NCAAF · 1 hour ago

12 College Football Stars Who Just Rocked the Transfer Portal

John Canady

Host · Writer

12) Mountain West’s New Defensive Anchor: Why Dee Crayton Could Shine at UNLV
Clemson → UNLV

Dee Crayton’s portal move is all about opportunity. After three seasons at Clemson with limited snaps, the linebacker now heads to UNLV to carve out a bigger role and showcase his skills.
- Elite Production: Over three seasons with the Tigers, Crayton totaled 28 tackles, showing flashes of speed, tackling ability, and instincts that never had a full stage to shine on.
- The “Fit” Factor: UNLV offers Crayton the chance to step into a starting role and become a focal point of the Rebels’ defense. With his Clemson-honed fundamentals, he’s poised to make an immediate impact in the Mountain West.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) LSU’s Quarterback of the Future: Why Husan Longstreet Is a Massive Portal Win
USC → LSU

Husan Longstreet didn’t leave USC because of a lack of talent; he left because opportunity vanished with Jayden Maiava’s return. Now, the former five-star lands in Baton Rouge as LSU’s long-term answer at quarterback.
- Elite Pedigree: A consensus five-star out of high school, Longstreet arrived at USC as one of the most polished QB prospects in his class, boasting elite arm talent, poise, and high-end developmental upside.
- The “Fit” Factor: With Sam Leavitt expected to depart after next season, Longstreet steps into LSU’s quarterback pipeline as a likely 2026 starter, giving the Tigers a high-ceiling successor already in place within their system.
Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.
2) ACC’s New Workhorse: Why Justice Haynes Is a Program-Changing Addition
Michigan → Georgia Tech

Justice Haynes’s portal journey has finally landed him in the perfect spot. After flashing star potential at Michigan, the former top recruit now arrives at Georgia Tech ready to anchor the Yellow Jackets’ backfield.
- Elite Production: Haynes erupted during his lone season at Michigan, piling up 857 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while showcasing power, burst, and three-down reliability against Big Ten competition.
- The “Fit” Factor: Following Sherrone Moore’s firing, Haynes sought stability and a featured role, both of which await him at Georgia Tech. The Georgia native returns close to home with a clear path to becoming the focal point of the Jackets’ offense.
3) Big Ten’s Trench Upgrade: Why Joe Brunner Could Transform Indiana’s Offense
Wisconsin → Indiana

Joe Brunner didn’t just hit the portal—he immediately became one of its most coveted offensive linemen. Now, Indiana lands a battle-tested Big Ten mauler to solidify its front.
- Elite Production: A multi-year contributor at Wisconsin, Brunner built a reputation as a dominant interior presence, thriving in the Badgers’ pro-style run game while holding his own against elite Big Ten defensive fronts.
- The “Fit” Factor: Indiana’s rise as a consistent conference contender starts in the trenches, and Brunner arrives as a plug-and-play starter capable of elevating both the run game and pass protection from Day 1.
4) ACC’s New QB Wild Card: Why Ethan Grunkemeyer Could Be a Steal for Virginia Tech
Penn State → Virginia Tech

Ethan Grunkemeyer’s portal move is as much about familiarity as it is opportunity. After flashing starter-caliber traits at Penn State, the former top recruit now reunites with the coach who first believed in him.
- Elite Production: Thrust into action following Drew Allar’s injury, Grunkemeyer impressed in limited starts, showing command of the offense, poise under pressure, and the arm talent that once made him a coveted recruit.
- The “Fit” Factor: A coaching change at Penn State pushed Grunkemeyer to explore options, but his landing spot at Virginia Tech offers continuity and trust. Reuniting with his former head coach gives him a legitimate path to competing for the Hokies’ starting job immediately.
5) SEC Reset Button: Why Josiah Thompson’s Return Could Change South Carolina’s Line
South Carolina → South Carolina

Josiah Thompson didn’t just rethink his future; he doubled down on it. After briefly entering the portal, the former five-star tackle opted to stay put as South Carolina resets its offensive line from the ground up.
- Elite Pedigree: Once one of the highest-rated offensive line recruits in the country, Thompson’s raw talent has never been questioned, even through an uneven stretch that mirrored the Gamecocks’ struggles in the trenches.
- The “Fit” Factor: With much of South Carolina’s offensive line turning over after offseason changes, Thompson gets a clean slate. A revamped unit around him could ease his workload and finally unlock the upside that made him a five-star in the first place.
6) Big 12’s Next Breakout Pass Rusher: Why Elijah Hill Is a Major Portal Win
Kennesaw State → Kansas State

Elijah Hill didn’t just dominate at the FCS level; he announced himself as one of the most intriguing defensive transfers in the portal. Now, Kansas State adds a proven disruptor to its pass rush.
- Elite Production: As a true freshman at Kennesaw State, Hill exploded for nine sacks, flashing elite get-off, relentless motor, and natural pass-rushing instincts that translated every snap.
- The “Fit” Factor: Kansas State’s track record of developing defensive talent makes this a near-perfect landing spot. Surrounded by higher-level talent, Hill has the chance to turn FCS production into Big 12 impact—and quickly.
7) ACC Secondary Upgrade: Why Kenny Woseley Is a Sneaky Win for Virginia Tech
Penn State → Virginia Tech

Kenny Woseley’s move isn’t about potential—it’s about timing. After showing growth at Penn State, the former top recruit now looks for a more straightforward path to snaps in Blacksburg.
- Elite Pedigree: A highly touted recruit out of high school, Woseley arrived at Penn State with expectations. In Year 2, he took steps forward, finishing with 10 tackles and a pass breakup while continuing to develop at the Power Five level.
- The “Fit” Factor: Virginia Tech’s familiarity with Penn State transfers and defensive development makes this an ideal landing spot. With opportunity in the Hokies’ secondary, Woseley has a real chance to carve out a meaningful role sooner rather than later.
8) ACC's New Go-To Target: Why Cooper Perry Could Break Out at Cal
Oregon → Cal

Cooper Perry’s move is a classic case of talent meeting opportunity. After navigating Oregon’s crowded receiver room, the former blue-chip prospect now lands in an offense ready to feature him.
- Elite Pedigree: Perry arrived at Oregon as a highly touted recruit and still managed to see the field as a freshman on a playoff-caliber roster, no small feat in one of the nation’s deepest wide receiver rooms.
- The “Fit” Factor: At Cal, Perry steps into a vastly different role. With fewer mouths to feed and a clear need for playmakers, he projects as a top target capable of becoming a focal point in the Golden Bears’ passing attack.
9) SEC Upside Play: Why Sione Laulea Is a High-Ceiling Addition for Missouri
Oregon → Missouri

Sione Laulea’s portal move is about unlocking potential. After spending two seasons developing in Oregon’s loaded secondary, the physically gifted corner now looks for a larger role in the SEC.
- Elite Production: In limited action with the Ducks, Laulea totaled 10 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception, flashing ball skills and confidence whenever his number was called.
- The “Fit” Factor: Missouri offers Laulea something Oregon couldn’t—opportunity. With his size and athletic traits, he enters a Tigers secondary where snaps are available, and upside is valued.
10) Big 12 Safety Shakeup: Why Jaydan Hardy Could Shine at Oregon
Oklahoma → Colorado

Jaydan Hardy is all about potential meeting opportunity. After two seasons at Oklahoma, the versatile safety now heads to Colorado ready for a fresh start and a chance to make an immediate impact.
- Elite Production: Hardy recorded 17 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 pass breakup, and 1 forced fumble over his time with the Sooners, showing flashes of playmaking ability and ball-hawking instincts.
- The “Fit” Factor: Colorado's defensive system and emphasis on athletic, rangy safeties could be the perfect environment for Hardy to unlock his ceiling. With a new opportunity in the Big 12, he’s positioned to compete for a meaningful role right away.
11) Big Ten Red Zone Threat: Why Preston Howard Could Be a Overlooked Pickup for Maryland
Auburn → Maryland

Preston Howard’s portal move is a homecoming with upside. After two seasons at Maryland and a stop at Auburn, the six-foot-five tight end returns to his home state ready to make an impact.
- Elite Production: Howard’s combination of size and athleticism makes him a natural red zone target. Though not a household name yet, his physical tools and experience in multiple Power Five programs give him the potential to emerge quickly.
- The “Fit” Factor: Back in familiar territory with Maryland, Howard could step into a prominent role in the passing attack, providing a reliable target and a mismatch nightmare for defenses in the Big Ten.
12) Mountain West’s New Defensive Anchor: Why Dee Crayton Could Shine at UNLV
Clemson → UNLV

Dee Crayton’s portal move is all about opportunity. After three seasons at Clemson with limited snaps, the linebacker now heads to UNLV to carve out a bigger role and showcase his skills.
- Elite Production: Over three seasons with the Tigers, Crayton totaled 28 tackles, showing flashes of speed, tackling ability, and instincts that never had a full stage to shine on.
- The “Fit” Factor: UNLV offers Crayton the chance to step into a starting role and become a focal point of the Rebels’ defense. With his Clemson-honed fundamentals, he’s poised to make an immediate impact in the Mountain West.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) LSU’s Quarterback of the Future: Why Husan Longstreet Is a Massive Portal Win
USC → LSU

Husan Longstreet didn’t leave USC because of a lack of talent; he left because opportunity vanished with Jayden Maiava’s return. Now, the former five-star lands in Baton Rouge as LSU’s long-term answer at quarterback.
- Elite Pedigree: A consensus five-star out of high school, Longstreet arrived at USC as one of the most polished QB prospects in his class, boasting elite arm talent, poise, and high-end developmental upside.
- The “Fit” Factor: With Sam Leavitt expected to depart after next season, Longstreet steps into LSU’s quarterback pipeline as a likely 2026 starter, giving the Tigers a high-ceiling successor already in place within their system.
Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.