The big changes to the Transfer Portal coupled with NIL have turned the college football landscape into a virtual revolving door. Teams’ fortunes can change in a hurry for the better or for the worse. Let’s see who the big winners are.
The Five Biggest Winners From The Winter Transfer Portal Window
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State added a lot from the Transfer Portal, even getting a former Michigan player. The big prize was landing former Kansas State quarterback, Will Howard. Already listed as one of the early Heisman favorites, Howard embraced the rivalry with TTUN the minute he stepped foot on campus in Columbus.
The Bucks also lured stud Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins who will form a best-in-the-country duo with TreVeyon Henderson. Look out, the Bucks look like they’re back…as if they ever left.
Ole Miss Rebels
Yes, losing running back Judkins hurts but in comes former LSU running back, Logan Diggs; not exactly a slouch in his own right.
The Rebels also rebuilt their entire offensive line by grabbing transfers from several other big-time programs. It doesn’t hurt that quarterback Jaxson Dart returns to lead what will be an explosive offense. Right up head coach Lane Kiffin’s alley.
Ole Miss is already being picked as an early-season favorite to make the College Football Playoff. It’s a good bet they will.
Overall, the Rebels brought in 14 “impact “ players through the portal including star Walter Nolen from Texas A&M to shore up the defensive line. They also received commitments from two strong secondary players. Kiffin is building the depth needed to win big in the SEC.
Oregon Ducks
For starters, the minute coaching legend Nick Saban announced his retirement from Alabama, it was reported that a deal for Oregon coach Dan Lanning to go to Tuscaloosa was imminent. That didn’t happen.
Quarterback Bo Nix is gone. So, what do the Ducks do? They go and get former Oklahoma quarterback, Dillon Gabriel. That almost seems unfair. Gabriel might be better than Nix. Yes, that’s saying a lot, but he’s really, ready good.
If that wasn’t enough, they then went out and got the best wide receiver on the Texas A&M squad, Evan Stewart. When you have quarterback Dillion Gabriel with Evan Stewart and returning stud receiver Tez Johnson that’s just downright scary for opposing defenses.
But wait, there’s Moore. Dante Moore, formerly from UCLA, comes to town. He will probably back up Gabriel for a season but Moore’s middle name is “Upside.“ Oh yeah, and as a treat, they landed former Northwest Missouri State running back Jay Harris and his 1,400 yards of production. Look out for the Ducks.
Miami Hurricanes
The ‘Canes got arguably the best player in the entire transfer portal in former Washington State quarterback Cameron Ward. He’s the best quarterback to show up in Coral Gables in a very long time. He brings instant credibility and excitement to the program and they certainly need it.
Ward is the type of player who can single-handedly elevate a program to new heights and the expectations are that he will. Getting Ward alone puts Miami into the top five winners of this offseason’s Transfer Portal.
Tennessee Volunteers
Already having five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava plugged into the starting lineup with an impressive bowl game debut under his belt, it was imperative that the Vols get him some weapons and some protection. They went into the portal and did both.
The Vols went out and got former Alabama tight end Miles Kitselman, Tulane’s best wide receiver in Chris Brazzel ll, and a huge offensive tackle from LSU. For good measure, they shored up their secondary with a couple of stud corners and a safety. Things are looking up in Rocky Top. Any chance they’re fired up when the Gators come calling into Knoxville after spanking the Vols in the Swamp last year?
These five college football teams made the best use of the Transfer Portal thus far this offseason. Time will tell how well these new players fit into their new teams. For these teams, they do have a lot of hope heading into next season. Just to be on the safe side, I think we’re going to watch a few games.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
