Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 10 Players in the CFB Transfer Portal

John Canady
Host · Writer
10) EDGE Marvin Jones Jr., Florida State
Marvin Jones Jr. committed to Georgia as a five-star recruit out of high school. After a rough go with the Bulldogs, the pass rusher transferred to Florida State, seeking a more prominent role. However, his time with the Seminoles was no better. Now, looking for another fresh start, he enters the portal again. With a visit to Texas lined up, the talented defender could be headed back to the SEC with another top program.
Prediction: Texas
1) WR Zachariah Branch, USC
Zachariah Branch quickly became a top target in the portal after announcing his decision to leave USC. The former five-star recruit has lined up multiple visits with top teams, and his recruitment remains open. However, reports that Texas seems to be entering the race make the most sense as the Longhorns look to carry their momentum from 2024 into 2025.
Prediction: Texas
2) RB Makhi Hughes, Tulane
Makhi Hughes has shown out in his two seasons with Tulane. The running back quickly garnered interest from top teams in the portal, but based on recent reports, Oregon may be the team to beat. With Dan Lanning looking to bolster the Ducks backfield, Hughes could land in the Big Ten.
Prediction: Oregon
3) CB Tacario Davis, Arizona
Tacario Davis nearly left Arizona last offseason before returning for one more season. However, after another lackluster year for the Wildcats, the defender seems poised to find a new home this time. Recent reports suggest that Davis could be headed to reunite with his former coach, Jedd Fisch, at Washington.
Prediction: Washington
4) WR Noah Thomas, Texas A&M
Noah Thomas is a recent entry to the transfer portal, but it should take no time for the wideout to find a new home. After a career year with the Aggies, the six-foot-six pass catcher will have plenty of options. The Longhorns could be in line to land the Texas native if they convince him they're the best fit for his development.
Prediction: Texas
5) CB Ethan O'Connor, Washington State
Ethan O'Connor headlines multiple talented defenders in the transfer portal. The versatile corner will have many options as top teams continue to pursue the defender. However, Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs seem to be the frontrunners for O'Connor up to this point.
Prediction: Georgia
6) WR Kaedin Robinson, Appalachian State
Kaedin Robinson has spent three seasons at App State after transferring from UCF in 2022. The wideout has emerged as a big-time playmaker for the Mountaineers, but after the coaching change, the North Carolina native opted to hit the portal for a fresh start. With Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks looking to bolster their wide receiver room, Robinson could stay close to home and suit up for South Carolina.
Prediction: South Carolina
7) IOL Fa'alili Fa'amoe, Washington State
Fa'alili Fa'amoe entered the portal after proving to be one of the top offensive linemen in the nation during his time at Washington State. As teams continue to look to bolster their offensive line, Fa'amoe will have plenty of teams interested in his services. Nonetheless, they may have to push hard to persuade Fa'amoe from Nebraska, where Matt Rhule seems to be in the driver's seat, to land the six-foot-five lineman.
Prediction: Nebraska
8) S Kendal Daniels, Oregon State
Kendal Daniels adds his name to a talented group of secondary players in the transfer portal. However, after a strong season at Oklahoma State, the safety could be the top defender on multiple teams' boards. The former four-star recruit could find a fresh start with the Sooners if he chooses to stay in his home state of Oklahoma. With Brent Venables's defensive mind, he could put the six-foot-four safety in position to succeed.
Prediction: Oklahoma
9) WR Squirrel White, Tennessee
Squirrel White put together an impressive season for Tennessee in 2023 and seemed poised for a breakout year for the Vols this season. However, the wideout seemed to take a step back in the team's offense this season. As a result, the wideout entered the portal, hoping to find a team to help him reach the next level in his game. With a recent visit to Florida State, White could believe that a fit under Mike Norvell makes sense for him to take that next step.
Prediction: Florida State
10) EDGE Marvin Jones Jr., Florida State
Marvin Jones Jr. committed to Georgia as a five-star recruit out of high school. After a rough go with the Bulldogs, the pass rusher transferred to Florida State, seeking a more prominent role. However, his time with the Seminoles was no better. Now, looking for another fresh start, he enters the portal again. With a visit to Texas lined up, the talented defender could be headed back to the SEC with another top program.
Prediction: Texas
1) WR Zachariah Branch, USC
Zachariah Branch quickly became a top target in the portal after announcing his decision to leave USC. The former five-star recruit has lined up multiple visits with top teams, and his recruitment remains open. However, reports that Texas seems to be entering the race make the most sense as the Longhorns look to carry their momentum from 2024 into 2025.
Prediction: Texas
