The 2024-25 transfer portal cycle is officially underway and could be more chaotic than ever before, with thousands of FBS scholarship players expected to enter the portal in December.

As college football moves into the revenue-sharing era in 2025, we could see more big-name players than usual make themselves available during the winter transfer window from Dec. 9 to Dec. 28. Teams with College Football Playoff ambitions are preparing to spend big for next season.

Who are the top players you need to know? In an effort to keep track of the most coveted players on the move, ESPN is ranking the best available players in the transfer portal. The following players have entered the portal or have announced their intentions to transfer and should be among the most highly recruited players on the market. We’re also adding scouting reports from ESPN analysts Tom Luginbill and Billy Tucker.

Transfers are ranked based on their production, experience, potential and demand, as well as feedback from coaches throughout the sport. This is a fluid list we’ll update frequently as more players enter the portal and make commitments.

More portal coverage:
Ranking the top transfer QBs (ESPN+)
Live updates on who’s entering the portal

Transferring from: Tulane | Transferring to: Duke
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-3 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt freshman

Background: Mensah was a completely under-the-radar two-star recruit out of San Luis Obispo, California, when the Green Wave found him and extended his first scholarship offer. He was their scout team QB last year and was expected to be their third-string option this fall. But the redshirt freshman earned the starting job and proved he’s one of the best young QBs in the country in 2024.

Mensah threw for 2,723 yards with 23 total touchdowns and six interceptions in his first season as a starter, leading Tulane to a nine-win season and a trip to the American Athletic title game in coach Jon Sumrall’s debut season. His 76.5 QBR ranks fourth among Group of 5 starters and 20th in the FBS, and he led all AAC starters in yards per attempt (9.5) and completion percentage (66%). Opposing coaches see elite arm talent and exciting upside. Tulane fought hard to keep Mensah, but he’ll have several Power 4 contenders battling for his services.

Scout’s take: Mensah reminds us of former Cincinnati passer Desmond Ridder. Mensah is poised, composed and extremely accurate. He has good — not elite — arm strength, and his ball placement and ability to change speeds to suit the throw is impressive. He’s a good runner as well. — Luginbill

What he brings to Duke: The Blue Devils went 9-3 in coach Manny Diaz’s debut season with Texas transfer Maalik Murphy at quarterback. Moving on from Murphy and shoving all-in on Mensah makes a pretty serious statement about Diaz’s ambitions to contend in the ACC in 2025. Mensah told ESPN he was drawn to Duke’s academic prestige and the pieces already in place to win big next season. Mensah probably could’ve gone just about anywhere but preferred a quick recruitment and committed on his first visit. He’s trusting that Diaz and OC Jonathan Brewer can take his game to the next level.

Transferring from: Georgia Tech
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 5-11 | WT: 190 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Singleton was an instant difference-maker for Georgia Tech’s offense when he arrived, earning Freshman All-America honors in 2023 and finishing second for the ACC’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honor.

The three-star signee from Douglasville, Georgia, caught 104 passes for 1,468 yards and scored 10 offensive touchdowns over the past two seasons. Singleton also ran track for the Yellow Jackets with a PR of 10.32 in the 100-meter dash this spring.

He has the talent to become an early-round draft pick and will be one of the most coveted players in the portal. Auburn, Ole Miss and Georgia are battling in this recruiting.

Scout’s take: Singleton might be one of the best route runners and fastest overall players in the transfer portal.

He’s really good in the underneath passing game where he can turn screens and 5-yard catches into big chunk gains. He also has elite straight-line speed to also get behind the defense and plucks most balls thrown in his vicinity. What makes him such a high commodity in the portal are the intangibles. He’s a great blocker and tough player. — Tucker

Transferring from: Cal
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-5 | WT: 225 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Mendoza was an incredible find for a Cal, an under-the-radar, three-star recruit out of Miami who was committed to Yale until the Bears extended a late offer. He developed into one of the best young QBs in the country after taking over as Cal’s starter for their final eight games last season. This year, he was the ACC’s third-leading passer with 3,004 passing yards and raised his completion percentage to 69% (second-best in the ACC) while scoring 18 total touchdowns with just six interception over 11 games. He led all FBS quarterbacks with 41 sacks this season but overcame inconsistent protection to have a really productive year with strong performances against Miami and Auburn and a 98-yard game-winning drive to rally and beat rival Stanford. Mendoza is viewed as one of the most promising QBs in the country by several personnel departments and will have no shortage of options when he hits the market.

Scout’s take: Mendoza is a great athlete and is tough as nails. He was sacked a lot and kept getting back up. Mendoza can make all of the throws and is a sneaky, crafty athlete. — Luginbill

Transferring from: Alabama
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-5 | WT: 320 | Class: Junior

Background: The massive defensive lineman was the No. 38 recruit in the 2022 ESPN 300 and started 13 games over his first two seasons with the Crimson Tide. Offseason surgeries for shoulder, knee and ankle issues forced him to miss spring practice and limited him at the start of preseason camp, so he played a rotational role early on and averaged 17 snaps per game under Alabama’s new coaching staff.

Unsatisfied with his playing time, he opted to redshirt and sit out the rest of the season to enter the portal. Oatis had 52 tackles, 5 pass breakups and 1.5 sacks during his time in Tuscaloosa and certainly has the size and potential to be an NFL talent at his next stop.

Scout’s take: Oatis battled injuries during his time at Alabama but showed he could be a dominant force on the interior. He has massive size and powerful strength to take on the double-team and eat up space. He has good burst off the snap with low pad level to get an upfield push. Oatis is a strong bull rusher with powerful hands who will collapse the pocket versus the pass. — Tucker

Transferring from: Missouri | Transferring to: Nebraska
Seasons remaining: 4

HT: 6-7 | WT: 255 | Class: Freshman

Background: Missouri defeated Oklahoma in a hotly contested recruiting battle for the five-star recruit and No. 21 overall player in last year’s ESPN 300. Nwaneri was a massive recruiting win for Eli Drinkwitz and the Tigers as a player with serious first-round pick upside, but he didn’t see the field much during his freshman season, playing a total of 38 snaps over four games with two tackles and a sack against UMass. He took a redshirt for the year and has announced he plans to enter the portal.

Scout’s take: Nwaneri has a ton of upside and talent with four years to still develop it. At 6-6, 257-pounds he runs a 4.9 40 with a 4.4 short shuttle and has close to a 30-inch vertical leap. He was a late bloomer out of high school with adequate strength and awareness skills but was fast off the ball and difficult to block on the edge with his length and quickness combination. Strength and power is still an area he will need to improve as a run defender, particularly if he moves inside, but he will be highly coveted given his measurables and movement skills. — Tucker

What he brings to Nebraska: The Huskers are definitely going to be a buyer in this portal market as they work to surround quarterback Dylan Raiola with more blue-chip talent and improve on a 6-6 season. Nwaneri’s relationship with Nebraska senior analyst Jamar Mozee, his former high school coach, was a key factor here. The Huskers have a lot to replace along their senior-led defense and will count on Nwaneri to play a significant role in 2025.

Transferring from: Kentucky
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-3 | WT: 210 | Class: Junior

Background: Key is one of the most accomplished wideouts on the market, a three-year starter who has 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns during his career. The former ESPN 300 recruit and Lexington, Kentucky, native became a difference-maker right away as a true freshman in the SEC and departs as the fifth-leading receiver in school history.

Key produced a career-high 715 receiving yards in 2024 despite inconsistent quarterback play, including a 105-yard performance in Kentucky’s upset win over Ole Miss. He’ll have a chance to boost his draft stock if he can find a good fit for his final season of eligibility. His receivers coach at Kentucky, Daikiel Shorts Jr., just left to join Nebraska’s staff.

Scout’s take: Key has a big frame and great hands. He’s a polished route runner who understands coverage and how to create separation despite not being the fastest player on the field. His best asset is his ability to catch in traffic and come down with the contested ball away from his body. He wins with body control and a feel for the position more than explosive speed. Key is a good plug-and-play No. 1 or No. 2 receiver on Day 1 at his new school. — Tucker

Transferring from: Kentucky | Transferring to: LSU
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-1 | WT: 182 | Class: Junior

Background: Brown established a reputation as one of the most electric playmakers in the SEC during his three seasons at Kentucky. The former ESPN 300 recruit from Nashville caught 122 passes for 1,528 yards with 13 total touchdowns, and he’s an All-America caliber talent in the return game.

Brown has 1,550 return yards during his career and leads all active FBS players with five kickoff returns for touchdowns. That proven all-purpose production will make him a serious asset for a contender next season.

Scout’s take: Brown has the complete package of size, speed and ball skills. A 10.49-second 100-meter sprinter out of high school, he used that speed in all-purpose fashion during his career at Kentucky. He has great acceleration to take the top off the defense or make big plays from scrimmage or as a returner. Brown was moved around a lot to create mismatches, and he excelled in one-on-one situations, consistently winning jump-ball matchups. — Tucker

What he brings to LSU: Speed, speed and more speed. Garrett Nussmeier is coming back for 2025 but is losing three of his top pass-catchers in Kyren Lacy, Mason Taylor and CJ Daniels. Brown should see a lot of targets for the Tigers next season and will continue to be a game-changer in the return game.

Transferring from: Virginia Tech
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-1 | WT: 187 | Class: Junior

Background: One of the top corners in the ACC is now on the market. Delane has started 29 games over his three year with the Hokies and earned third-team all-conference honors as a junior after recording 54 tackles, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a career-high four interceptions. According to ESPN Research, Delane allowed completions on just 39% of his targets on the year. He’s planning to visit LSU, Oregon and Alabama, and Ohio State could be another team to watch after signing his younger brother, Faheem Delane, earlier this month.

Scout’s take: Delane would be an early round draft choice if he decides to declare, but he can increase his draft stock and immediately help a team in the back end next fall. He’s a ball hawk with great instincts and awareness skills. Delane anticipates and breaks at a high level and is constantly around the ball making plays. He’s a strong tackler at the first level. We like his skillset better in zone schemes than man, where he can utilize his range and diagnosing skills. He plays faster than his 40 would indicate and has the run support skills to provide scheme-versatile value at safety, corner or nickel. — Tucker

Transferring from: Arizona
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-4 | WT: 190 | Class: Junior

Background: Davis tested the transfer portal a year ago during Arizona’s coaching change after a strong sophomore season in which he broke up 15 passes, second-most in the Pac-12. He withdrew from the portal to play for Brent Brennan and his new staff and didn’t allow a touchdown pass all year, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Most expected Davis to go pro and be an early round pick, but he’s once again in the portal and exploring his options.

Scout’s take: Davis has the size and speed combination to declare for the draft, which gives you an idea of his value in the portal. Whether making tackles near the line of scrimmage or using his length to break up downfield passes, Davis has a nose for the football and the range and athleticism to make plays. He has better range than top-end speed and is likely more suited for zone schemes, where he can play the ball in front of him and set the edge versus the run. He’s a physical presence and strong tackler. — Tucker

Transferring from: USC | Transferring to: Louisville
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-2 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: Moss paid his dues over his first three years with the Trojans, including two seasons behind 2024 NFL draft first overall pick Caleb Williams, before earning his opportunity to start this season. Moss led the Big Ten in passing yards per game, throwing for 2,555 yards and completing 64% of his attempts with 20 total touchdowns, 9 interceptions and a 73.5 QBR that ranked 28th in the FBS. USC went 4-5 in his starts, with all five losses coming by one score, prompting coach Lincoln Riley to bench Moss and see what he had in UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava over the team’s final three games.

Given his limited game experience, Moss needs to find a spot where he can get 12 more starts under his belt and prove he’s an NFL passer. Louisville and Missouri are two of many schools pushing for visits.

Scout’s take: Moss is mature, seasoned and has played good football and showed flashes of being extremely productive. He has competed in his career and didn’t just bolt for the portal when Williams arrived. He can escape and keep plays alive and is solid on designed rollouts. He is an ideal spread passer, but he’s not the runner some would like him to be. — Luginbill

What he brings to Louisville: Moss has identified an ideal opportunity at Louisville. Jeff Brohm has gotten the best out of veteran transfers Jack Plummer and Tyler Shough in his two seasons at Louisville and developed Aidan O’Connell into an NFL passer at Purdue. Moss is looking to take the next big step as a second-year starter and is joining a program with an elite freshman back in 1,000-yard rusher Isaac Brown, a proven receiver in Chris Bell and a staff that will keep adding talent around him via the portal.

Transferring from: NC State
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 5-11 | WT: 189 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Concepcion earned ACC Rookie of the Year and Freshman All-America honors in 2023 after catching a team-high 71 passes — the most by a freshman in school history — and putting up 839 receiving yards and 320 rushing yards with 10 touchdowns. He followed that up with 53 catches for 460 yards and six TDs this season.

He’ll have plenty of strong options in what should be a loaded portal wide receiver class.

Scout’s take: Concepcion’s production dipped as a sophomore with fewer targets and inconsistent QB play. He’s still a great route runner and an elusive threat with the ball in his hands. He’s quick to snatch passes and transition up the seam for big chunk plays. He’s difficult to mirror in off-coverage. Concepcion has the versatile skill set to create mismatches and all-purpose yards from different alignments. — Tucker

Transferring from: Oklahoma
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-4 | WT: 216 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Anderson set the Sooners’ freshman receiving touchdown record in 2023 and was expected to be a top contributor in Oklahoma’s pass catching corps in 2024. Instead, he spent nearly all of his third college season sidelined by injury, ultimately appearing in just one game for a total of five snaps in a September loss to Tennessee.

After appearing in just three games in 2022, Anderson was the breakout star of the Sooners’ 2023 campaign when he hauled in 38 passes for 798 yards and 10 touchdowns across 13 games in his first full season of college football. But hampered by a fall camp injury, Anderson’s 2024 season never took off as he joined the long list of talented Oklahoma wide receivers who missed significant time across the program’s 6-6 finish this fall.

The speedy, big-framed pass catcher will have plenty of portal suitors based on his elite production in 2023. But given an injury history that’s kept Anderson off the field for the majority of two of his three college seasons, health will be the biggest question mark when he lands his next program.

Scout’s take: Injuries derailed his sophomore campaign, but when healthy, he has excellent physical skills including an elite combination of size (6-4, 219) and speed (4.6 40). While big and explosive, Anderson is still fluid with good body control and adjustment to come down with the difficult grab. He’s a big vertical target who will deceptively climb the ladder and get behind coverage. After the catch, he mixes strength and just enough elusiveness to break tackles. — Tucker

Transferring from: Purdue | Transferring to: Oregon
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-0 | WT: 207 | Class: Sophomore

Background: One of the best young safeties in college football is now on the market following Purdue’s coaching change. Thieneman, a three-star recruit from Westfield, Indiana, became a Day 1 starter for the Boilermakers in 2023 and had a phenomenal debut season, earning Freshman of the Year honors from the Big Ten and the FWAA after recording 106 tackles and six interceptions. He was Purdue’s leading tackler again this season with 104 stops and seven pass breakups while also handling punt return duties.

Scout’s take: See ball, hit ball — it’s hard not to love Thieneman’s old-school playing style. An excellent tackler, he’s constantly around the ball making plays against the run, pass and on special teams. His size and speed won’t wow you on paper, but he plays bigger and has excellent pursuit speed with tight angles and little wasted motion. Thieneman excels in zone coverage, understands concepts and has great timing on his break. — Tucker

What he brings to Oregon: The Ducks had a glaring need at safety entering this portal window with senior starters Tysheem Johnson and Kobe Savage moving on after the season. Both came into the program as transfers and proved they can play at a high level. Thieneman should have no trouble fitting right in with his Big Ten experience and hard-hitting nature. He’s ready to play for a winner and should continue to make splash plays for the Ducks’ secondary.

Transferring from: USC
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-6 | WT: 220 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Robinson was one of the most athletically gifted prospects in the Class of 2023, a two-sport stud as a tight end/receiver and outfielder who ranked 40th in the ESPN 300. He signed with the Trojans to play both sports and has had two productive seasons on the football field with a combined 39 receptions for 747 yards and seven touchdowns. Robinson ranked sixth on the team in targets in 2024 and might be looking for an opportunity for a more significant role going forward.

Scout’s take: Robinson is a gigantic target out wide with his height, 82-inch wingspan and 10-inch hands. He’s a smooth mover with natural ball skills who’s capable of hauling in poorly thrown passes. Robinson developed as a red zone threat in 2024, an area where he should continue to shine. He’s not overly sudden and only possesses adequate top-end speed for the receiver position, as many, including us, felt his brightest future might have been at tight end coming out of high school. — Tucker

Transferring from: UL Monroe
Seasons remaining: 3
HT: 5-10 | WT: 205 | Class: Freshman

Background: Hardy put together an unbelievable debut season with the Warhawks, rushing for 1,351 yards on 5.7 yards per carry and 13 touchdowns to earn Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. He ranks 11th among all FBS backs in rushing yards and forced 82 missed tackles on the year according to ESPN Research, third-most behind a pair of Heisman Trophy contenders in Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo. A year ago, he was a no-star recruit from Monticello, Mississippi. Now Hardy is in the portal and will have lots of Power 4 programs fighting over him.

Scout’s take: Hardy is a compact, explosive package at the running back position. He’s built low to the ground which provides him with a low center of gravity and really good contact balance. He’s shifty and difficult to get a clean shot on through initial traffic and has the foot speed to accelerate past second level defenders once he gets to daylight. He’s a good pass catch catcher out of the backfield as well and will be sought-after given he doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear yet at the position. — Tucker

Transferring from: Coastal Carolina
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-3 | WT: 245 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Lubin’s bio on X declares that he’s the “best EDGE in the portal.” He’s probably right. Coastal Carolina found a real gem from the junior college ranks in Lubin. He spent his freshman season at Army before a stint at Iowa Western Community College, where he racked up 23.5 tackles for loss in 2023 and earned junior college All-American honors. Lubin put together another disruptive year for the Chanticleers with 44 tackles, 12 TFLs, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles while producing the best pressure rate (17.2%) among all Sun Belt defenders, according to ESPN Research. After earning first-team All-Sun Belt recognition, Lubin is in the portal and is already loading up on offers.

Scout’s take: Lubin is an explosive edge rusher and will be one of the more disruptive defenders in this portal cycle. He generates excellent speed to power to beat blockers with strength but can also win with bend and a great close off the edge. He has strong, active hands to stay clean and finishes ball carriers with power. He’s not the biggest when it comes to anchoring the run but you can’t look past his playmaking skills and natural burst. — Tucker

Transferring from: Purdue
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-4 | WT: 240 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Klare stands among the most productive portal tight ends on the market. After appearing in six games over his first two college seasons, Klare broke out in 2024, leading the Boilermakers in receptions (51), receiving yards (685) and receiving scores (four) in his redshirt sophomore season. Only six tight ends nationally logged more receiving yards than Klare, and he kept the chains moving for Purdue with 33 first downs that rank eighth among players at his position. A skilled, downfield target and physical blocker, Klare will be a coveted target in the portal who should be able to slot seamlessly into a top Power 4 offense.

Scout’s take: Klare is a strong target with good ball skills and a nice catch radius. He also possesses good speed and can challenge defenses vertically up the seam. His most attractive asset is his receiving skills, but he is also an effective blocker and offers plug-and-play ability with his physical tools and proven production. His production could even increase with a stronger stable of receiving targets to compliment him. — Tucker

Transferring from: Oklahoma | Transferring to: Auburn
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-1 | WT: 210 | Class: Sophomore

Background: After backing up Dillon Gabriel as a freshman, the former five-star recruit was expected to have a breakout season in 2024. Arnold endured a frustrating season as the Sooners’ starter. He was benched during his SEC debut against Tennessee and sat out two games before regaining the job against South Carolina.

Arnold threw for 1,421 yards on 63% passing, rushed for 444 yards and scored 15 total TDs with eight turnovers and a 47.8 QBR in an Oklahoma offense that struggled along the offensive line (46 sacks allowed), lost its top five wide receivers to injuries and fired its OC at midseason. A fresh start is needed, and he’ll have plenty of options. Auburn, Mississippi State and Ole Miss are three schools to keep an eye on early in his recruitment.

Scout’s take: Arnold needs a fresh start. The vast majority of his play this fall was without the services of Oklahoma’s top five wide receivers. He’s talented, accurate and can really run, as we saw when he had 131 rushing yards against Alabama. Arnold should be widely coveted given his physical tools and pedigree. — Luginbill

What he brings to Auburn: Auburn finally picked up a top QB out of the portal. Coach Hugh Freeze landed his No. 1 target by selling him on what the Tigers bring back (including rising star Cam Coleman and their young receiving corps) as well as who they plan to land in the weeks ahead. Following a disappointing 5-7 season, Auburn looks poised to make a big push in this portal window and seriously upgrade its roster.

Transferring from: Liberty
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: Salter led a historic season for Liberty in 2023 with a 13-0 run, a Conference USA title and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. He earned C-USA MVP honors in his first season operating coach Jamey Chadwell’s spread option attack. The Flames couldn’t match 2023, falling to 8-3 season this fall, but few QBs in this portal market have more proven dual-threat production. The former Tennessee transfer has put up 5,887 passing yards, 2,013 rushing yards and 77 total touchdowns with 31 turnovers in his career. Colorado and Syracuse have emerged as contenders.

Scout’s take: Salter is crafty, makes a ton of plays off platform and can make things happen on the move. He can be incredibly accurate on small-window throws down the middle of the field. — Luginbill

Transferring from: Florida International
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 5-11 | WT: 174 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: After getting off to a slow start over two seasons at Memphis, Rivers entered the portal and developed into the top receiver in Conference USA this season. He ranks fifth nationally in receiving yards, turning 62 receptions into 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns, and set a single-game school record with a 295-yard performance against New Mexico State on Oct. 29. Rivers had four more 100-yard performances on the season and is planning to visit Miami, Nebraska, Penn State and Colorado.

Scout’s take: Rivers is not the biggest receiver, which is why he might have slipped under the radar out of high school, but he’s plenty quick and elusive. He’s a big-play weapon who consistently beats defenders vertically with great acceleration and tempo as a route runner. He’s slippery with the ball in his hands but more of a big-catch than a big play after the catch receiver. He could be one of the best deep threats available in the portal. — Tucker

Transferring from: Alabama
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 5-11 | WT: 210 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Haynes was the No. 2-ranked running back in his recruiting class and the No. 24 overall player in the 2023 ESPN 300. He earned 25 carries as a freshman and looked ready for a more significant role in 2024 with Alabama’s top two backs graduating. Though he started the first six games of his sophomore season, it was Jam Miller who emerged as Alabama’s featured back with Haynes rushing for 448 yards and seven TDs on a mere 6.6 rushing attempts per game. He’s now in the portal and looking for a better fit for his final two seasons.

Scout’s take: Haynes has been productive at Bama, but not in a featured role. He’ll be in demand and has all the traits of an every-down back. He’s a strong, balanced runner with productive yards after contact. He runs with a lower center of gravity and will absorb the first hit and run through arm tackles. Haynes has good vision and quick-cutting burst to daylight, but he’s not super elusive or a home-run threat in the open field. He has good hands out of the backfield with compact power and leverage to also block on passing downs. He was a successful bell cow in high school and certainly can produce in a similar role if he finds the right opportunity. — Tucker

Transferring from: South Alabama
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 5-10 | WT: 219 | Class: Freshman

Background: An unranked prospect in ESPN’s rankings for the Class of 2024, Bothwell hits the portal after wrapping one of the most productive rushing seasons of any freshman running back across the country.

Splitting carries with South Alabama junior Kentrel Bullock, Bothwell had for 832 rushing yards on 111 attempts in 2024, closing the regular season ranked fourth nationally averaging 7.50 yards per carry. Bothwell emerged as a red zone weapon for the Jaguars in his lone season with the program, too, totaling 13 rushing scores that leave him tied for the Sun Belt lead alongside Lousiana-Monroe’s Ahmad Hardy. An exciting newcomer in 2024 with an elite name to go with his backfield promise, Bothwell is certain to attract significant interest from power-conference programs.

Scout’s take: Bothwell is a shifty downhill runner with great balance and feet through the hole. He’s not the fastest or most elusive, but he doesn’t leave yards on the field either. He’s strong with a low center of gravity and makes quick subtle cuts through traffic making it hard to wrap up cleanly. Could be a future workhorse in the right system. He can catch the ball out of the backfield as well. — Tucker

Transferring from: Ball State | Transferring to: Wisconsin
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-7 | WT: 237 | Class: Junior

Background: One of the top tight ends in college football is now on the market. Koziol caught 94 passes this season (fourth most in FBS) for the Cardinals and produced 839 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Koziol earned Freshman All-American honors in 2022 and nearly transferred to Louisville at the end of the 2023 season before returning to Muncie. He’s a flex tight end and a dependable target who picked up 44 first downs this season, third most among FBS tight ends, and made 22 contested catches, according to ESPN Research. He’ll be a fun offensive weapon to watch for his next team and is visiting Houston and Wisconsin.

Scout’s take: Koziol has a huge frame with a well-rounded skill set that makes him extremely coveted in the portal. He is a productive pass catcher who takes advantage of his size to shield smaller defenders on jump balls. He’s a really good high pointer of the ball and that combination of height, hands and leaping ability make him a matchup nightmare. He’s a really effective blocker with strong inside hand placement and finishing power to drive defenders back. — Tucker

What he brings to Wisconsin: The Badgers made Koziol a big priority early on in this portal cycle and are getting a pass-catching weapon who’ll elevate their offense. Newly hired offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes is going to have fun finding creative ways to get Koziol the ball in space. Playing in the Big Ten will challenge him a bit as a blocker, but he should continue to be quite productive in the passing game.

Transferring from: Kentucky
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-4 | WT: 336 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: Silver began his career at North Carolina and was a massive recruiting win for Mack Brown and the Tar Heels as the No. 8 recruit in the 2021 ESPN 300. He struggled to earn a significant role in Chapel Hill, playing a total of 29 snaps over two seasons, but he turned his career around at Kentucky.

The massive noseguard started 11 games this season and had 43 tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack during his two seasons with the Wildcats. Interior defensive linemen of Silver’s caliber are hard to find in the portal, so he’ll have plenty of options.

Scout’s take: Silver is essentially a run-down noseguard more suited to a two-gap scheme. He has the size and strength to demand a double-team but still maintains quick feet and agility to penetrate when single-blocked. Silver has above-average push and ability to close on the pocket as a pass rusher. Leverage is his best asset and he’s tough to move even with his height and length, and has powerful hands to shed blocks. The flashes of burst he shows when aligned as 3-technique are what will make him a top target in the portal. — Tucker

Transferring from: Texas Tech
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-0 | WT: 195 | Class: Freshman

Background: Hudson, a five-star recruit and the No. 22 overall player in last year’s ESPN 300, was the highest-ranked signee in Texas Tech history. But his true freshman season did not play out the way he’d hoped. The Temple, Texas, native caught eight passes for 123 yards in a backup role this fall and missed the Red Raiders’ final four games because of a stress fracture. If he can stay healthy and continue maturing, Hudson should be a dynamic playmaker for his next team.

Scout’s take: It was surprising that he didn’t have much impact as a freshman given Hudson’s playmaking speed and dynamic skills coming out of high school. He has the vertical speed to stretch the defense as a route runner and was a threat after the catch with elusive movements. We have seen enough strength to make catches in traffic and break tackles. His true separation speed at the college level is the key question as he did not have verified track or testing times out of high school. — Tucker

Transferring from: Nevada
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-8 | WT: 309 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: The massive pass protector was a three-year starter for the Wolf Pack primarily at left tackle and brings invaluable experience with more than 2,300 career snaps. He did not surrender a sack during his junior season and picked up honorable mention All-Mountain West recognition. Ohio State and Kentucky are reportedly two of the schools out in front early in this recruitment.

Scout’s take: World is a huge presence with very good pass pro skills at left tackle, which will make him coveted. He has added 42 pounds since high school and retained his initial quickness and flexibility. World does a terrific job riding defenders past the pocket with his length and mobility when sliding in pass pro. He plays balanced with good feet and shows his basketball background mirroring defenders in his set. He’s not as effective versus the run. World’s pad level can get high, but he’s still very productive at washing defenders down to open run lanes. –– Tucker

Transferring from: Rice
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-6 | WT: 345 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: Onianwa is one of the most experienced offensive tackles in the portal. The former three-star recruit from Katy, Texas, moved into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman for the Owls and developed into a three-year starter who logged more than 2,200 career snaps.

Onianwa made the switch from right tackle to left tackle as a junior and had his best season yet with one sack allowed. Oklahoma is a school to watch for Onianwa following its seasonlong struggles on the offensive line in 2024.

Scout’s take: Onianwa has a massive frame, great length, bulk and experience playing both tackle positions. In pass protection, he has great bend and flexibility for his size to mirror fast edge rushers at the corner. He utilizes his length to ride defenders past the pocket and shows a strong surge with a powerful upper body to move defenders off the ball. He also plays with good body control and pad level, which is accentuated as a run blocker. — Tucker

Transferring from: Arkansas | Transferring to: Ole Miss
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-5 | WT: 313 | Class: Junior

Background: Kutas, a three-star signee from Memphis, moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore and earned nine starts for the Razorbacks, primarily at right tackle. He was sidelined for most of his junior season after sustaining a back injury in preseason practice but came back to make four starts at left guard and performed well, allowing zero sacks on his 233 snaps. Kutas was able to utilize his redshirt for the four-game season and should be one of the more highly recruited interior linemen in the portal.

Scout’s take: Kutas hasn’t lived up to expectations because of injuries and inconsistent play but has multiple starts at OT and OG, which adds tremendous value, as does his SEC experience. He plays with an edge and shows good functional strength and balance to move defenders off the ball as a run blocker. He can sit and anchor and has just enough bend to be an effective pass rusher. — Tucker

What he brings to Ole Miss: Kutas’ positional versatility will make him an assets for the Rebels next season. They’re set to return tackles Jayden Williams and Diego Pounds but will need to reload at the interior spots with seniors Nate Kalepo, Reece McIntyre, Julius Buelow and Gerquan Scott all graduating. Ole Miss was able to get one of the best available options and is in the mix to add several more Arkansas transfers.

Transferring from: Illinois State | Transferring to: Texas Tech
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-5 | WT: 300 | Class: Redshirt senior

Background: Zambrano developed into a three-year starter at left tackle for the Redbirds and earned preseason FCS All-American honors going into the 2024 season. He started two games this season, including the opener against Iowa, before a hip issue forced him to sit out the rest of the season. That setback gives him one extra season to make a move up to the FBS level.

Scout’s take: Zambrano has some of the better physical tools of any FCS offensive lineman in the portal. He has good size and length at left tackle, but his agility is more suited for right tackle at the FBS level. He demonstrates good feet and hands in pass protection and is technically sound but needs to show improved bend and explosion in the run game to transition to a higher level and be effective. — Tucker

What he brings to Texas Tech: The Red Raiders had a big need at tackle with super senior right tackle Caleb Rogers graduating and left tackle Ty Buchanan hitting the portal. They’ve found a promising upgrade in Zambrano, a legit NFL draft prospect who’s ready to prove he can compete at the highest level. Don’t be surprised if Texas Tech is competitive for more top talent in this cycle. This program wants to take the next big step forward after an 8-4 season.

Transferring from: Miami (Ohio)
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-0 | WT: 182 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Strader is coming off a first-team All-MAC sophomore campaign and has been one of the best young corners in the country over his first two seasons. He’s currently leading FBS in pass breakups with 18 on the year after breaking up 13 as a freshman and has also picked off three passes for the RedHawks. Opposing quarterbacks completed just 52% of their attempts against Strader this season, according to ESPN Research. He’ll be one of the most heavily recruited corners in this cycle and already has 18 offers from Power 4 programs.

Scout’s take: Extremely productive football player with great play-speed and coverage skills. He excels in man-to-man with fluid hips and terrific recovery speed but is equally adept at reading the QB and jumping routes in zone coverage. Possesses polished ball skills. Will use his strong hands to press and get off blocks to set the edge as a tackler. — Tucker

Transferring from: Washington State
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-0 | WT: 199 | Class: Freshman

Background: Parker arrived at Washington State as the 23rd-ranked of 26 high school prospects in the program’s 2024 class before emerging as the Cougars’ top running back and second-leading rusher in his freshman season this fall.

Parker totaled 137 carries for 735 rushing yards and four rushing scores in 2024, trailing only Washington State quarterback John Mateer in each category while helping power a Cougars’ ground attack that closed the regular season ranked No. 54 nationally in yards per game (170.8). He set a program freshman record with his 149-yard performance against Utah State on Nov. 9, and Parker proved difficult to tackle in his debut season, averaging 2.97 yards after first contact per carry. With proven production and three years of eligibility, Parker will be a coveted commodity in the transfer portal.

Scout’s take: We listed Parker as an athlete coming out of high school because of his versatile tools, including great ball skills. He had a great freshman season at running back, showcasing quick lateral feet and vision to make defenders miss through the hole and the burst to get into the second level. Parks has good contact balance and is slippery, making it difficult to get a clean shot on him. He’s not a game-breaker but is fast enough to avoid getting caught from behind. He checks all the boxes for an every-down back including polished hands and route running skills. — Tucker

Transferring from: Purdue
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-6 | WT: 265 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Purdue produced one of the top edge rushers in the portal last offseason in Nic Scourton, and now Heldt looks as if he’s up next. The young rush end racked up 56 tackles, 16 pressures, 10 TFLs and 5 sacks while starting every game as a sophomore for the struggling Boilermakers. The former three-star recruit has plenty of room to grow, has flashed exciting potential and is set to visit LSU, Texas A&M and Clemson soon.

Scout’s take: Heldt is an intriguing portal entry with his ability to pressure the quarterback. He is an edge player with good initial quickness and solid bend to be able to get upfield and disrupt. He has developed as expected and his ceiling may not be much higher, but with his length, get-off and now experience, he brings a lot value. — Tucker

Transferring from: Cal
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-2 | WT: 210 | Class: Redshirt freshman

Background: The former four-star recruit from Salinas, California, redshirted in 2023 and emerged as Mendoza’s No. 1 receiver in his debut season, turning 59 targets into 40 catches for 578 yards and five touchdowns. He immediately picked up more than a dozen Power 4 offers upon entering the portal and has become one of the more popular wideouts on the market. He’s planning to visit Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas Tech.

Scout’s take: Hunter is just scratching the surface of his potential. He possesses 10.62 100-meter speed and has developed physically into an imposing 6-foot-2, 210-pound target. He eats up cushions in a hurry, can threaten vertically and makes acrobatic, contested grabs. Hunter is still developing as a route-runner and will body-catch at times, but he could blossom into a difference-making P4 receiver. – Tucker

Transferring from: Mississippi State
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 5-10 | WT: 170 | Class: Freshman

Background: ESPN’s No. 273 overall prospect in the 2024 class, Craver carved an immediate role in his freshman season at Mississippi State and presents high upside in the portal given his elite speed, Year 1 production and eligibility runway.

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound pass catcher flashed plenty of promise in a middling Bulldogs’ offense this fall, totaling 17 catches for 368 yards and three touchdowns in nine games. Sidelined by injury for pair of games in October and suspended for another contest in November, Craver still finished as one of Mississippi State’s most productive pass catchers in 2024, averaging 40.9 receiving yards per game that ranked second only to Bulldogs’ leading receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. (77.7). Craver’s elusiveness and top-end speed will make him a fun slot weapon in whichever offense he lands and it’s why he should have plenty of suitors in the portal.

Scout’s take: Craver is an undersized receiver but quick, elusive and fast. He ran 10.7 out of high school and flashed that acceleration last season with the ball is his hands. He has soft hands and transitions upfield with terrific suddenness after the catch and reaches top speed quickly. He will turn a short pass into a big gain and is the ideal slot who can be move around to create underneath separation and mismatches. — Tucker

Transferring from: LSU
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-2 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: Daniels landed at LSU in 2024 as a prized portal addition after hauling in 106 passes for 1,954 yards and 21 touchdowns across four seasons at Liberty. And while Daniels’ failed to find the end zone in his lone season with the Tigers, he remained an effective target this fall and hits the portal as one of the most experienced available pass catchers on the market. The fifth-year wide receiver pulled in 42 passes for 480 yards as LSU’s fourth-most targeted pass catcher in 2024, and Daniels will bring polished technique and mismatch ability to his next step.

Scout’s take: Daniels was a coveted pickup from the portal last year and produced for LSU this season. His value and production comes from his excellent hands and body control. He lacks elite speed but is quick in his movements and is savvy route runner that can get open. That, combined with his size (6-2, 205), can make him a productive red zone target as well. — Tucker

Transferring from: Washington State
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-1 | WT: 172 | Class: Redshirt freshman

Background: O’Connor moved into the starting lineup for the Cougars as a redshirt freshman and put together a really promising debut season with 32 tackles, 8 pass breakups and 4 interceptions, including a pick-six against Fresno State. O’Connor gave up catches on only 23 of 52 attempts (44%), according to ESPN Research. He should have lots of Power 4 teams battling for his services.

Scout’s take: O’Connor has length and ball skills as a perimeter defender, which will make him valued in the portal. He’s very active around the football with effective range and pursuit angles. O’Connor does a good job of timing his break and is adept at undercutting routes as well as tracking the deep throw. He demonstrates wiry strength as a tackler. — Tucker

Transferring from: Georgia | Transferring to: Texas A&M
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-1 | WT: 195 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Humphrey was the No. 177 overall recruit in the 2022 ESPN 300 and earned consistent playing time for the Bulldogs as a redshirt freshman but almost entered the portal until Georgia’s staff convinced him to stay. He started Georgia’s first 10 games this season and recorded five pass breakups while giving up nine completions for 203 passing yards and two TDs on 24 attempts, according to ESPN Research. After he was benched during the Bulldogs’ win over Tennessee, Humphrey decided to leave the program before the season ended and hit the portal.

Scout’s take: Humphrey would have probably started for most Power 4 programs given his skill set. He’s tall, fast and explosive. He also has good ball skills and playmaker instincts. He knows how to utilize his lengthy frame to press and reroute and win leverage on the contested jump ball. Not afraid to come up and tackle. Putting it all together has the been the issue in Athens particularly as a coverage defender. — Tucker

What he brings to Texas A&M: The Houston native is coming home and will give the Aggies a talented corner with SEC experience. Humphrey will bring more competition for the starting corner spots with former transfers Will Lee III and Dezz Ricks. Ricks, a redshirt freshman, allowed the third-most receiving yards (376) in the SEC this season, according to ESPN Research.

Transferring from: Texas
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-0 | WT: 186 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Cook arrived in Austin as a highly touted recruit and the No. 26 overall player in the 2023 ESPN 300. He struggled to earn a significant role in Steve Sarkisian’s passing attack during his two years in the program, catching 16 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. Cook left the program in early November and is now looking to reboot his career elsewhere.

Scout’s take: Cook is a crisp route runner, extremely quick and elusive. He will win with separation but is not a physical, big-catch target. He will fit best in a program that will get him the ball out in space and utilize his elite change-of-direction and movement skills. He will be be one of the most explosive receivers in the portal. — Tucker

Transferring from: Jacksonville State
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-2 | WT: 190 | Class: Redshirt freshman

Background: Poyser was a no-star recruit for Jacksonville State who quickly became a gem and is now being heavily recruited by SEC programs. The Wildwood, Florida, native started all 13 games at safety for the Gamecocks during their run to a 9-4 season and Conference USA championship. He recorded 73 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 8 pass breakups and 3 interceptions. He’s planning to take visits to LSU, Auburn, Florida and Georgia to kick off his portal recruitment.

Scout’s take: Poyser flew under the radar coming out of high school but won’t in this portal window. He has a supreme blend of size, range and ball skills. He’s quick to break and get into pursuit on underneath routes with a long stride to also get on top of downfield throws. He displays a nose for the football around the box and is a strong open-field tackler. Aside from possessing great physical traits, he’s quick to diagnose and is an overall instinctive player. — Tucker

Transferring from: Louisiana Tech
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-4 | WT: 303 | Class: Redshirt junior

Background: Blay has become one of the most popular interior defensive linemen in the portal with more than 20 Power 4 offers. He began his career at the Division II level at West Chester University, where he produced 13 tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman. Louisiana Tech discovered him in the portal after the 2022 season and developed him into a first-team All-CUSA performer and a disruptive force at defensive tackle with 46 stops, 10.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.

Scout’s take: Blay is an active inside presence with a good burst and push off the ball. He fires off low and with good power and explosion to disrupt and make plays in the backfield. He’s difficult to single block as a pass rusher. Blay quickly collapses the pocket and combines good burst and power for pressure. He’ll also redirect and retrace with deceptive quickness. He plays with a high motor and effective range outside the tackles for a bigger interior lineman. — Tucker

Transferring from: Arkansas | Transferring to: Ole Miss
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-3 | WT: 241 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Hasz proved himself to be a dependable downfield target across his two seasons with the Razorbacks and he should be among the most sought-after within the stream of Arkansas players who flooded into the portal this week.

ESPN’s No. 83 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, Hasz caught 16 passes for 253 yards with 3 touchdowns in his debut season in 2023 before upping his production as a sophomore this fall, logging 26 receptions for 324 yards and 4 touchdowns to finish as the Razorbacks’ third-leading pass catcher. A powerful blocker at 6-foot-3, 241 pounds, Hasz operated in chunks in 2024, finishing 23rd among tight ends nationally and fifth among SEC tight ends with 12.5 yards per reception. Hasz’s proven production and big frame should make him an attractive option for SEC programs looking to fill a need at the position through the portal in this cycle.

Scout’s take: Hasz isn’t the biggest target, but he’s athletic with a lot of scheme-related production on tape. That should continue in the right system if he stays healthy. He’s a skilled pass catcher who has a wide radius and an ability to make competitive grabs when contested. He has been more productive as a pass catcher and will need added strength to be a factor in the run game. His ceiling is maxed in some regard. — Tucker

What he brings to Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin and the Rebels quickly found and secured their replacement for Caden Prieskorn with Hasz. Prieskorn played a good role in their passing attack, with 54 catches for 824 yards over two seasons in Oxford. Now Hasz takes over for him and will pair with Dae’Quan Wright in what should be one of the top tight end duos in the SEC.

Transferring from: Texas A&M | Transferring to: Houston
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-3 | WT: 220 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: After sitting out most of last season because of a foot injury, Weigman hoped to put together a big year under the Aggies’ new coaching staff. He struggled in their season-opening loss to Notre Dame and sat out time because of a shoulder injury. When he came back against then-No. 9-ranked Missouri, he shined in throwing for 276 yards on 18-of-22 passing in a 41-10 victory. But after a slow start against LSU, the Aggies went with backup Marcel Reed for the rest of the season. Weigman has thrown for 2,694 yards, completing 60% of his throws over 15 career games with 21 total touchdowns and eight turnovers. He’s eager to prove what he can do at his next stop when he’s healthy and playing with confidence.

Scout’s take: Weigman is very similar to Jackson Arnold in the sense that he just needs a new landscape. He is 9-4 as a starter and has plenty of quality film showcasing his arm talent and accuracy in tight windows to make him highly desirable. Much like Haynes King, Weigman has to be able to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season. He has competitive intangibles that we love and really good timing and rhythm as a passer. — Luginbill

What he brings to Houston: Here’s a smart move for both parties. Weigman gets to play for his hometown team and for coaches who developed Michael Pratt into the AAC Offensive Player of the Year at Tulane and an NFL draft pick. Willie Fritz and his OC Slade Nagle get a talented passer who can help them level up on offense after their young QB Zeon Chriss showed potential but had 10 turnovers over seven starts.

Transferring from: New Mexico | Transferring to: Utah
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 5-10 | WT: 198 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Dampier emerged as one of the more electric playmakers in the Group of 5 this season and earned first-team All-Mountain West honors. The former three-star recruit from Phoenix led the conference in total offense with 3,934 yards, including a whopping 1,166 rushing yards (third most among FBS QBs) and 19 rushing touchdowns. He put up 390 yards and five TDs against Arizona, led an upset win over then-No. 18 Washington State and finished with a 71.3 QBR (ninth among G5 starters) in his first season as a full starter for the 5-7 Lobos. Dampier is now in the portal after coach Bronco Mendenhall left for the Utah State job after one season. Utah is another team to watch for Dampier after hiring his OC Jason Beck.

Scout’s take: Dampier was one of the biggest surprise steals in the 2023 class for New Mexico and is about to be one of the hottest commodities on the market for his dual-threat traits and creative playmaking. He reminds us of Jayden Daniels as both a runner and thrower. He’s the type of player who can pull a rabbit out of a hat, and defending his improvisational plays is a nightmare. — Luginbill

What he brings to Utah: Kyle Whittingham just hired New Mexico’s offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, so the Utes know exactly what they’re getting in Dampier. Utah’s backup quarterbacks Isaac Wilson, Sam Huard and Brandon Rose have all entered the transfer portal, so there’s no question Dampier is being brought in to play right away. It’s unclear what Cameron Rising is going to do next as he tries to come back from another season-ending injury, but this is clearly going to be an offense built around Dampier’s playmaking ability that should be fun to watch in the Big 12.

Transferring from: East Carolina | Transferring to: Iowa State
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-4 | WT: 195 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Sowell has made an impressive comeback during his two seasons at ECU. The former three-star recruit began his career at Colorado in 2022 and struggled with injuries during his first season in the program. He was cut by the Buffaloes after going through spring practice with coach Deion Sanders and the new regime in Boulder. Sowell picked a place where he had a shot to play right away and became the Pirates’ No. 1 receiver, catching 81 passes for 1,300 yards and four touchdowns over two seasons. Now the Humble, Texas, native is ready to prove he can make an impact at the Power 4 level.

Scout’s take: Sowell is a tall, easy-moving receiver with really good production over the past two years. He has terrific hands and body control for a 6-4 target and will go up and pluck the ball away from his frame creating matchup problems in the red area. He’s also an effective blocker. He lacks elite burst off the line and out of breaks but changes tempo well as a deep route runner and is fast enough to get behind coverage. He’s smooth in his stem for a long strider. Sowell still needs to build up his frame to break press at the P4 level, and true separation speed is still a question. — Tucker

What he brings to Iowa State: The Cyclones went looking in the portal in search of a quality replacement for All-Big 12 wideout Jayden Higgins, and they succeeded in landing their No. 1 target. Sowell jumped at the opportunity to play with Rocco Becht and play a high-target role — Higgins has 136 this season — for a Cyclones team that just won a school-record 10 games and is trying to go even further in 2025.

Transferring from: Miami (Ohio) | Transferring to: Texas Tech
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-4 | WT: 190 | Class: Junior

Background: After two quiet seasons with the Red Hawks in which he recorded two career catches, Virgil put together a breakthrough season in 2024 and earned second-team All-MAC recognition. He had 41 catches into 816 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, with three 100-yard performances to help his squad go on a seven-game win streak and play for a MAC title in 2024.

Scout’s take: Virgil is a big, athletic target with great hands. He’s a vertical threat who knows how to use his length to climb the ladder and make the difficult grab. Virgil was an impressive long jumper out of high school who went over 22 feet. He’s a vertical stretcher as well, with a long stride to accelerate past coverage. — Tucker

What he brings to Texas Tech: The Red Raiders just got a big year out of Washington State transfer Josh Kelly, who earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024, and are hoping for similar success with Virgil. With Micah Hudson and three more wideouts currently in the portal, Texas Tech had a clear need at this position and got Virgil locked up before he took more visits.

Transferring from: Texas State
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 5-9 | WT: 180 | Class: Junior

Background: This dude is fun to watch. Mahdi began his career at the FCS level at Houston Christian before moving up to Texas State and proving he’s a game-changer in coach GJ Kinne’s offensive attack. He has earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors in back-to-back seasons and has produced a combined 3,539 all-purpose yards (fourth most in FBS since 2023) as a rusher, receiver and returner and has scored 18 touchdowns over his time with the Bobcats. Wherever he goes next, he’s going to be a problem for defenses.

Scout’s take: Mahdi is an electric back with great all-purpose skills. He’s not the biggest but is shifty and well-balanced and quick to square up and get downhill. He bounces off first contact and can handle a lot of carries. He flashes a strong burst to daylight and will take it the distance when he gets in the second level. His best asset might be his hands and pass-catching skills out of the backfield. He’s a mismatch for less athletic linebackers. — Tucker

Transferring from: North Carolina
Seasons remaining: 2

HT: 6-0 | WT: 230 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Campbell came in as a three-star recruit but emerged as one of the Tar Heels’ best young defenders in his first season as a starter. The Manassas, Virginia, native had a really productive season with 72 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups and a forced fumble. He’s one player North Carolina did not want to lose, but the program’s extended coaching search has prompted several starters to enter the portal and explore their options.

Scout’s take: Campbell was an explosive player out of high school and now has packed on the bulk for more power and production. He’s a quick reactor and strong downhill filler between the tackles. Campbell shows range to chase plays down to the sideline and hold up in coverage but his best attribute is arguably his timing and closing burst as a space blitzer. He overpowers running backs on his way to the quarterback and comes with relentless effort. — Tucker

Transferring from: North Dakota State
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-4 | WT: 218 | Class: Sophomore

Background: Wisniewski was sidelined by a foot injury this season, but he’ll still earn plenty of interest in the portal thanks to his strong résumé with the Bison. He was a consensus first-team All-American in 2023 after leading all FCS defenders with eight interceptions (including one pick-six) over 14 games to go along with a team-high 92 tackles. After undergoing surgery in August, Wisniewski had to sit out the year but now gets one more season to see if he can play at the Power 4 level.

Scout’s take: Wisniewski might be making the jump from FCS, but he has played in many big games and in arguably the toughest conference in FCS. He brings experience and a versatile skill set having worked at linebacker and safety in his career. He can play in the box and defend the run aggressively but really broke out as a player with the move to safety last season, where he displayed good instincts, range and ball skills. — Tucker

What he brings to Texas Tech: Wisniewski quickly locked in a commitment to the Red Raiders after receiving significant Power 4 interest. He should be a starter and a veteran leader for new defensive coordinator Shiel Wood who’ll help them upgrade the worst pass defense among the Power 4 in 2024.

Transferring from: Bowling Green
Seasons remaining: 1

HT: 6-7 | WT: 305 | Class: Redshirt senior

Background: The massive right tackle is one of the most experienced linemen available in the portal. Wollschlaeger started 39 games for the Falcons and developed into a first-team All-MAC selection in 2024. He surrendered two sacks on 401 snaps in pass protection, according to ESPN Research, and has logged than 2,300 snaps over his five-year career. Wollschaleger picked up more than a dozen Power 4 offers upon entering the portal.

Scout’s take: Wollschlaeger is a big, lengthy tackle and an athletic 305 pounds. He was a lightly recruited prospect that has added great bulk and strength and retained mobility. He utilizes his frame well as both a run and pass blocker. Wollschlaeger walls off defenders well and is really sound in his run assignments. He’s difficult to get the edge on in pass protection. — Tucker

Transferring from: Mississippi State
Seasons remaining: 3

HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Class: Freshman

Background: Van Buren was one of the highest-rated QBs in last year’s ESPN 300 as the No. 57 overall recruit and made a late flip from Oregon to Mississippi State to play for new coach Jeff Lebby. He ended up having to play earlier than expected after Blake Shapen went down with a season-ending shoulder injury and made good progress over eight starts as a true freshman, throwing for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven turnovers. The Bulldogs are considered a frontrunner to land JacksonArnold via the portal, so Van Buren is now exploring his transfer options.

Scout’s take: Van Buren played very well for Mississippi State considering the difficulty of starting as a true freshman on a team that is struggling. He showed composure leading the offense and had to grow up fast. We think he has very similar traits to Dillon Gabriel, only he’s right-handed. He’s a scrappy athlete who can create with his feet and make plays off platform with good arm strength and ball placement. — Luginbill

ESPN reporter Eli Lederman contributed to this report.