout the past two seasons. He totaled 2,830 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground during his time at Western Michigan. He now joins an Oklahoma State program that lost its top rusher from this past season to the portal in Dominic Richardson.
Dec. 11: Former Alabama WR Traeshon Holden to Oregon
2022 stats: 25 catches, 331 yards, six touchdowns
Why it matters: Holden ranked third among Alabama wide receivers with 331 yards and second in touchdown catches with six this season. He should help fill the gap left by the departures of Chase Cota and Dont’e Thornton. The thought of Holden and Troy Franklin playing together could spell trouble for opposing Pac-12 teams.
Dec. 11: Former Oklahoma WR Theo Wease to Missouri
2022 stats: 19 catches, 378 receiving yards, four touchdowns
Why it matters: Missouri was hit with a massive loss when leading wide receiver Dominic Lovett announced he was entering the transfer portal. Now, the Tigers get a big boost with the addition of former five-star wideout Theo Wease, who recorded 64 catches for 1,044 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons at Oklahoma. He will team with Luthern Burden to form a dynamic one-two punch at wide receiver.
Dec. 9: New Mexico CB Adari Haulcy
2022 stats: 87 tackles, three tackles for loss, two interceptions
Why it matters: Haulcy was a freshman All-American with the Lobos and will likely have interest from Power 5 schools, giving him the chance to take his talents to a bigger stage.
Dec. 9: Kent State WR Devontez Walker
2022 stats: 58 receptions, 921 yards, 11 touchdown catches
Why it matters: Walker was the Golden Flashes’ leading receiver in 2022, and instantly becomes a candidate to follow former head coach Sean Lewis to Colorado, where Lewis has joined new Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders as offensive coordinator.
Dec. 9: Cincinnati EDGE Mario Eugenio
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: Cincinnati narrowly beat out Michigan for the class of 2022 four-star’s commitment, but Eugenio has decided to take his talents elsewhere following the departure of longtime Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell for Wisconsin. The Wolverines could vie again for Eugenio, as could former Michigan defensive line coach Shaun Nua, who recruited Eugenio in Ann Arbor and now has the same position with USC.
Dec. 8: North Carolina DE Keeshawn Silver
2022 stats: Three tackles
Why it matters: Silver was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He was a five-star recruit and the No. 6-ranked defensive lineman in the 2021 class, per 247Sports.com. He played sparingly in his redshirt freshman season, recording three tackles.
Dec. 8: Former South Carolina TE Austin Stogner to Oklahoma
2022 stats: 20 receptions, 210 yards, one touchdown
Why it matters: Stogner is returning to the place he started his college career. The longtime Sooners tight end previously followed quarterback Spencer Rattler and former position coach Shane Beamer to South Carolina following the 2021 season. Stogner is a graduate transfer and will be eligible immediately upon his return to Norman.
Dec. 8: UNLV RB Aidan Robbins
2022 stats: 209 attempts, 1,011 rushing yards, nine rushing touchdowns, 23 receptions, 125 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
Why it matters: Robbins transferred from Louisville before last season and saw immediate success as the Rebels’ leading rusher. He’s on the move again, however, after UNLV fired head coach Marcus Arroyo and brought in former Arkansas defensive coordinator and Missouri head coach Barry Odom to lead the program. It’s worth noting that Robbins is a Louisville native and the coaching staff who he (barely) played under as a Cardinal is now gone, as former Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm has taken the reins of his alma mater after Scott Satterfield left for the Cincinnati job.
Related: Keep up with 2022 college football coaching moves with our coaching carousel tracker!
Dec. 8: Arizona State OL Ben Scott
Why it matters: Scott, who started at center for the Sun Devils this past season, is the second former first-stringer on Arizona State’s offensive line to enter the transfer portal since the end of the season. He joins LaDarius Henderson, who has since committed to Michigan.
Dec. 8: Arizona State WR Cam Johnson
2022 stats: Nine receptions, 75 receiving yards
Why it matters: Johnson, who arrived in Tempe from Vanderbilt last offseason, was expected to provide a boost to the Sun Devils’ offense alongside fellow SEC transfer Emory Jones at quarterback. However, Arizona State struggled mightily, head coach Herm Edwards was fired after an early-season loss to Eastern Michigan, and now Johnson has chosen to look elsewhere instead of staying under new Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham.
Dec. 8: Florida State S Sam McCall
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: McCall was a highly-sought-after prospect in the class of 2022 before committing to the Seminoles, ranking as a top-five safety in the nation per multiple recruiting sites. McCall left the team in late November, so his entry into the portal is hardly a surprise. The former four-star has yet to play in college and thus has a full four years of eligibility remaining.
Dec. 7: Ole Miss CB Miles Battle
2022 stats: 33 total tackles, one interception, four passes defensed
Why it matters: The converted wide receiver could have chosen to turn pro, but instead will finish out his eligibility elsewhere after parts of five years in Mississippi.
Dec. 7: Texas A&M WR Chris Marshall
2022 stats: 11 receptions, 108 receiving yards
Why it matters: Marshall was a big part of the Aggies’ historic 2022 recruiting class as one of the top receivers in the country coming out of high school. He was suspended for a “locker room incident” in October and did not play again in his freshman season. The former five-star had offers from several other powerhouse programs including Alabama, USC and LSU before committing to Texas A&M, and will likely see interest from top schools again.
Dec. 7: North Carolina DB Storm Duck
2022 stats: 46 tackles, three interceptions, one forced fumble
Why it matters: Duck becomes the second starting UNC defensive back to enter the portal, joining Tony Grimes. He enjoyed a solid 2022 campaign, recording 46 tackles and a team-high three interceptions.
Dec. 7: Mississippi State RB Dillon Johnson
2022 stats: 89 carries, 488 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 48 receptions, 285 yards
Why it matters: Johnson, the Bulldogs’ second-leading rusher in 2022, took a swipe at head coach Mike Leach in his departure announcement.
Dec. 7: Washington State LB Francisco Mauigoa
2022 stats: 60 tackles, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception
Why it matters: Mauigoa has a nose for the football, ranking third on the Cougars with 60 tackles this past season. He made a big jump from his freshman to sophomore year and should be an immediate contributor wherever he ends up.
Dec. 7: Cincinnati DE Noah Potter, WRs Jadon Thompson and Nick Mardner
2022 stats: Potter (18 tackles, 2.5 sacks), Thompson (27 catches, 393 yards, one touchdown), Mardner (19 catches, 282 yards, three touchdowns)
Why it matters: Potter was a four-star prospect coming out of high school who transferred from Ohio State to Cincinnati. In addition to having 18 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2022, he also added a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Thompson and Mardner were both contributors in the Bearcats’ passing game in 2022. Thompson was more of a big-play threat, averaging 14.6 yards-per-catch, while Mardner is a big-bodied red-zone target, standing at 6-foot-6. He hauled in three touchdown catches this past season, which was tied for the second-highest total on the team.
Dec. 6: Oklahoma DE Clayton Smith
2022 stats: Five tackles
Why it matters: Smith’s career statistics certainly don’t jump off the page, but the fact that he was a former top-40 recruit in the 2021 class does. According to 247Sports.com composite rankings, Smith was the No. 38 overall prospect and the No. 2-ranked edge rusher in the nation coming out of high school. He only appeared in two games this past season, with his best outing coming against Nebraska on Sept. 17, where he recorded four tackles.
Dec. 6: Oklahoma State RB Dominic Richardson
2022 stats: 543 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns, 22 catches, 220 receiving yards
Why it matters: One day after QB Spencer Sanders announced his decision to enter the transfer portal, starting running back Dominic Richardson followed suit. The three-year back had an impressive 2022 campaign, finishing the year with 543 yards and eight scores on the ground. He amassed 1,425 yards and 15 touchdowns during his three seasons at Oklahoma State.
Dominic Richardson clinches the game with a 7-yard rushing TD run.
Oklahoma State RB Dominic Richardson clinches the win over Texas Tech with a 7-yard rushing touchdown.
Dec. 6: Wisconsin RB Isaac Guerendo
2022 stats: 385 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns, 17 catches, 115 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown
Why it matters: Guerendo backed up Braelon Allen this past season and showed some big-play ability throughout the year. His best game came back on Nov. 5 when he carried the ball 12 times for 114 yards and a touchdown in Wisconsin’s 23-10 win over Maryland.
Isaac Guerendo hits the jets on an 89-yard rushing TD for Wisconsin
Wisconsin running back Iasac Guerendo takes off for an 89-yard touchdown run, giving the Badgers a 14-0 lead over Maryland.
Dec. 6: Miami RB Jaylan Knighton
2022 stats: 423 rushing yards, one touchdown, nine catches, 82 yards
Why it matters: Knighton was a big-time recruit coming out of high school and was expected to be the next great back to come out of Miami (FL). His best season came in 2021, when he finished with 561 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, while adding 20 catches for 280 yards and three scores through the air. He has totaled 1,193 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons with the Hurricanes.
Dec. 6: Kent State QB Collin Schlee and RB Marquez Cooper
Schlee’s 2022 stats: 59.0% completion percentage, 2,109 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, five interceptions
Cooper’s 2022 stats: 285 carries, 1,331 yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, eight receptions, 94 yards
Why it matters: Coming off stellar seasons with the Golden Flashes, Schlee and Cooper will likely receive interest from Power 5 programs. That could include Colorado, where former Kent State head coach Sean Lewis is reportedly leaving to become offensive coordinator for Deion Sanders.
Dec. 6: Former Arizona State OL LaDarius Henderson to Michigan
Why it matters: Henderson was one of the Sun Devils’ best players and locker room leaders over the past two seasons, grading as one of the top guards in the country according to Pro Football Focus. He adds more physicality to the back-to-back Big Ten champions in Ann Arbor.
Dec. 6: West Virginia QB J.T. Daniels
2022 stats: 61.2% completion percentage, 2,107 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, nine interceptions
Why it matters: Daniels’ college football career is emblematic of the transfer portal era. He started as a true freshman at USC in 2018, then got hurt in the first game of his sophomore season and was replaced by Kedon Slovis. Daniels transferred to Georgia but still dealt with injuries over his two years there and was eventually supplanted by Stetson Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to a national championship in 2021.
He reunited with former Trojans offensive coordinator Graham Harrell in 2022, but is now on the move again with at least one year of eligibility remaining — and possibly a second if he is granted a medical redshirt for the 2019 season.
Dec. 6 other notables: Oklahoma State S Kanion Williams and DE Trace Ford
Dec. 5: Iowa LB Jestin Jacobs
2022 stats: Six total tackles, one tackle for loss, one pass defensed
Why it matters: Jacobs was a four-star recruit in the class of 2019 out of Ohio who was recruited by Ohio State but committed to the Hawkeyes instead. He played in all 14 of Iowa’s games in 2021 and recorded 53 tackles, but his 2022 season was cut short after two games due to injury.
Dec. 5: Alabama WR JoJo Earle
2022 stats: 12 catches, 155 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Why it matters: Earle was primarily a special teams player in his two seasons with the Crimson Tide, but still appeared in 20 games for Alabama. He is now the third Alabama wide receiver to test the transfer portal waters in this cycle.
Dec. 5: Former Wisconsin DE Tristan Monday to Arizona State
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: The former three-star prospect from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro is a redshirt freshman who still has four years of eligibility. He initially committed to Arizona before flipping to Wisconsin.
Dec. 5: Arkansas WR Ketron Jackson
2022 stats: 16 receptions, 277 yards, three touchdowns.
Why it matters: Jackson is a former four-star recruit in the 2021 class. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder played his high school ball in Royse City, Texas.
Dec. 5: North Carolina CB Tony Grimes
2022 stats: 36 total tackles, one forced fumble, seven pass breakups
Why it matters: Grimes, a former five-star and one of the highest-rated signees in North Carolina football history, appeared in 37 games for the Tar Heels.
Dec. 5: Ole Miss QB Luke Altmyer
2022 stats: 8-for-17 passing, 125 yards, two touchdowns, one interception
Why it matters: Altmyer narrowly lost Ole Miss’s quarterback competition to USC transfer Jaxson Dart before the 2022 season. The native Mississippian will now look to find a starting role elsewhere.
Dec. 5: Oklahoma State S Thomas Harper and LB Mason Cobb
Harper’s 2022 stats: Three passes defensed, 30 total tackles, one interception
Cobb’s 2022 stats: 73 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception
Why it matters: Harper played in 42 games over parts of four seasons for the Cowboys, tying his career high for total tackles in a season with 30 despite only playing in seven games in 2022. Cobb, meanwhile, was Oklahoma State’s leading tackler this past season.
Dec. 5: Miami S Avantae Williams
2022 stats: Nine total tackles, one fumble recovery
Why it matters: Williams is a former top-50 national recruit who committed to the Hurricanes under former head coach Manny Diaz in 2020.
Dec. 5: Ohio State LB Teradja Mitchell
Why it matters: Mitchell only saw sparse action in four games for the Buckeyes in 2022 after starting eight games at linebacker in 2021. He is a graduate transfer.
Dec. 5: Iowa WR Arland Bruce IV
2022 stats: 19 catches, 187 yards, one touchdown
Why it matters: Iowa generated heavy criticism for its anemic offense under coordinator Brian Ferentz, son of head coach Kirk Ferentz. The transfer of former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara to Iowa apparently was not enough to convince Bruce to stay. Bruce had the fourth-most receiving yards on the 2022 Hawkeyes.
Dec. 5: Florida RB Nay’Quan Wright
2022 stats: 47 carries, 190 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, one catch, 14 receiving yards
Why it matters: Wright was mainly a rotation back at Florida but could see a bigger role somewhere else.
Dec. 5: Virginia CB Fentrell Cypress II
2022 stats: 14 passes defensed, 39 total tackles, one interception
Why it matters: Cypress is considered one of the best players currently available in the portal, and reports have already connected the graduate transfer to name-brand programs such as Ohio State, Michigan and Texas.
Dec. 5: Oklahoma WRs Brian Darby and Trevon West
Why it matters: Both receivers primarily spent time on special teams this year, but their departure adds another blow to the Sooners’ depth at receiver as they join star wideout Theo Wease in the portal.
Dec. 5: Alabama RB Trey Sanders
2022 stats: 14 carries, 80 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown, two catches, 13 receiving yards
Why it matters: Sanders dealt with injuries in previous years and was buried on the Crimson Tide’s depth chart in 2022. He has already publicly campaigned for an offer from new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders (no relation).
Dec. 5: Missouri WR Dominic Lovett
2022 stats: 56 catches, 846 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns
Why it matters: Lovett was the Tigers’ leading receiver and had the fourth-most receiving yards in the SEC in 2022.
Dec. 5: Arkansas QB Malik Hornsby
2022 stats: 48.1% completion percentage, 268 passing yards, one touchdown, two interceptions; 31 carries, 172 rushing yards
Why it matters: The athletic former four-star recruit was primarily used in designed run plays at Arkansas but could now get a shot to be a starter somewhere else.
Dec. 5: Oklahoma State QB Spencer Sanders
2022 stats: 57.6% completion percentage, 2,642 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, nine interception
Why it matters: Sanders is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Oklahoma State history, leading the Pokes to the Big 12 championship game and eventual Fiesta Bowl comeback victory over Notre Dame in the 2021 season. He is a graduate transfer and has one more year of eligibility.
Dec. 5: Michigan State DL Dashaun Mallory
2022 stats: 16 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks
Why it matters: Mallory saw increased playing time in the wake of several teammates’ suspensions due to an altercation in the Michigan Stadium tunnel after the Spartans’ loss in Ann Arbor. With those players’ futures in doubt, Mallory’s departure decreases the Spartans’ depth even further. Mallory has two years of eligibility left after playing in 30 games at Michigan State.
Dec. 5: Michigan TE Erick All
2022 Stats: Three catches, 36 yards
Why it matters: All was named a team captain after a 2021 season in which he recorded 38 catches for 437 yards and two touchdowns, and kept his captaincy after undergoing season-ending back surgery in September. All posted a cryptic message on Twitter when explaining his decision to transfer.
Dec. 5: Clemson WRs E.J. Williams and Dacari Collins
Williams’ 2022 stats: Seven catches, 70 yards
Collins’ 2022 stats: One catch, eight yards
Why it matters: Both Williams and Collins were part of the Tigers’ wideout depth but are now following quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei into the transfer portal.
Nov. 30: Alabama WR Christian Leary
2022 stats: One catch, six receiving yards
Why it matters: Alabama’s wide receiver corps was not as talent-heavy as past years, but Leary still saw limited action, primarily contributing on special teams. He did have a catch late in the season vs. Austin Peay. Leary joins fellow 2022 Crimson Tide receiver Traeshon Holden in the portal.
Dec. 5: Ohio State S Jaylen Johnson
2022 Stats: N/A
Why it matters: Johnson, a former three-star recruit from Cincinnati, redshirted during his freshman season in 2021 due to injury then never saw game action during the 2022 regular season.
Dec. 5: Texas A&M LB LJ Johnson, DL Marcus Burris, DE Tunmise Adeleye, CB Myles Jones, TE Blake Smith, OL PJ Williams, QB Eli Stowers, DB Brian George, LB Ish Harris, EDGE Elijah Jeudy
Why it matters: When Jimbo Fisher arrived in College Station in December 2017, the former national champion head coach at Florida State was tasked with bringing the same level of glory to the Aggies.
Fisher never won more than nine games over his first four seasons at Texas A&M (though that included a 9-1 record in the pandemic-altered 2020 season that culminated in an Orange Bowl win), but maintained support among fans due to several top recruiting classes, including a group in 2022 that ranked among the top-rated college football recruiting classes in history.
But A&M struggled mightily 2022, limping to a 5-7 record highlighted by an upset loss to Appalachian State. Now, several members of those recent recruiting classes — including top-tier 2021 prospect Adeleye — have decided to take their talents elsewhere.
Dec 5: Former Boston College QB Phil Jurkovec to Pittsburgh
2022 stats: 59.5% competition percentage, 1,711 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, eight interceptions
Why it matters: Jurkovec is one of the most experienced and productive quarterbacks to hit the transfer portal. After spending his first two years at Notre Dame, he transferred to Boston College, where he has served as the Eagles’ starting quarterback for the past three seasons. Jurkovec started 23 games in his three seasons at Boston College, totaling over 5,000 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns. He has also added 429 yards rushing and nine scores on the ground.
Jurkovec has not played since Boston College’s 13-3 loss to UConn back on Oct. 29, when he suffered knee and rib injuries.
UPDATE Dec. 5: Jurkovec, a Pittsburgh native, is reportedly coming home to Pitt as a graduate transfer for his final season of playing eligibility.
Dec. 5: Auburn QB Zach Calzada
2022 stats: N/A
Why it matters: Calzada is back in the transfer portal after missing the 2022 season due to injury. He is the former starting quarterback at Texas A&M and transferred to Auburn last offseason. He threw for 2,185 yards on a 56.3% completion rate with 17 touchdowns and nine interceptions for the Aggies in 2021.
Dec. 5: Pittsburgh QB Kedon Slovis
2022 Stats: 58.4% completion percentage, 2,391 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, 9 interceptions
Why it matters: A former three-star prospect out of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Desert Mountain, Slovis burst on the scene during his freshman season at USC in 2019, taking over after an opening-game injury to J.T. Daniels and leading the Trojans to an 8-4 regular season record. But Slovis regressed sharply and struggled with injury in 2021, and he transferred to Pitt following the season. He had an up-and-down year with the 2022 Panthers, who also finished 8-4, and now enters the portal as a graduate transfer.
Dec. 5: Former Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders to Colorado
2022 stats: 70.2% completion percentage, 3,396 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 6 interceptions
Why it matters: It was widely expected that Shedeur would follow his father and new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders to Boulder, and Deion confirmed this move himself at his introductory press conference. Shedeur is a dynamic passer who, along with his father, led Jackson State to a 12-0 regular season record in 2022.
Related: Prime Time in Pac-12: How Deion Sanders will impact Colorado, conference, sport
Dec. 5: North Carolina State QB Devin Leary
2022 stats: 61.1% completion percentage, 1,265 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Why it matters: Leary missed the final six games of the 2022 season due to injury, but had 6,807 career passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns as a member of the Wolfpack. He threw for 3,433 of those yards and 35 of those touchdowns during a breakout 2021 season in which N.C. State finished 9-3.
Dec. 5 other notables: Auburn OL Keiondre Jones, Ole Miss DE Demon Clowney, Stanford LB Jacob Mangum-Farrar and EDGE Aeneas DiCosmo, Jackson State WR Mark Pope, Oregon OL Bram Walden, Virginia Tech QB Jason Brown, Michigan State LB Kobe Myers and DL Jalen Hunt, Oklahoma OL Brey Walker and QB Ralph Rucker, Wisconsin OL Michael Furtney, Alabama OLs Tommy Brockermeyer and Amari Kight
Dec. 4: Clemson QB D.J. Uiagalelei
2022 stats: 61.9% completion percentage, 2,521 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, 7 interceptions
Why it matters: Uiagalelei entered Clemson with a mountain of expectations as a consensus five-star prospect out of Southern California powerhouse St. John Bosco, expected to carry the torch from national champions Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence before him and keep the Tigers in national championship contention.
However, both he and Clemson failed to live up to expectations in the two seasons he was the team’s starting quarterback, as Clemson failed to make the ACC championship game last season after a 9-3 regular season record in 2021 and got knocked out of College Football Playoff contention in the last week of the 2022 season with a blowout loss to archrival South Carolina.
Clemson did roar back to beat North Carolina in the ACC championship — but only after Uiagalelei was benched for freshman and fellow former five-star quarterback Cade Klubnik. Where Uiagalelei lands could affect the destination of his brother, five-star edge rushier Matayo Uiagalelei, the top uncommitted college football recruit remaining in the class of 2023.
Dec. 4: University of Central Florida QB Mikey Keene
2022 stats: 72.3% completion percentage, 647 passing yards, six touchdowns, one interception.
Why it matters: This one was expected after Keene lost his job to Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee at the beginning of this season. Still, the former Chandler (Ariz.) High School standout impressed in limited action this season after excelling in 2021 following now-Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s season-ending shoulder injury.
Dec. 4: Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz
2022 stats: 57.3% completion percentage, 2,136 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
Why it matters: Mertz started for three seasons for the Badgers, leading them to a 6-6 record this year. He made the decision to transfer after Wisconsin announced Luke Fickell as the next head coach.
Behind Mertz, backup Chase Wolf has gone 2-for-6 for 21 yards. Myles Burkett is also on the roster as a quarterback.
Dec. 4 other notables: Indiana LB Dasan McCullough, North Carolina QB Jacolby Criswell, Clemson CB Fred Davis
Dec. 3: Oklahoma QB Nick Evers
2022 stats: One appearance, one pass attempt, no completions
Why it matters: Evers was a four-star prospect out of Flower Mound, Texas, ranked as the No. 8 QB nationally in the Class of 2022 by 247Sports. He chose Oklahoma over Florida and Auburn, among others.
Evers found himself buried behind Dillon Gabriel (still a junior), Davis Beville (also a junior) and others on the depth chart. Both Gabriel and Beville came to Oklahoma through the transfer portal.
Dec. 1: Former Michigan QB Cade McNamara to Iowa
2022 stats: 56% completion percentage, 180 passing yards, one passing touchdown, one interception
Why it matters: McNamara helped lead Michigan to a Big Ten championship and its first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2021. He started all 14 games for the Wolverines that season, throwing for 2,470 yards and 15 touchdowns, with just four interceptions.
He began the 2022 campaign in a QB battle with J.J. McCarthy. McNamara ultimately lost the QB competition and then suffered a season-ending leg injury in the Wolverines’ 59-0 win over UConn in Week 3.
Iowa had one of the worst offenses in college football in 2022, ranking 123rd out of 131 FBS teams with just 17.4 points per game. The Hawkeyes will now hope to turn that around with McNamara.
Dec. 1: Oregon State QB Chance Nolan
2022 stats (five games): 59.4% completion percentage, 939 passing yards, seven touchdowns, eight interceptions
Why it matters: The No. 15 Beavers are coming off a 9-3 regular season record, their best mark in a decade. Even more impressively, they finished the regular season 6-1 behind backup quarterback Ben Gulbranson after Nolan exited Oregon State’s Oct. 1 loss to Utah with a neck injury. Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith uses a run-heavy attack, but Gulbranson acquitted himself well when Oregon State needed to pass, throwing for 1,290 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions.
Nolan threw for 2,677 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2021, but took a step back in 2022 before his injury, throwing four interceptions in a close 20-17 loss to now-No. 4 USC in September.
No. 21 Oregon State stuns No. 9 Oregon
RJ Young reacts to the Oregon State Beavers stunning the Oregon Ducks 38-34.
Dec. 1: Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong
2022 stats: 54.7% completion percentage, 2210 passing yards, seven touchdowns, 12 interceptions
Why it matters: To understand Armstrong’s appeal, you have to go back to his 2021 statistics under former Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall and offensive coordinator Robert Anae. That year, Armstrong had a 65.2% completion percentage, 4,449 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, and was a Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist. Virginia’s all-time passing yards leader could be staying in the ACC — Syracuse, where Anae now coaches, would be a natural landing place for Armstrong depending on what current Orange quarterback Garrett Shrader decides with his future.
Dec. 1 other notables: Nebraska LB Ernest Hausmann, Nebraska WR Decoldest Crawford, Kentucky RB Kavosiey Smoke, Arizona State DL Anthonie Cooper
Nov. 30: Alabama WR Traeshon Holden
2022 stats: 25 catches, 331 yards, six touchdowns.
Why it matters: Unlike past years, Alabama did not have a clear-cut go-to wide receiver on the roster this year. Holden was one of several pass-catchers to play an important role in the Crimson Tide’s offense this season. He ranked third among wide receivers with 331 yards and second in touchdown catches with six.
The former four-star prospect from Florida saw his production increase greatly over the past two seasons. He will be a coveted target for teams across the country this offseason.
Nov. 30: Oklahoma WR Theo Wease
2022 stats: 19 catches, 378 receiving yards, four touchdowns.
Why it matters: Wease is the latest Oklahoma wide receiver to enter the transfer portal, following the same path as Mario Williams (USC) and Jadon Haselwood (Arkansas). All three were mega recruits when they arrived on campus, as Wease was a former five-star prospect out of Allen, Texas. He leaves Oklahoma having recorded 64 catches for 1,044 yards and 10 touchdowns over three seasons.
Wease enters the portal as a graduate transfer and will have two years of playing eligibility left.
Oklahoma QB Dillion Gabriel hits Theo Wease
Oklahoma retakes the lead after Dillion Gabriel hits Theo Wease for a 61-yard touchdown against Texas Tech.
Nov. 30: Western Michigan RB Sean Tyler
2022 stats: 209 carries, 1,027 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 12 catches, 111 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown.
Why it matters: Tyler was one of the most productive rushers in college football throughout the past two seasons. He leaves Western Michigan having totaled 2,830 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground. He topped the 1,000-yard mark in back-to-back seasons in 2021 and 2022. He is also a solid receiver out of the backfield, racking up 338 yards and three receiving touchdowns during his time at WMU.
Nov. 29: Texas QB Hudson Card
2022 stats: 68.4% completion percentage, 928 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, one interception.
Why it matters: Card was a highly-touted recruit coming out of high school, ranked as the No. 59 prospect overall in the 2020 class and the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback, per 247Sports.com. He redshirted as a true freshman and then played behind Casey Thompson in 2021, appearing in eight games and making two starts under center.
Card lost the Longhorns’ QB battle with Quinn Ewers this past offseason but filled in admirably when Ewers was hurt. He played well against Alabama in Texas’ 20-19 Week 2 loss, and enjoyed his best game of the season against West Virginia on Oct. 1, completing 21 of 27 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-20 win.
Whoever lands Card is getting a talented quarterback that has plenty of big-game experience.
Texas’ Hudson Card connects with Xavier Worthy
Hudson Card connects with Xavier Worthy for a 10-yard touchdown to give the Texas Longhorns a 7-0 lead over the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Nov. 29: Indiana QB Connor Bazelak
2022 stats: 62.2% completion percentage, 2,312 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns.
Why it matters: Bazelak is moving on to his third school in three years. The former four-star recruit spent his first three years at Missouri, where he was the team’s starter in 2020 and 2021. He transferred to Indiana before the 2022 season and had a solid season for the Hoosiers, throwing for 2,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Bazelak is a talented QB with three years of starting experience. He has had a productive career, throwing for more than 7,000 yards and 36 touchdowns since 2019.
Indiana QB Connor Bazelak finds D.J. Matthews Jr.
Indiana took a 10-7 lead over Illinois after Connor Bazelak connected with D.J. Matthews Jr. on a 52-yard touchdown pass.
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