NCAAF · 2 hours ago

12 College Football Stars Who Just Rocked the Transfer Portal (Thursday Commitments)

John Canady

Host · Writer

12) The Mountain West’s Red-Zone Threat: Why Pearce Spurlin Could Shine at Colorado State
Georgia --> Colorado State

Pearce Spurlin’s transfer to Colorado State is a chance to restart a promising career derailed by injuries and showcase the talent that made him a top recruit.
- Elite Production: Though injuries limited his early years at Georgia, Spurlin possesses the size, hands, and athleticism of an elite tight end ready to make an impact.
- The "Fit" Factor: Fully healthy, Spurlin steps into a Colorado State offense that can utilize his big frame as a primary red-zone target, giving the Rams a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
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1) The ACC’s Interior Anchor Returns: Why Mandrell Desir's Return is Huge
Florida State --> Florida State

Mandrell Desir didn’t just flirt with the transfer portal; he leveraged it to solidify his place as a cornerstone of Florida State’s defensive front.
- Elite Production: As a true freshman in 2025, Desir emerged as one of the ACC’s most disruptive interior defenders, totaling 30 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one pass defense, and a forced fumble.
- The "Fit" Factor: By returning to Tallahassee on a major NIL deal, Desir steps back into a system built to maximize his power and burst, giving Florida State a proven difference-maker in the middle as it pushes for ACC and College Football Playoff contention.
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2) The ACC’s High-Upside Edge Stays Home: Why Darryll Desir Is a Steal
Florida State --> Florida State

Darryll Desir’s portal decision always felt tied to his brother’s future, and Florida State keeping both twins may prove to be a massive win for its defensive rebuild.
- Elite Production: While still scratching the surface as a freshman, Desir posted 23 tackles and a sack, flashing the length and athletic traits that make his ceiling one of the highest among young ACC edge defenders.
- The "Fit" Factor: Retaining both Desir twins ensures continuity up front, and in a system that emphasizes pass-rush development, Darryll has a clear path to a breakout role as Florida State reloads its defensive front.
3) The SEC’s Fresh Start Edge: Why Caleb Herring Is a Big Win for South Carolina
Tennessee --> South Carolina

Caleb Herring didn’t leave Tennessee short on talent; he went searching for a role that would finally unlock his former five-star potential.
- Elite Production: Coming off his most productive season to date, Herring totaled four sacks, flashing the explosiveness and bend that once made him one of the nation’s top edge recruits.
- The "Fit" Factor: At South Carolina, Herring steps into a defensive front headlined by Dylan Stewart, allowing him to attack one-on-one matchups and develop without carrying the full pass-rush burden. Choosing the Gamecocks over Miami and Texas, Herring lands in a situation built for a long-awaited breakout.
4) The SEC’s Fresh-Start Disruptor: Why Jordan Renaud Matters
Alabama --> Ole Miss

Jordan Renaud didn’t leave Alabama lacking pedigree; he went in search of the opportunity to turn potential into production.
- Elite Production: Across three seasons with the Crimson Tide, the former top recruit totaled 34 tackles and flashed the physical tools that once made him one of the most coveted defensive linemen in his class.
- The "Fit" Factor: At Ole Miss, Renaud enters a defensive front that thrives on attacking upfield, giving him a more straightforward path to consistent snaps and the chance to emerge as a game-wrecking presence in Pete Golding's SEC title chase.
5) The Big Ten’s High-Ceiling Cover Corner: Why Dominick Kelly Fits
Georgia --> Ohio State

Dominick Kelly’s move north isn’t about a lack of talent; it’s about opportunity and timing for a former blue-chip defensive back.
- Elite Production: While limited as a freshman at Georgia, Kelly made his presence felt when on the field, totaling three tackles and three pass breakups, flashing instincts in coverage.
- The "Fit" Factor: With his six-foot-one frame and ball skills, Kelly steps into an Ohio State secondary built to develop long, versatile cover corners, giving him a path to carving out a meaningful role in the Buckeyes’ rotation.
6) A Homecoming Edge With Momentum: Why Ashton Porter Helps Houston
Oregon --> Houston

Ashton Porter’s move to Houston is about building on momentum and doing it in a place that feels like home.
- Elite Production: Coming off a career year at Oregon, Porter posted 20 total tackles, a sack, and a pass defense, showing steady growth across three seasons in a deep Ducks rotation.
- The "Fit" Factor: As a Texas native, Porter lands in a familiar environment and immediately bolsters Houston’s defensive line, giving the Cougars a proven, ascending edge defender with breakout potential in an expanded role.
7) The SEC’s Veteran Playmaker: Why Darrell Gill Could Shine at Ole Miss
Syracuse --> Ole Miss

Darrell Gill’s transfer to Ole Miss brings experience and consistent production to a Rebels receiving corps in need of reliable playmakers.
- Elite Production: Over three seasons at Syracuse, Gill eclipsed 500 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons, including 506 yards and five touchdowns this past year, showing dependable hands and route-running polish.
- The "Fit" Factor: Stepping into Ole Miss’ high-powered offense, Gill provides an immediate weapon for the Rebels’ passing attack, pairing his experience with a system built to maximize speed and playmaking ability.
8) The ACC’s Incoming Tackling Machine: Why Chris Jones Is a Game-Changer
Southern Miss --> Florida State

Chris Jones isn’t just transferring; he’s bringing one of the most productive linebacker seasons in recent memory to Florida State’s defense.
- Elite Production: Jones broke out as a sophomore in 2025 at Southern Miss, recording 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass breakups, one interception, and a forced fumble, showing the versatility and instincts that make him a defensive force.
- The "Fit" Factor: Joining Florida State’s linebacker corps, Jones immediately adds speed, tackling range, and playmaking ability, giving the Seminoles a proven centerpiece as they aim for ACC dominance.
9) The Big Ten’s Corner With Upside: Why Cam Calhoun Could Make an Instant Impact
Alabama --> Ohio State

Cam Calhoun’s transfer to Ohio State is about opportunity and the chance to unlock the high ceiling that wasn’t fully realized in Tuscaloosa.
- Elite Production: After a strong freshman season at Utah, Calhoun struggled for snaps at Alabama, but his size, speed, and instincts signal a player ready to make an immediate contribution.
- The "Fit" Factor: At Ohio State, Calhoun steps into a cornerback room built to develop versatile cover players, giving him a clear path to significant playing time and the potential to become a defensive difference-maker in the Big Ten.
10) The Big 12’s Emerging Playmaker: Why Daylen Austin Could Shine at Arizona
Oregon --> Arizona

Daylen Austin’s transfer to Arizona is about stepping into a role where his instincts and playmaking ability can make an immediate impact.
- Elite Production: Over three seasons at Oregon, Austin totaled 23 tackles, four pass breakups (three in 2025), and an interception in 2025, showing flashes of ball skills and coverage ability.
- The "Fit" Factor: Arizona’s defensive backfield offers Austin an opportunity to earn significant playing time and leverage his experience to become a key contributor in the Wildcats’ secondary.
11) The Huskies’ New Signal Caller: Why Jake Merklinger Could Make an Immediate Impact
Tennessee --> UConn

Jake Merklinger’s move to UConn is about opportunity, stepping into a situation where he can showcase his arm and leadership in meaningful reps.
- Elite Production: At Tennessee, Merklinger had limited action, completing 13 of 24 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, showing efficiency and poise in a backup role.
- The "Fit" Factor: At UConn, Merklinger has a clear path to take the reins as a game manager, bringing experience from a Power Five program to stabilize the Huskies’ offense and provide a foundation for growth.
12) The Mountain West’s Red-Zone Threat: Why Pearce Spurlin Could Shine at Colorado State
Georgia --> Colorado State

Pearce Spurlin’s transfer to Colorado State is a chance to restart a promising career derailed by injuries and showcase the talent that made him a top recruit.
- Elite Production: Though injuries limited his early years at Georgia, Spurlin possesses the size, hands, and athleticism of an elite tight end ready to make an impact.
- The "Fit" Factor: Fully healthy, Spurlin steps into a Colorado State offense that can utilize his big frame as a primary red-zone target, giving the Rams a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1) The ACC’s Interior Anchor Returns: Why Mandrell Desir's Return is Huge
Florida State --> Florida State

Mandrell Desir didn’t just flirt with the transfer portal; he leveraged it to solidify his place as a cornerstone of Florida State’s defensive front.
- Elite Production: As a true freshman in 2025, Desir emerged as one of the ACC’s most disruptive interior defenders, totaling 30 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one pass defense, and a forced fumble.
- The "Fit" Factor: By returning to Tallahassee on a major NIL deal, Desir steps back into a system built to maximize his power and burst, giving Florida State a proven difference-maker in the middle as it pushes for ACC and College Football Playoff contention.
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