Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 15 Players in the Transfer Portal

JaQues Evans, Western Kentucky (Prediction: Kentucky)

JaQues Evans, having completed four seasons at Western Kentucky, has entered the transfer portal after experiencing a decline in performance this past season following a standout year in 2022, where he recorded 107 tackles and nine sacks. The linebacker is now seeking a program to help him bounce back. Evans could make a significant impact with his potential to bolster a team's linebacker corps. Staying local could be an attractive option for the Georgia native, and joining the Kentucky Wildcats defense could be a substantial addition.

National Championship Odds: Western Kentucky: +100000

Branson Hickman, SMU (Prediction: Arkansas)

The recent move by Branson Hickman to enter the transfer portal has generated significant interest from various teams, despite the timing of his decision. Many teams are eagerly anticipating his availability, aiming to strengthen their offensive lines with additional talent. With several years of eligibility remaining, Hickman is committed to showcasing his ability to excel at the highest level while exploring potential opportunities with new teams. Speculation has connected Hickman to Arkansas, and given the Razorbacks' need for support on the offensive line, it could potentially be a mutually advantageous situation for both parties involved.

National Championship Odds: SMU +30000

Corey Dyches, Maryland (Prediction: Notre Dame)

Corey Dyches has opted to enter the transfer portal, bidding farewell to Maryland and eager to embark on a new journey elsewhere. Despite demonstrating athleticism as a tight end during his time with the Terrapins, Dyches faced challenges in securing a prominent role within the offensive lineup. He now seeks a fresh opportunity to showcase his abilities within a different team's offensive strategy, driven by a desire for a more significant role and a chance to make a notable impact. With a versatile skill set at his disposal, Dyches holds the potential to thrive in various offensive systems. Given his talents, the skilled tight end could potentially find a fitting home with a prestigious program like Notre Dame.

National Championship Odds: Maryland +40000

Rashad Amos, Miami (OH) (Prediction: North Carolina)

After committing to South Carolina as a three-star prospect in 2020, Rashad Amos found himself with limited playing opportunities as a Gamecock. Strategically, he made the decision to transfer to Miami of Ohio in search of a more promising chance, where his talents thrived. During his tenure there, Amos displayed his abilities, accumulating an impressive 1,075 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a running back, establishing himself as a potent option in the backfield. Motivated to further validate his skills, Amos has once again entered the transfer portal. With North Carolina in need of backfield assistance for the upcoming season, Amos could potentially find a position at UNC, just north of his initial collegiate home at USC.

National Championship Odds: Miami (OH) +100000

Will McDonald, Coastal Carolina (Prediction: NC State)

Will McDonald, along with a group of other Coastal Carolina transfers, has opted to enter the transfer portal. Renowned for his exceptional performance as an interior lineman, McDonald has consistently showcased his talent in protecting the quarterback and opening up opportunities in the running game throughout his time at CCU. Considering the substantial demand for offensive linemen in college football, McDonald is expected to draw interest from numerous programs. Moreover, with his former teammate Grayson McCall transferring to NC State, McDonald, a native of North Carolina, may also attract interest in joining the Wolfpack.

National Championship Odds: Coastal Carolina: +100000

Marcus Bryant, SMU (Prediction: Missouri)

Marcus Bryant has recently made headlines by entering the transfer portal, joining the ranks of sought-after talents seeking a fresh start. Rising from SMU as a highly skilled offensive tackle, Bryant's exceptional performance earned him All-AAC First-Team honors in 2023, demonstrating his dominance in the trenches. With an imposing height of six-foot-eight, Bryant is anticipated to be one of the most coveted prospects in the portal. While the specific teams expressing interest remain undisclosed, Bryant's decision to explore other opportunities reflects his confidence in attracting significant attention with his abilities. As Missouri aims to build upon last year's impressive season, Marcus Bryant could play a pivotal role in solidifying their offensive line, providing protection for their quarterback, and bolstering the Tigers' running game.

National Championship Odds: SMU: +30000

Tre'Shon Devones, Rice (Prediction: TCU)

Tre’Shon Devones has wrapped up four seasons at Rice University, with his most recent campaign shining as the highlight of his collegiate career. Stepping into a full-time starting position for the Owls, the cornerback capped off the season with impressive statistics, including 45 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, and two interceptions. Now, the Texas native is embarking on a new chapter by entering the transfer portal, eager to find a fresh platform to showcase his skill set. Devones may contemplate returning to his home state and continuing his football journey at TCU, where the Horned Frogs are actively looking to strengthen their defense.

National Championship Odds: Rice +100000

Xamarion Gordon, USC (Prediction: Texas State)

Xamarion Gordon entered USC straight from high school with a reputation as a highly regarded four-star prospect. Despite his significant potential, he faced limited playing time over two seasons and is now determined to explore opportunities in the transfer portal. Standing tall at six-foot-one, the safety possesses ample talent, ensuring considerable interest from potential suitors. Initial reports suggest that Gordon may be contemplating a move to Texas State in pursuit of more playing opportunities.

National Championship Odds: USC +4500

Chad Lindberg, Georgia (Prediction: TCU)

Chad Lindberg has recently made an unexpected entry into the transfer portal. As a former four-star prospect and a Top-200 recruit in his class, he contributed to 12 games for Georgia in the past season. Now parting ways with the Bulldogs, Lindberg is on the lookout for fresh opportunities elsewhere. With his experience as a former UGA lineman, Lindberg could greatly strengthen TCU's offensive line, particularly given the Horned Frogs' urgent requirement in that department. Furthermore, being a Texas native, this move could hold special significance for him.

National Championship Odds: Georgia +300

Simeon Price, Mississippi State (Prediction: Arkansas)

Simeon Price has wrapped up two seasons at Mississippi State but has yet to meet the expectations set by himself or the program when he committed to the Bulldogs out of high school. Nonetheless, blessed with good size and abundant talent, Price possesses all the attributes necessary to thrive as a running back in college football. Seeking the chance to display his abilities, he has opted to explore options in the transfer portal. With Arkansas losing Rocket Sanders to the transfer portal, the Razorbacks might consider bringing Price in to strengthen their backfield. Arkansas heavily recruited Price during his high school years, and with Bobby Petrino's return, the team's offense will require additional firepower.

National Championship Odds: Mississippi State: +70000

Ja'Varrius Johnson, Auburn (Prediction: UCF)

Ja’Varrius Johnson, a highly-touted four-star prospect, initially committed to Auburn with aspirations of becoming a game-changing receiver. However, after three seasons with the Tigers, he has yet to fully unlock his potential. With his senior season on the horizon, Johnson is now seeking a fresh start to fulfill the lofty expectations he had in high school. Early speculation suggests that Johnson may be considering a move to UCF to join the Knights, offering him a new opportunity to showcase his talents and make the leap he has long desired.

National Championship Odds: Auburn: +12000

Romello Height, USC (Prediction: Georgia Tech)

Romello Height made a significant impact during the past season at USC following his transfer from Auburn in 2021. Showcasing his skill set with the Trojans, he achieved career highs across the board with 21 tackles and four sacks. However, despite his talents, the Georgia native didn't secure the playing time he desired at his second collegiate stop. Consequently, he has decided to enter the transfer portal once again, likely attracting considerable interest from potential suitors. Georgia Tech could emerge as an ideal destination for Height, offering him the opportunity to play near his hometown and strengthen the Yellow Jackets' defensive line, which experienced departures this offseason.

National Championship Odds: USC: +4500

Kristopher Ross, Texas (Prediction: Auburn)

Kristopher Ross was initially recruited to Texas as a highly-touted defensive lineman out of high school. He found himself buried on the depth chart and saw minimal playing time due to his undersized stature. Despite having multiple years of eligibility remaining, Ross has decided to enter the transfer portal in search of a new team where he can showcase his talent on the field and continue his development. With his potential to significantly impact any team's defensive line, Ross could be a valuable addition to programs seeking defensive reinforcement. Hugh Freeze, aiming to strengthen his defense to compete in the SEC, may find Ross a fitting addition to his team.

National Championship Odds: Texas: +700

Gunnar Gundy, Ohio (Prediction: JMU)

Gunnar Gundy has completed three seasons at Oklahoma State without an opportunity to lead an offense. After initially committing to Ohio upon entering the transfer portal earlier in the cycle, Gundy has once again entered the portal, seeking the right program to continue his career. A team like James Madison could be a suitable fit for Gundy as he aims to finish his college career on a solid note. JMU offers the quarterback the chance to compete against quality opponents while vying for the starting position.

National Championship Odds: Ohio: +100000

JaQues Evans, Western Kentucky (Prediction: Kentucky)

JaQues Evans, having completed four seasons at Western Kentucky, has entered the transfer portal after experiencing a decline in performance this past season following a standout year in 2022, where he recorded 107 tackles and nine sacks. The linebacker is now seeking a program to help him bounce back. Evans could make a significant impact with his potential to bolster a team's linebacker corps. Staying local could be an attractive option for the Georgia native, and joining the Kentucky Wildcats defense could be a substantial addition.

National Championship Odds: Western Kentucky: +100000