By Bruce Feldman, Sam Khan Jr. and Manny Navarro
In some ways, transfers run college football.
Players who have changed schools during their college careers have won the Heisman Trophy, led their new team to the national championship and become No. 1 NFL Draft picks. The removal of transfer restrictions and the introduction of name, image and likeness freedoms helped more than 2,000 FBS players change schools in the last year. Transfer acquisition is now the norm, and most FBS programs had double-digit players arrive and leave this offseason.
But which transfers will have the biggest effect on their teams in 2024? We solicited feedback from almost 100 FBS coaches and staffers this month to see which players have impressed in August and are on track to become impact players. Some staffers were granted anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about their rosters.
Quantifying impact can be tricky. For proven players with clear roles, it’s straightforward. For those with immense talent who are leveling up in their new situations, projecting can be more of a challenge. And not every headline-grabbing transfer will automatically become a star in his new home. That’s why coaches’ on-the-ground observations played a vital role in compiling these rankings.
Below, everything you need to know about The Athletic’s top 100 most impactful transfers of 2024.
1. DB Caleb Downs, Alabama → Ohio State
Rival coaches marveled at how Downs operated in Nick Saban’s intricate defensive system in 2023, when he became the first freshman in Alabama history to lead the Tide in tackles. Downs was a massive get for the Buckeyes after most inside the sport assumed the Georgia native was headed to Athens. “He just sees the game differently than other college players,” one Buckeyes defensive coach told The Athletic. “He’s very efficient in his movement. Gets everyone where they need to be. He goes about it like a professional off the field. He’s special.”
2. QB Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma → Oregon
Gabriel comes to Eugene as one of the most prolific QBs in college football history, tied for fourth in career touchdowns (152), seventh in total yards (15,925), eighth in passing yards (14,865) and eighth in passing touchdowns (125). The former UCF and Oklahoma star gets the ball out fast. He’s really accurate, with enough juice in his arm to stretch the field and enough shiftiness as a runner to keep defenses honest. The Ducks had Gabriel atop their wish list to replace Bo Nix when the portal opened up last winter, and coaches have been awed by how well Gabriel has fit in. “He’s been awesome,” said one Oregon defensive coach.
3. Edge Nic Scourton, Purdue → Texas A&M
A rival SEC personnel director said he’d rank Scourton No. 1 on this list: “He’s filthy.” Scourton had a Big Ten-best 10 sacks last year, and the 6-4, 285-pound junior has impressed since arriving in Aggieland. He’s expected to provide an elite pass rush presence to an already loaded defensive line.
4. QB Cam Ward, Washington State → Miami
Ward has started 44 games over four seasons in Pullman and at FCS Incarnate Word. After pulling his name out of the NFL Draft, Ward landed in Coral Gables in January and has taken over as the program’s leader, Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal has said. The ACC’s preseason player of the year is expected to ignite an offense headlined by three 800-yard receivers, a 1,000-yard rusher and an offensive line with four veteran starters.
5. DL Walter Nolen, Texas A&M → Ole Miss
Nolen, the top-rated recruit in the Aggies’ record-setting 2022 signing class, started 14 games in two seasons, recording 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. The 6-3, 305-pound Nolen can play any position on the defensive line and plays with bend, explosion and power. “He’s going to become the player A&M thought they were getting,” an Ole Miss staffer said.
6. RB Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss → Ohio State
After consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Oxford, Judkins joined the Buckeyes, where he’ll team up with TreVeyon Henderson to form one of the most dangerous backfields in college football. Judkins gives new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly another elite weapon to utilize as Ohio State chases a national title.
Quinshon Judkins rushed for 2,725 yards in two seasons at Ole Miss. (Dale Zanine / USA Today)
7. WR Evan Stewart, Texas A&M → Oregon
Stewart isn’t as long as Troy Franklin, the Ducks’ primary big-play weapon in 2023, but the former five-star recruit is highly skilled. Oregon coaches love his start-stop ability and his body control, complementing speedster Tez Johnson, Trae Holden and the Ducks’ gifted group of tight ends. Ducks coaches say Stewart’s football smarts and competitiveness have shined through since his arrival in Eugene.
8. WR Isaiah Bond, Alabama → Texas
Texas added a pair of burners in Bond and Silas Bolden to replace Xavier Worthy, the fastest man in the 2024 NFL Draft. Bond, who led Alabama with 48 receptions last year, is stronger than Worthy and almost as explosive. We’re told he’s had an incredible camp and has made huge plays every practice.
9. OL Parker Brailsford, Washington → Alabama
Brailsford helped lead Washington to the national championship game last year, starting all 15 games as a redshirt freshman for the Huskies’ Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, then followed Kalen DeBoer to Alabama. The 6-2 Brailsford is up 10 pounds to 290 and relies on quickness, surprising power and a lot of guile. Pro Football Focus credited him with a 80.7 run-blocking grade in ‘23, second-highest among all Power 5 centers.
10. WR Deion Burks, Purdue → Oklahoma
Multiple personnel directors raved about Burks, who had a breakout season at Purdue in 2023 (47 receptions, 629 yards, seven TDs) and made the 2024 Freaks List for his pairing of exceptional strength and field-stretching explosiveness. He’ll be a big-time target for quarterback Jackson Arnold.
11. QB Riley Leonard, Duke → Notre Dame
After going 13-8 as a starter at Duke, Leonard is expected to thrive with a revamped receiver room at his disposal in South Bend. He’s much more of a dual-threat asset than Sam Hartman was when the Irish brought him in from Wake Forest last year.
GO DEEPER
Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, the small-town QB with championship ambitions
12. WR Chris Brazzell, Tulane → Tennessee
Brazzell was a solid find by former Green Wave coach Willie Fritz’s staff, ranked No. 1,288 overall in the 247Sports Composite when he signed in 2022. He earned freshman All-America honors with 44 catches for 711 yards and five touchdowns and is now making highlight-reel catches in Tennessee practices, showing off his length and explosion.
Chris Brazzell continues to make plays this offseason for the #Vols 👀
🎥: @SkysTheLimitWR pic.twitter.com/Ulv8IWdy8H
— Shayne Pickering (@shaynep_media) August 12, 2024
13. QB Grayson McCall, Coastal Carolina → NC State
After three Sun Belt player of the year trophies and a 33-7 record at Coastal Carolina, McCall has people fired up in Raleigh. Although the 23-year-old sixth-year senior has battled injuries, including rotator cuff surgery on his throwing shoulder and a concussion that limited him to seven games last season, staffers are expecting McCall to thrive under offensive coordinator Robert Anae. And we’re told he probably won’t be asked to run the ball as much as when he was at Coastal. “He’s poised,” said an NC State coach. “He’s smart as s—. He’s just got that ‘it’ factor. He throws it well, and he doesn’t turn it over.”
14. QB Aidan Chiles, Oregon State → Michigan State
Chiles was a big get — and hold — for Jonathan Smith while at Oregon State. After seeing action in nine games as a true freshman backing up DJ Uiagalelei, he followed Smith and the rest of the Oregon State staff to Michigan State. The 6-3, 220-pound Chiles, who doesn’t turn 19 until September, has excellent mobility, but he moves around looking to throw, not to take off any chance he gets. He has an opportunity to be really special.
15. DL Damonic Williams, TCU → Oklahoma
The 6-1, 319-pound Williams was a huge acquisition for Oklahoma this offseason. As a true freshman, he started all 15 games at nose tackle for TCU’s 2022 national runner-up team. He’s the type of player OU needs as it enters the SEC, where every opponent has quality linemen. His elite strength should help him thrive in his first season in Norman.
16. RB Damien Martinez, Oregon State → Miami
Miami went after the Pac-12’s second-leading rusher in 2023 not long after Mark Fletcher suffered a Lisfranc fracture in the Pinstripe Bowl. Martinez is expected to flourish as the lead back in Shannon Dawson’s Air Raid offense, with Fletcher providing support behind him. Martinez, who averaged 6.1 yards per carry on 16 carries per game last season, broke a personal speed record in preseason workouts.
17. LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Oregon State → USC
It’s no secret the Trojans desperately needed help on defense. In Mascarenas-Arnold, USC gets a Mike linebacker with a high football IQ at the perfect time, as a rule change will allow coaches to talk to their defensive quarterback before the snap. Mascarenas-Arnold has brought critical leadership in the locker room in addition to reliable tackling and is looking like defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn’s former middle linebacker Darius Muasau (a sixth-round pick by the Giants this spring), only a little twitchier.
18. DL LT Overton, Texas A&M → Alabama
Overton has been candid talking about how he wasn’t used to the best of his abilities at Texas A&M. “I was dropping (into coverage) on most plays,” Overton told reporters earlier this month. “My pass-rushing game is 10-times better since I came here. I’ve got my hand in the ground now.” Now playing the Tide’s “Bandit” position at 281 pounds, Overton is looking like he will be a huge problem for rival QBs. He’s great with his hands, crafty, and so good with leverage and power. Don’t be surprised if he is the Tide’s next stud D-lineman.
19. QB Will Howard, Kansas State → Ohio State
Howard’s wheels are an underrated element to his addition to the Buckeyes. He has gotten himself into better shape and has clocked in at 22 mph, allowing his mobility to play a big role in Kelly’s run game. At Kansas State, he had nine runs of 30-plus yards and three that went for 70-plus.
Will Howard started 28 games in four seasons at Kansas State. (Scott Sewell / USA Today)
20. WR Silas Bolden, Oregon State → Texas
The other half of the Horns’ blazing fast transfer wideout duo, the 5-8, 155-pounder from Oregon State is lethal in the open field, can play outside or inside, tracks the ball very well, is a big-time returner and also is “tough as s—,” per one Texas coach.
21. QB Tyler Shough, Texas Tech → Louisville
The seventh-year senior won a Pac-12 championship with Mario Cristobal at Oregon and spent the last three years at Texas Tech, missing extended stretches with a broken collarbone and then a broken fibula. If Shough can stay healthy, he’ll be very productive for Jeff Brohm. The buzz at Louisville is that he’s more than capable of being better than Jack Plummer was last year when the Cardinals rode the Cal transfer QB to a 10-win season and an ACC championship game appearance.
22. LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia → Kentucky
Dumas-Johnson was a Butkus Award finalist and All-America selection while helping Georgia to a national championship in 2022, but an arm injury cut his 2023 season short. Since his arrival in Lexington, things have gone smoothly and he’s expected to have a significant role in the Wildcats defense.
23. LB Cam Riley, Auburn → Florida State
Riley landed in Tallahassee after the spring and should see plenty of work alongside DJ Lundy in the middle of the Seminoles defense. He projects as an outside linebacker at the next level and has the size and sideline-to-sideline speed to be another draft pick for defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. Staffers say Riley is smart, physical and can really run.
24. RB Trevor Etienne, Florida → Georgia
The younger brother of former Clemson All-American Travis Etienne averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his time in Gainesville. It’s still unclear whether Etienne will play in the opener against Clemson following his offseason DUI arrest (chargers were dismissed), but he’ll be the No. 1 back for the Bulldogs the rest of the way.
25. QB Dequan Finn, Toledo → Baylor
Finn, the 2023 MAC player of the year, was named Baylor’s starting quarterback on Monday. His ability to extend plays and be patient outside the pocket stood out to the Baylor staff. One assistant lauded his ability to identify protection issues and make correct pre-snap reads and noted that his decision-making on read options makes him difficult to defend.
26. CB Marcus Harris, Idaho → Cal
Harris started 34 games over three years for the Vandals and has been a big upgrade for the Bears. “Marcus has transitioned exceptionally well,” defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon said. “He is a very twitchy athlete, and we have him documented in the low 4.3s on his 40 time. He is a difference maker for us.”
27. Edge Trey Moore, UTSA → Texas
The Longhorns haven’t had a guy post more than 5.5 sacks since 2018, but the bet here is Moore will break that streak. He set UTSA records for sacks (14) and tackles for loss (18) and will juice up UT’s pass rush. Texas coaches are gushing about Moore’s array of moves and low center of gravity which make him hard to contain.
28. DB Keon Sabb, Michigan → Alabama
The Crimson Tide lost a truly great safety in Caleb Downs but landed a very talented replacement from Ohio State’s rival in Sabb. The 6-1, 206-pound sophomore wasted little time impressing Tide coaches with his range, physicality in the run game, instincts and playmaking skills. Sabb had 28 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass breakups for last year’s national champions.
29. Edge John Pius, William & Mary → Wisconsin
Pius was a dominant player at the FCS level and has responded very well to his transition to Big Ten football. He has packed on almost 30 pounds since arriving in Madison and is now about 6-3, 250. “He’s really disruptive, has a very good first step and can bend,” said one Badgers assistant. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he led us in sacks this year.”
30. WR Germie Bernard, Washington → Alabama
Bernard is not a blazer, but he’s a big, strong, polished wideout with soft hands who figures to lead the Tide in receiving after playing an important role in a loaded group of Washington wideouts last season.
31. RB Jordan Waters, Duke → NC State
NC State coaches learned how talented Waters was after he gashed them for 123 rushing yards on 13 carries last year. Now they say Waters is the most talented running back they’ve had in the Dave Doeren era. The Wolfpack have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Reggie Gallaspy Jr. in 2018, but Waters has a chance to be the next one.
32. LB Jaishawn Barham, Maryland → Michigan
The most talented player on the Terps defense in 2023 will bring even more physicality to what will again be a nasty unit in Ann Arbor. Barham has made a big impression on his new coaches with his toughness and mobility. He’s a lights-out hitter who will be a menace at the Will linebacker spot.
33. LB Jacob Dobbs, Holy Cross → James Madison
Dobbs has been on the Freaks List three years running, but he isn’t just a physical specimen; he knows every call and every check. After becoming Holy Cross’s all-time leader in tackles (432) and TFLs (46.5), he followed his head coach Bob Chesney to JMU. Although he will be going up against faster players at the FBS level, don’t be surprised if he leads the country in tackles.
34. Edge Tyler Baron, Tennessee → Miami
Baron made a pit stop at Louisville in the spring before reentering the portal and choosing Miami over Ole Miss. He ranked fifth in the SEC among edge rushers in 2023 with 41 pressures and finished his junior season in Knoxville with 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and two pass breakups. He should benefit quite a bit from playing opposite Rueben Bain, the ACC’s defensive freshman of the year.
35. QB Tyler Van Dyke, Miami → Wisconsin
After throwing 11 interceptions over his final seven games with Miami, Van Dyke has taken over in Madison looking for a fresh start. A Wisconsin staffer said the quarterback has a “different aura” about him, and the Badgers have full confidence in the fifth-year senior, who won the starting job in August.
Tyler Van Dyke threw 54 TD passes in 32 games at Miami. (Brian Fluharty / USA Today)
36. LB Jaheim Thomas, Arkansas → Wisconsin
Thomas was recruited by and played for Luke Fickell at Cincinnati, but when Fickell left for Wisconsin, Thomas moved to the SEC. After a productive year at Arkansas, Thomas rejoined Fickell in the offseason and the Badgers are pumped because of the interior pass rush he’s expected to provide at 6-4 and 245 pounds. “He’s a freakazoid,” a team staffer said.
37. OL Lance Heard, LSU → Tennessee
The former five-star recruit didn’t allow a sack in 195 offensive snaps, earning SEC All-Freshman team honors. Heard is a mountain of a man (6-6, 340) with terrific length and nimble feet. He’s expected to become a standout for the Vols at left tackle.
38. OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Kansas → Texas A&M
Reed-Adams, who started 11 games at Kansas last year, has made a strong impression on the A&M staff since arriving in College Station. He’s athletic enough to play guard or tackle, giving the Aggies flexibility up front. Offensive coordinator Collin Klein lauded the energy and physicality of Reed-Adams, “a competitive son of a gun.” He should help improve an A&M line that has struggled in recent years.
39. QB Max Brosmer, New Hampshire → Minnesota
Minnesota prioritized the FCS All-American who threw for 8,713 yards and 70 touchdowns in his New Hampshire career from the moment he hit the portal. A team staffer said Brosmer can make every throw, and the Gophers are expecting big things. “Instant leadership, instant quality,” the staffer said.
40. DE Dayon Hayes, Pitt → Colorado
The Buffs have really upgraded their defensive line. The 6-3, 265-pound grad transfer had 10.5 TFLs and four sacks in 2023. He’s a big, strong edge guy with good length and excellent burst off the snap.
41. CB Jabbar Muhammad, Washington → Oregon
Muhammad, a second-team All-Pac-12 selection last season, finished No. 3 in the FBS with 16 pass breakups. He has really good instincts and has been a terrific fit for a team that needed help at corner.
42. CB D’Angelo Ponds, James Madison → Indiana
He’s undersized at 5-9 and 170 pounds, but he has wowed his coaches with his athleticism and his tenacity. Ponds has excellent instincts to go with elite straight-line speed and has been the most physical corner on the roster. “He plays big,” said IU secondary coach Ola Adams. “Mark my words. He’s special.”
43. WR Sam Brown, Houston → Miami
Canes quarterback Cam Ward raved this summer about Brown’s importance to the passing game as a 6-2 target that can beat man coverage and make over-the-shoulder catches downfield. Brown told The Athletic he was timed running 22.3 miles per hour in preseason workouts. He played mostly outside receiver for Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson two years ago at Houston but expects to line up all over the field for the Hurricanes.
44. WR Juice Wells, South Carolina → Ole Miss
The former first-team All-SEC pick hauled in 68 receptions for 928 yards and six TDs for the Gamecocks in 2022, but foot surgery sidelined him for most of ‘23. He has sported a non-contact jersey during preseason practice, but the Rebels are optimistic that he’ll be ready to go for Week 1 and have a big impact as a powerful and explosive playmaker. An Ole Miss staffer called Wells a “grown man.”
45. DT TJ Jackson, Troy → West Virginia
The Mountaineers turned to the portal to upgrade their front seven this offseason, and Jackson, along with Gardner-Webb transfer Ty French, will make a big difference. Jackson was a second-team All-Sun Belt pick last season, but he was even more productive in 2022, when he had 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. “He’s quick and strong and has a great motor,” WVU coach Neal Brown said.
46. WR Malik Benson, Alabama → Florida State
The No. 1 junior college recruit in 2023, Benson didn’t make a big splash at Alabama last season, catching 13 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown, but there’s a lot of optimism that he will break out this year for FSU. The 6-1, 195-pounder has eye-catching big-play potential.
47. QB Will Rogers, Mississippi State → Washington
Rogers started 40 games in Starkville and set 29 school records, departing as Mississippi State’s all-time leader in passing yards (12,315) and touchdowns (94). The Huskies staff thinks freshman quarterback Demond Williams is going to become a big star, but it’s Rogers who has run away with the starting job this summer thanks to his poise, temperament and accuracy. He is just a gamer with a good feel in the pocket who has calmed everybody down as the Huskies try to replace every offensive starter from last season’s national title game.
48. OL Branson Hickman, SMU → Oklahoma
Hickman made 33 career starts at center for SMU and earned All-AAC honors last year. Among centers who took at least 840 snaps in 2023, Hickman allowed the sixth-fewest quarterback pressures and just one quarterback hit, per PFF. An Oklahoma assistant called Hickman “a tough kid” who “works his ass off.” He’ll be a stabilizing force in the middle of the Sooners’ line.
49. LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Cal → TCU
Elarms-Orr has wasted no time showing TCU coaches that he’ll be an impact player in Fort Worth. He led Cal last year with 92 tackles and has shown off his “freaky” ability in TCU camp. “He’s an incredible pass rusher,” one staffer said.
50. QB KJ Jefferson, Arkansas → UCF
After struggling a year ago, expectations are Jefferson will look a lot more like the quarterback who shined in 2022 for the Razorbacks, completing 68 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and only five interceptions while also rushing for 640 yards and nine more scores. UCF staffers say Jefferson has done a really good job earning his teammates’ trust, and was quickly voted captain. With two 1,400-yard rushers in the backfield alongside him, the sixth-year senior will not have to overexert himself as a runner, either.
51. DB Andrew Mukuba, Clemson → Texas
A three-year starter at Clemson, Mukuba has come across as super heady player and is a big upgrade from what UT had at coverage safety last year. He plays the ball very well and is seen by Texas coaches as exactly what they needed as a leader and communicator.
52. Edge Marvin Jones Jr., Georgia → Florida State
After starting only one game in two seasons in Athens, Jones will have a much bigger role in Tallahassee playing opposite Patrick Payton on a loaded defensive front. One staffer said Jones is “every bit as good” as Payton and they expect he’ll thrive playing with his hand in the dirt full time instead of having to stand up and play outside linebacker like he did at Georgia.
53. CB Jermod McCoy, Oregon State → Tennessee
McCoy was excellent as a true freshman for the Beavers in 2023, with two interceptions and a team-high nine passes defensed. He emerged as the Vols’ top cornerback during camp.
54. LB Deshawn Pace, Cincinnati → UCF
The 6-2, 220-pound fifth-year senior played in 46 games in four seasons at Cincinnati and stuffed the stat sheet with 246 career tackles, 25.5 TFLs, three sacks, six interceptions, 14 passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. Staffers have been impressed by Pace’s nose for finding the football in camp and see him as an NFL-caliber player. He will line up at the star position but also move out to boundary safety and play some nickel back.
Deshawn Pace intercepted six passes during his four years at Cincinnati. (Ben Queen / USA Today)
55. WR Ja’Corey Brooks, Alabama → Louisville
Even before the more productive Caullin Lacy suffered a broken collarbone, Brooks, a former five-star recruit, was receiving praise for his high level of play in camp. He caught only three passes for 30 yards last year in Tuscaloosa, but he showed flashes in his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide (54 catches for 866 yards and 10 TDs). With Lacy out, Brooks will undoubtedly be counted on to be a huge playmaker in Jeff Brohm’s offense.
56. CB Trey Amos, Alabama → Ole Miss
The Rebels are excited about Amos, a former starter at Louisiana who played behind NFL Draft picks Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry in his only season at Alabama. He made his opportunities count in Tuscaloosa, breaking up five passes in a rotational role. An Ole Miss staffer believes Amos is ready to take off. “He’s big, long, physical … he’s going to be an NFL guy, too,” the staffer said.
57. QB Max Johnson, Texas A&M → North Carolina
Johnson, who has started 22 combined games at LSU and Texas A&M, had a stellar camp. His experience, veteran presence and consistency has pleased the staff. Health is the biggest key: Both of his seasons at A&M were cut short due to injury. When on the field, he’s been solid — he has thrown 47 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions in his career.
58. RB Jonah Coleman, Arizona → Washington
The 5-9, 229-pound junior led Arizona in rushing with 871 yards in 2023 and also caught 25 passes for 283 yards. His new teammates say he’s emerged as a great leader. Jedd Fisch sees him as a great weapon and a tone-setter for his offense. “Jonah has great vision,” Fisch said. “It’s almost impossible to stop him on third-and-2, third-and-1.”
59. WR Jahmal Banks, Wake Forest → Nebraska
Banks led Wake Forest in receptions (59) and receiving yards (653) in 2023 and should be Nebraska’s leader in targets this season as part of a revamped receiver depth chart. An assistant praised Banks’ consistency and veteran presence and expects the 6-4 receiver to have an NFL future.
60. DB Jordan Riley, Ball State → Kansas State
Kansas State coaches love the physicality and athleticism of the 6-0, 202-pound senior from Maryland. He was a third-team All-MAC pick in 2022 when he had 97 tackles and 12 passes defense. In 2023, he had 61 tackles and eight passes defensed.
61. Edge BJ Green, Arizona State → Colorado
Like Hayes, Green has been ultra-productive. The 6-1, 270-pound senior reminds Buffs coaches of Brandon Graham and Elvis Dumervil. He had 11.5 TFLs and six sacks for the Sun Devils in 2023.
62. DL Philip Blidi, Indiana → Auburn
The Tigers initially viewed Blidi as a solid rotational player but a staffer said they’ve been pleasantly surprised and that he’s pushing to start. Regardless, he’ll play a key role. “Big, violent, powerful,” the staffer said. Blidi started 11 games for the Hoosiers last season after playing three seasons at Texas Tech. Married with two children and degree in hand, Blidi is highly motivated to make this a special year on the Plains as a springboard for his NFL career.
63. CB Garnett Hollis, Northwestern → West Virginia
Coming off a strong year with the Wildcats (49 tackles, one interception), Hollis is projected as a mid-round NFL Draft prospect because he has ideal size (6-1, 201), length and good long speed.
64. WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Penn State → Auburn
Five-star receiver recruit Cam Coleman has been all the buzz since arriving on the Plains — and rightfully so, based on his offseason performance — but the Tigers wanted a veteran presence to complement Coleman and the other freshman receivers. Lambert-Smith provides that. He compiled 1,721 receiving yards in four seasons with the Nittany Lions and has shown leadership and promise in camp.
65. OL Savion Byrd, Oklahoma → SMU
Byrd started four games last season at left guard in Norman. He should have a full-time role at SMU, where he will team with another OU transfer, Nate Anderson, on the Mustangs O-line. Rhett Lashlee landed 14 linemen in the portal after leading SMU to the AAC title and moving into a Power 4 conference. Byrd has been the most consistent of the bunch on offense.
66. TE Drake Dabney, Baylor → TCU
Dabney will play on the other side of the Revivalry after setting Baylor’s single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end (552) and leading the team with five touchdown catches last year. At TCU, he’s been as solid as the Horned Frogs expected and will have a significant role in the offense.
67. DB Caleb Ransaw, Troy → Tulane
Scouts love the 6-0, 196-pound defensive back who followed Jon Sumrall from Troy to Tulane. Ransaw, who had 51 tackles, six TFLs and one interception in 2023, will likely be the Green Wave’s best player this fall. He played corner and nickel at Troy, and Sumrall said he can play five positions on his defense. “He’s a 4.4 kid who is a big-time physical player,” the coach said.
68. WR Josh Kelly, Washington State → Texas Tech
Kelly has had a productive five-year career — four at Fresno State, one at Washington State — and did his best work with the Cougars last year: 61 catches, 923 yards and eight TDs. At Texas Tech, he’ll start in the slot and should see those numbers rise in coordinator Zach Kittley’s offense. “He can do it all,” a team staffer said.
69. QB Kurtis Rourke, Ohio → Indiana
Rourke won the MAC Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2022, tore his ACL late in that season but returned to top form in 2023. The sixth-year senior has settled in nicely at Indiana, adjusting to the new system and impressing coaches with his accuracy, decision-making and poise.
Kurtis Rourke threw 50 TDs and only 16 INTs during his career at Ohio. (Orlando Ramirez / USA Today)
70. CB DJ McKinney, Oklahoma State → Colorado
Teams that want to steer clear of Travis Hunter might get burned by going to the other side of the field to challenge the 6-2, 190-pound sophomore who had 38 tackles and five PBUs for the Cowboys in 2023. McKinney isn’t just super long — he also has terrific change of direction and is loaded with potential.
71. Edge Cashius Howell, Bowling Green → Texas A&M
Howell tied for the MAC lead with 9.5 sacks in 2023, and the Aggies are thrilled with what he’s brought since arriving on campus. Texas A&M is deep on the defensive line, but DC Jay Bateman said Howell will play on the edge as a pass rusher. The 6-4, 245-pound Kansas City native offers versatility on third downs with the ability to drop into coverage. “He’s a unique player who can do a lot of different things,” Bateman said.
72. CB Denver Harris, LSU → UTSA
Harris’ talent has never been questioned. The former five-star recruit played in five games as a true freshman at Texas A&M in 2022. But he was suspended for part of that season and also encountered some turbulence at LSU. At UTSA, he’s getting a fresh start with a strong support system that includes a few of his former Houston North Shore teammates and a former North Shore coach on staff. A UTSA assistant said Harris’ practice habits have dramatically improved and that he’s being held accountable. He’s extremely competitive and will be expected to play at an all-conference level.
73. RB Dallan Hayden, Ohio State → Colorado
The Buffs lost the speedy Dylan Edwards to Kansas State but added another home run threat in Hayden. The 5-10, 205-pound junior — the son of former NFL back Aaron Hayden — is much bigger than Edwards and stepped up nicely for Ohio State in 2022 when he ran for 553 yards and five TDs.
74. OL Justin Mayers, UTEP → Colorado
It’s no secret the Buffs were awful on the O-line in 2023. Their 56 sacks were the most allowed by a P5 program since Washington State’s 57 in 2012. CU loaded up on OL transfers, and we expect Mayers to be the most impactful. He’s a hard-nosed 6-4, 320-pounder who allowed only one sack in 402 pass attempts last year.
75. QB DJ Uiagalelei, Oregon State → Florida State
Statistics will tell you there are more accurate downfield passers in the ACC than Uiagalelei, but the former five-star recruit is a tough runner (1,132 career rushing yards, 21 TDs) and more than capable of operating Mike Norvell’s offense. Uiagalelei is also battle-tested: 30-10 as a starter between his time at Clemson and Oregon State. “He’s gifted as a passer, and I know everybody on staff feels like he can make every throw,” one staffer said. “He’s mobile enough to extend throws. He’s also a threat on third-and-short.”
76. DB Ja’Had Carter, Ohio State → NC State
The 6-1, 205-pound senior — along with Auburn transfer Donovan Kaufman — is expected to make a big impact at NC State in 2024. Carter was honorable mention All-ACC in 2022 while at Syracuse and then spent the 2023 season at Ohio State. NC State coaches have been impressed with his cover skills, along with his length, range and body control.
77. OL Josh Priebe, Northwestern → Michigan
A third-team All-Big Ten selection and team captain for Northwestern in a turbulent but successful season, Priebe is a key part of the next in a wave of transfer talent that will bolster the Wolverines in the trenches. The 6-5, 306-pound Michigan native is a gritty, tough interior lineman who started 29 games for NU — mostly at left guard — and he will be a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ entirely rebuilt O-line.
78. Edge Princely Umanmielen, Florida → Ole Miss
Umanmielen is long on experience and talent. He played in 45 games (24 starts) at Florida from 2020-23 and amassed 24.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks. He was a second-team All-SEC pick last year. The Ole Miss staff is excited about his pass-rushing ability.
79. DL Jared Harrison-Hunte, Miami → SMU
Harrison-Hunte arrives in Dallas as the most experienced defensive lineman on SMU’s roster (22 starts) and is expected to bolster Lashlee’s revamped front. SMU staffers say NFL scouts have been asking about Harrison-Hunte’s skill set. At Miami, he tallied 78 tackles, 20.5 for loss and nine sacks over five seasons. He’ll rush the passer a little more at SMU.
80. DL Tank Booker, Arkansas → SMU
The 6-4, 348-pound grad transfer has started only two games in five seasons (four at Maryland, one at Arkansas), but bigger things are expected in Dallas. Staffers say the Cincinnati native has been physically intimidating and tough to run on in camp.
81. CB Ethan Robinson, Bucknell → Minnesota
Robinson was an All-Patriot League selection at Bucknell last year (10 pass breakups and three interceptions) and had more than a dozen power conference offers after he entered the portal. He had a terrific spring and strong camp and is slated to start at corner for Minnesota.
82. DL Jamaree Caldwell, Houston → Oregon
Anyone skeptical that this former Pac-12 team won’t be ready for the heft of the Big Ten needs to look at Caldwell. He is a twitchy 6-1, 345-pounder who has looked really good in camp for the Ducks. Last season, he caused havoc for Houston, recording 8.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
83. Edge Cooper McDonald, San Diego State → TCU
McDonald, from Haslet, Texas, near Fort Worth, took a winding path back home, spending two years at Washington and two at San Diego State. He has wowed the TCU staff with his production and how quickly he processes and how fast he can get to his assignment. The Frogs believe McDonald can be special in new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ aggressive scheme.
Cooper McDonald had 84 tackles in two years at San Diego State. (Orlando Ramirez / USA Today)
84. DE Keith Cooper, Tulane → Houston
Cooper followed Willie Fritz from Tulane, where he started his last 15 games. He’s versatile, excelling as a run stopper and a pass rusher. The 6-5 Texas native was 265 pounds in 2021 and is now 285, transitioning from more of an edge rusher to a true hand-in-the-dirt D-lineman. He’ll line up in different spots, and the Cougars expect him to be their biggest impact transfer.
85. QB Jordan McCloud, James Madison → Texas State
McCloud, who has 31 career starts in stops at South Florida, Arizona and James Madison, was the Sun Belt Player of the Year last season, throwing for 3,657 yards and 35 touchdowns with just 10 interceptions and a 68.2 percent completion rate. Texas State coach GJ Kinne called McCloud “a true pro,” who is smart and accurate. The Bobcats are a Sun Belt title — and dark horse Playoff — contender.
86. WR Jeremiah Hunter, Cal → Washington
The Huskies lost three outstanding receivers from last year’s team, most notably top-10 pick Rome Odunze. Hunter, a 6-2, 212-pound senior, had 144 receptions, 2,084 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in three seasons at Cal. He’s adjusted to the new offense and been very impressive in camp as Washington’s Z receiver, making a lot of contested catches and showing off good speed for his size.
87. LB Elijah Herring, Tennessee → Memphis
The former Vol is one of two Power 4 transfers — along with former Indiana corner Kobee Minor — expected to make a big impact on the Memphis defense. The 6-3, 240-pound Herring led UT with 80 total tackles in 2023. He brings good size but can also run like a safety and has impressed Tigers coaches with his instinctiveness.
88. OL Cayden Green, Oklahoma → Missouri
The Tigers added two starting O-linemen out of the portal this year: Marcus Bryant, who was a high-level tackle at SMU, and Green, a former top-100 recruit who started five games at left guard in his only season at Oklahoma. Green should be a fixture at Mizzou for the next several years.
89. LB Sam Brumfield, Middle Tennessee → Virginia Tech
Brumfield recorded 81 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks and a team-best eight QB hurries, earning second-team All-Conference USA honors for Middle Tennessee in 2023. The Hokies expect Brumfield, who has displayed very good instincts, to be a big plus in stopping the run.
90. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, New Mexico → Arizona
The 5-11, 208-pound Alabama native spent four years at Alabama State before having a breakout 2023 season at New Mexico with 1,190 rushing yards and 17 TDs to earn second-team All-Mountain West honors. He has been dynamic in Arizona’s camp according to a team staffer, showing real burst. He’ll have a major role in the backfield.
91. DB Kamari Ramsey, UCLA → USC
Ramsey should be a key building block for the Trojans as he follows his DC at UCLA to USC. He had 40 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, five pass break-ups and one INT in 2023 for a top-10 defense. He’s an instinctive, heady player who knows exactly what Lynn is looking for and has shown he’s ready to take on an expanded role.
92. WR CJ Daniels, Liberty → LSU
The Tigers not only have to replace their Heisman Trophy-winning QB but also two first-round wideouts. Daniels (55 catches, 1,067 yards, 10 TDs last season) will help fill the void. LSU coaches believe he’s similar to Kyron Lacy and has that same knack for making contested catches but may have even better short-area quickness.
93. QB E.J. Warner, Temple → Rice
The son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner threw for 3,000-plus yards in each of the last two seasons at Temple. Rice coach Mike Bloomgren likes his quick release, timing and understanding of the scheme, and he loves his leadership. “He organized a pickle ball group, an escape room group, a movie group,” Bloomgren said in July. “He has a third of our team at Red Robin singing Happy Birthday to one of our guys.”
94. Edge Syrus Webster, Utah Tech → Washington State
The Cougars have to replace two ultra-productive edge rushers in Ron Stone Jr. and Brennan Jackson (combined 23.5 TFLs and 13.5 sacks last year). Webster amassed 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over the last two years at Utah Tech. “He’s got excellent burst, great counter moves and an unbelievable motor,” a Washington State assistant said.
95. WR Isaiah Neyor, Texas → Nebraska
Neyor was expected to be make a big impact when he arrived at Texas in 2022 from Wyoming, but an ACL injury kept him off the field in his first season in Austin. In 2023, snaps were hard to come by with three NFL Draft picks ahead of him. That won’t be an issue at Nebraska, where he will have an opportunity to be the top option.
96. QB Chandler Morris, TCU → North Texas
Morris won the starting job in each of the last two seasons at TCU but was sidelined by injuries both times. North Texas coach Eric Morris said that Chandler Morris has “a rejuvenated mindset,” and is more comfortable schematically in his Air Raid-inspired offense. “He’s been amazing. Better than even I thought he was going to be,” the coach said.
97. DL Aeneas Peebles, Duke → Virginia Tech
Peebles has already proven to be one of the top defensive linemen in the ACC. He recorded 8.5 sacks last season at Duke en route to earning third-team all-conference honors. The Hokies staff believes he will be a huge addition.
98. DB Domani Jackson, USC → Alabama
The Tide must replace two corners who went in the first 41 picks of the NFL Draft. In Jackson, they added a player with good size (6-1, 197) to go with legit track speed. A former five-star recruit, Jackson excels in man coverage and is a great athlete with a ton of upside.
99. RB Peny Boone, Toledo → UCF
The 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year at Toledo switched schools twice in the offseason, spending the spring at Louisville before joining RJ Harvey to give UCF two of the eight players who rushed for at least 1,400 yards in 2023 in the same backfield. Boone (6-1, 242) will be more of the downhill, physical runner to complement Harvey, a twitchy playmaker who forced 74 missed tackles last season.
100. QB Diego Pavia, New Mexico State → Vanderbilt
Pavia has rejoined his former offensive coordinator, Tim Beck, in Nashville after sparking New Mexico State to back-to-back winning seasons. Over those two years, Pavia had a 26-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio and ran for almost 1,300 yards and 12 more TDs. He won’t wow anyone with his arm talent, but he is a winner. “He’s exactly what we thought he’d be,” Vanderbilt GM Barton Simmons said. “He really stands out in live reps. You can just feel his presence. He’s a bulldog.”
(Top photo of Isaiah Bond: Sara Diggins / USA Today)
