Danny Mogollon

Big 12 Commissioner Pushes for Larger College Playoff

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Height: 6-1 | Weight: 219 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Washington State | New Team: Oklahoma
2024 Stats: 3,139 yards, 64.6%, 9.0 YPA, 29 TDs, 7 INTs
A Texas native, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/john-mateer/20580">John Mateer</a>, was behind <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/cam-ward/22788">Cam Ward</a> on the WSU depth chart for two seasons before the Heisman finalist took his talents to South Beach. His breakout 2024 campaign made Mateer among the most coveted players in the transfer portal. He’s a playmaker who quickly gets rid of the football and was an accurate passer for the Cougars. Mateer was a dynamic runner who rushed for 826 yards (4.6 YPC) and 15 touchdowns—exceeding 1,000 yards if you took out sack yardage. He makes would-be tacklers miss, resulting in explosive plays on the ground. If he can seamlessly jump to a Power 4 conference, Mateer can single-handedly elevate an offense. With his offense coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, taking the same job with Oklahoma, the Sooners were considered the early favorite, and the SEC school landed their next quarterback in mid-December, elevating expectations for 2025.

1) John Mateer, Quarterback

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Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 pounds
Class: Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Stanford | New Team: Texas Tech
2024 Stats: 31 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles
While a potential starting quarterback is the most sought-after commodity in the transfer market, a proven pass rusher might be the hardest to find when searching the portal. That is precisely what <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/david-bailey/33780">David Bailey</a> brings to his new team, Texas Tech. He's coming off a seven-sack season with Stanford, giving him 14.5 in his career, to go along with seven forced fumbles. A member of Bruce Feldman's 2023 Freak List, Bailey brings top-notch speed with tremendous lower-body power. He's blessed with an explosive first step, strong hands, and has flashed the ability to drop into coverage. Throw in a high motor and excellent technique as a tackler, and there's lots to love about what Baily brings to the table as a defender on the edge.

2) David Bailey, EDGE

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 215 pounds
Class: Redshirt Sophomore | Years of Eligibility: 3
Former Team: Tennessee | New Team: UCLA
2024 Stats: 2,616 yards, 63.8%, 7.8 YPA, 19 TDs, 5 INTs
One of the more polarizing figures of the transfer portal/NIL era of college football, there are a lot of opinions about <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nico-iamaleava/38678">Nico Iamaleava</a>, on and off the field. Far from perfect (on or off), it's easy to forget Iamaleava is coming off his redshirt-freshman season, attempted only 45 passes before 2024, and has three years of eligibility remaining. The lasting image is of the Tennessee quarterback completing just 45.2 percent of his passes and barely throwing for 100 yards (104), as his Vols were boatraced in the College Football Playoffs. But last season wasn't all bad for the former five-star recruit, who showed off a strong arm and big-play potential as a runner and passer while protecting the football (5 INTs). He's also blessed with prototypical size and a quick release. Like any young quarterback, Nico must improve his footwork in the pocket and decision-making, which can sometimes be overly aggressive and indecisive (read: too many sacks). It was a grand slam addition for the Bruins to bring the California native back home.

3) Nico Iamaleava, Quarterback

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Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Georgia Tech | New Team: Auburn
2024 Stats: 56 receptions, 754 yards, 13.5 YPC, 3 TDs
After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/eric-singleton/30019">Eric Singleton Jr. </a>followed up with another strong season, giving him 1,468 receiving yards and ten total touchdowns. What Singleton lacks in size, he makes up for with his elite speed and crisp route-running ability. The Georgia native has reliable hands and excels after the catch. As a ball carrier, he was so dangerous that the Yellow Jackets ran him 21 times as a sophomore for 131 yards (6.2 YPC). A three-star out of high school, Singleton was overlooked by the top tier of the SEC, many of whom were knocking on his door before he chose to sign with Auburn.

4) Eric Singleton Jr., Wide Receiver

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230 pounds
Class: Fifth-Year Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Georgia | New Team: Miami
2024 Stats: 3,485 yards, 66.7%, 7.8 YPA, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
Another top quarterback is leaving the SEC. Most in Athens believed 2024 would be <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/carson-beck/22644">Carson Beck's</a> last season as a Dawg, but not that he would be suiting up in college at another university. Going into last season, many viewed Beck as a future first-round pick, a path still open as he takes his talents to South Beach. His completion percentage dropped from 72.4 to 64.7, his yards per pass dipped to 7.8 from 9.5, and Beck's interception total doubled. All of these are indicative of a disappointing campaign by Beck's and UGA's standards. There were still some highs, of course, as he led the Bulldogs to the CFP, where he could not play after suffering an injury in the SEC Championship Game. Beck still has a great frame and all the tools that had him labeled a potential No. 1 overall pick. He's experienced, smart, and has sound mechanics and above-average ball placement. Mobility is less than ideal, and Beck needs to do a better job when asked to push the ball down the field.

5) Carson Beck, Quarterback

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 190 pounds
Class: Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Arizona | New Team: Washington 
2024 Stats: 44 tackles, 2 TFLs, 6 PDs, 0 INTs, 0 sacks
One of the better players in the spring transfer portal last season (he had 15 PDs as a sophomore), Arizona’s new coaching staff convinced <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/tacario-davis/63995">Tacario Davis</a> to return to Tuscan for his junior season with the Wildcats. While it was not a successful campaign for the team as they joined the Big 12, it was for Davis, who earned second-team All-Big 12 honors, once again proving he is among the best covermen in college football.
With his elite size, at 6-4, good speed, and top-notch production, many believed Davis would declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, where it is thought he could be a Day 2 selection. His size allows him to be physical at the line of scrimmage, bumping receivers and getting involved in stopping the run. He’s an excellent tackler. In coverage, Davis uses his length well to get his hands on the football.

6) Tacario Davis, Cornerback

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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 270 pounds
Class: Fifth-Year Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Nevada | New Team: Oregon
2024 Stats: none
After breaking into the starting lineup at right tackle for Nevada as a redshirt freshman, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/isaiah-world/18195">Isaiah World</a> has played over 1,600 snaps at left tackle over the past seasons. The hope in Eugene is that World can adjust to life in the Big Ten (from the Mountain West) as smoothly as he did switching sides of the offensive line. The California native has excellent length, which allows him to keep pass rushers away from his body with nimble feet to mirror defenders as he protects the quarterback. He's improved his technique in pass protection while building on the foundation of physical strength and toughness. His pass pro is ahead of his run blocking at this point in his development, and inconsistency will still plague him, but overall, World gives Oregon another left tackle who NFL scouts will be keeping a close eye on.

7) Isaiah World, Offensive Tackle

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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250 pounds
Class: Fifth-Year Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Florida State | New Team: LSU
2024 Stats: 35 tackles, 11 TFLs, 4 sacks, 0 PD, 0 INTs
<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/patrick-payton/19664">Patrick Payton</a> is one of the most proven defenders in the transfer portal. He has 16 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in his career; however, four sacks in 2024 were a career low. While not as impactful as a pass rusher—FSU was playing with the lead far less this season than last—Payton did manage 11 tackles in the offensive backfield. Teams will also remember he was the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and his impressive redshirt sophomore season with seven sacks, 15 TFLs, and 10 passes defensed.
The expectation was that we’d be debating where the Seminole would land in the NFL Draft. Instead, he’s looking for another chance to impress the scouts with his athletic ability as a disruptive edge defender. Payton has the tools to be a difference-maker. He’s athletic and long, with a quick first step, a nose for the quarterback, and the ability to drop back in coverage.

8) Patrick Payton, EDGE

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Height: 5-10 | Weight: 175 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: USC | New Team: Georgia 
2024 Stats: 47 receptions, 503 yards, 10.7 YPC, 1 TD
A five-star recruit from Bishop Gorman High School, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/zachariah-branch/36487">Zachariah Branch</a>, was the fourth overall player in the 2023 recruiting class per the 247Sports composite rankings. Branch flashed star potential as a true freshman (31 receptions, 320 yards, 70 rushing yards, 3 TDs), and while his usage increased as a sophomore, he hasn’t reached his ceiling, at least not as a receiver. The Las Vegas native is among the fastest players in college football, which is why he makes defensive coordinators hold their breath every time he touches the football. Branch is dangerous after the catch, a skill set that translates to special teams, where he earned All-American honors, a first for a true freshman at USC. Branch added 774 combined return yards in 2023, including a kickoff and punt return for a touchdown. If he taps his potential at Georgia, the Dawgs will get a true difference-maker on offense and special teams.

9) Zachariah Branch, Wide Receiver

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 250 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Georgia | New Team: Missouri
2024 Stats: 22 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 sacks, 2 FFs, 2 FRs
A reserve during his two seasons at Georgia, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/damon-wilson/22652">Damon Wilson II</a> started to flash his explosive impact potential when he got on the field as a sophomore, when he recorded three sacks, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Missouri is getting a player ready to break out and potentially play his way into the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. With a quick first set and flexibility coming off the edge, Wilson is a natural pass rusher. The former five-star recruit also has long arms and strong hands, which make him a challenging edge defender to keep out of the backfield. In addition to needing more reps, Wilson must develop consistency, the ability to handle double teams, and defend the run better. Don't be surprised to see the Tigers use him as a traditional defensive end and with his hand off the ground as a stand-up edge rusher.

10) Damon Wilson II, EDGE

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Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Purdue | New Team: Oregon
2024 Stats: 104 tackles, 70 solo tackles, 1 sack, 6 PDs
It didn't take long to realize that <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dillon-thieneman/26377">Dillon Thieneman</a> would far exceed his three-star recruiting ranking (988th per 247Sports Composite!) when he won numerous freshman of the year awards in his first season on campus, on his way to third-team All-American AP honors. Always near the football, Thieneman has over 200 career tackles going into his junior season. While he failed to intercept a pass in 2024, the former Boilermaker recorded six picks as a true freshman, flashing his ball-hawking potential.
He has excellent range and speed, using his athleticism to get to the right spot. He's also not afraid to mix it up and plays with an aggressive nature that will fit in well with a Dan Lanning defense.

11) Dillon Thieneman, Safety

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Height: 5-11 | Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Tulane | New Team: Oregon
2024 Stats: 1,401 yards, 5.3 YPC, 15 TDs, 19 receptions, 176 yards, 2 YDs
After an injury caused him to sit out his freshman season, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/makhi-hughes/30832">Makhi Hughes</a> hit the ground running as AAC Rookie of the Year (All-AAC First Team). The Birmingham native has already amassed over 2,700 rushing yards and 24 career touchdowns in two seasons. He has also improved his skills as a receiver, catching balls out of the backfield, which is an area he can continue to develop further.
Hughes is a physical runner with superb vision and balance. More of a power runner, don't underestimate his ability to take one to the house. The Ducks lose 1,000-yard back <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jordan-james/29437">Jordan James</a>, which opens the door for Hughes to win the RB1 job with returnee <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/noah-whittington/29363">Noah Whittington</a>, ensuring the Tulane transfer doesn't get overworked. With Oregon breaking in a new QB1, they could lean on the running game more in 2025.

12) Makhi Hughes, Running Back

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Height: 5-11 | Weight: 189 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: North Carolina State | New Team: Texas A&amp;M
2024 Stats: 53 receptions, 460 yards, 8.7 YPC, 6 TDs
If you judge <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/kevin-concepcion/16994">Kevin Concepcion</a> by his 2024 numbers, you might wonder why he is ranked so high on this and most transfer portal lists. There’s nothing wrong with 53 receptions or six touchdowns; however, his 8.7 yards per catch is eye-poppingly bad for a wide receiver. We’re projecting with many players in the portal. Could a player be more productive with a better quarterback or in a different system?
In Concepcion’s case, we know the answer is yes. He put up huge numbers as a true freshman when he outperformed his three-star recruiting ranking. On his way to winning ACC Rookie of the Year, Concepcion had 71 receptions for 839 yards (11.8 YPC) and ten touchdowns and added 320 rushing yards (7.8 YPC). The freshman All-American can be a valuable weapon who excels after the catch.

13) Kevin Concepcion, Wide Receiver

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Height: 6-1 | Weight: 186 pounds
Class: Fifth-Year Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Washington | New Team: North Carolina
2024 Stats: 43 tackles, 26 solo tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT, 10 PDs
A former JUCO standout, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/thaddeus-dixon/32642">Thaddeus Dixon</a>, followed his defensive coordinator, Stephen Belichick, to Chapel Hill after spending two seasons with Washington. A key part of Washington's run to the 2024 Championship Game, Dixon emerged as an all-Big Ten performer last season. One of the things I like about Dixon is that he has both proven himself and continued to improve during his time as a Huskie.
Dixon has excellent size and length, which he knows how to use in coverage. It's his length, along with top-notch timing and anticipation skills, that allow Dixon to get his hands on the football to break up passes. He also uses his size at the line of scrimmage to jam receivers with impressive upper-body strength. What sets this California native apart is his fluidity and ability to move his hips at his size.

14) Thaddeus Dixon, Cornerback

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Height: 56-1 | Weight: 182 pounds
Class: Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Kentucky | New Team: LSU
2024 Stats: 29 receptions, 361 yards, 12.4 YPC, 3 TDs
Looking at his 2024 numbers, you're probably asking yourself why <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/barion-brownhttps://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/barion-brown/28559/28559">Barion Brown</a> is ranked so high. As much as any player in this transfer class, Brown should benefit from a change of scenery, having regressed in his three seasons in Lexington.
The former top-100 recruit is blessed with elite talent, which allowed him to haul in 50 receptions for 628 yards as a true freshman in the SEC. Catching passes from <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/garrett-nussmeier/51357">Garrett Nussmeier</a> in a pass-friendly scheme should enable Brown to tap into his potential as a senior, as the Bayou Bengals look to replace four of their top five pass catchers from a year ago. He's a quick-twitch athlete with elite speed and explosiveness.
Another reason for his lofty ranking is his production as a return specialist. Brown has the SEC record with five kickoff return touchdowns, which leads all active players, and he's UK's record holder in single season (36.0) and career (30.33) kick return average. He has 3,272 career all-purpose yards, and LSU can't get the football in his hands enough.

15) Barion Brown, Wide Receiver

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Height: 5-10 | Weight: 183 pounds
Class: Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Houston | New Team: Florida State
2024 Stats: 24 tackles, 16 solo tackles, 4 INTs, 4 PDs
Starting his career at Syracuse, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/jeremiah-wilson/23863">Jeremiah Wilson</a> saw action in 22 games (five starts) over two seasons for the Orange before transferring to Houston for his junior campaign. Wilson made a splash with an impressive Week 2 performance against Oklahoma and earned himself a starting role.
A PFF favorite, Wilson's defensive grade led all Big 12 cornerbacks and was fourth among all Power Four corners. After spending a season in the Big 12, Wilson finds himself back in the ACC playing for Defensive Coordinator Tony White, who recruited him to Syracuse.
He's an elite athlete who has measured out with top-end long speed and the ability to accelerate. He's undersized, but makes up for it with his quick first step, instincts, and overall aggressiveness. Initially recruited to play in White's Cover 2 system, Wilson is considered a perfect scheme fit in Tallahassee.

16) Jeremiah Wilson, Cornerback

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Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Kentucky | New Team: Nebraska
2024 Stats: 47 receptions, 715 yards, 15.2 YPC, 2 TDs
One of the most productive receivers in the history of Kentucky football, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/dane-key/28516">Dane Key</a>, leaves Lexington with 126 career receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns. A contributor from Day 1, Key is coming off his best season yet with career highs in receptions, yards, and yards per catch. Those numbers could have been better with better quarterback play, which is probably part of why the pass catcher is looking for a new location to finish his college career. The proven starter brings excellent length and size for the position. Key has proven he knows how to get open, and even when he doesn’t, the Kentucky product knows how to use his big body to make plays in traffic.

17) Dane Key, Wide Receiver

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 220 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: USC | New Team: Florida State
2024 Stats: 23 receptions, 396 yards, 17.2 YPC, 5 TDs
Another five-star receiver from USC’s 2023 recruiting class, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/duce-robinson/36493">Duce Robinson</a>, was among the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. The Arizona native was ranked No. 17 overall in the 247Sports composite rankings and considered the top tight end in his class by many. A receiver at USC, Robinson has been a big-play weapon, although not a high-volume pass catcher.
He’s caught 39 passes for 747 yards, including seven touchdowns over two seasons. That’s 19.2 yards per catch and a touchdown every 5.6 receptions—impressive numbers. Despite his massive catch radius, Robinson hasn’t been a highly targeted receiver, which is likely a big reason he entered the portal (along with whatever else is happening at USC). With his impressive frame, Robinson is an elite red zone weapon with excellent athleticism for a man of his size. He could still end up at tight end, where he would be unguardable, before he’s ready to move onto the NFL.

18) Duce Robinson, Wide Receiver

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 338 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Virginia Tech | New Team: Auburn
Ranked the 1oth overall player in the transfer portal by 247Sports, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/xavier-chaplin/28856">Xavier Chaplin</a> was among the most coveted players changing teams this offseason. Left tackles don't grow on trees. Not one with 25 career starts of Power 4 football, twice recognized as an All-ACC performer (third team in 2023, honorable mention in 2024). Especially if he's 6'7 and 338 pounds with feet nimble enough to handle pass rushers coming off the edge, Chaplin uses his length very well, keeping those edge rushers at bay, as well as setting the edge in the run game. His awareness needs to improve, especially when it comes to recognizing where the blitz is coming from, and he's not as flexible as some scouts would like. Nevertheless, there is some first-round buzz for the Auburn Tiger.

19) Xavier Chaplin, Offensive Tackle

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 236 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Purdue | New Team: Ohio State
2024 Stats: 51 receptions, 685 yards, 13.4 YPC, 4 TDs
As a redshirt freshman, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/max-klare/26362">Max Klare</a> began to make an impact as a pass catcher; however, an ankle injury cut his season short after just five games. He broke out last season when the Ohio native eclipsed the 50-catch plateau and nearly reached 700 receiving yards for the Boilermakers. Staying in the Big Ten, Klare is taking his talents from the worst team in the conference to the B1G favorites (+190) going into this season. An impact player in the passing game, he can stretch the field down the seam and make plays after the catch. It's that ability that should make Klare the best pass-catching tight end at Ohio State in years. Where Klare needs to work on his game is the blocking department, as both strength and technique are lacking. While he should be working with a better quarterback this season, the competition for targets in Columbus is far fiercer than in West Lafayette. The junior enters 2025 riding a 17-game streak with multiple receptions.

20) Max Klare, Tight End

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Height: 6-4 | Weight: 210 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Oklahoma | New Team: LSU
2024 Stats: 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 TDs
After a breakout redshirt freshman season, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/nic-anderson/21183">Nic Anderson</a> went down for the season in Week 1 against Tennessee in 2024 when he suffered a significant tear in his quadriceps.  If he's healthy, Anderson is one of college football's most explosive playmakers. The Texas native needed only 38 receptions to accumulate 798 yards and ten touchdown receptions in 2023 for a whopping 21.0 yards per reception. He brings a rare blend of length with a tremendous wingspan and elite straight-line speed. Throw in his ability to track the football, and Anderson is an A+ vertical threat whose ability to take the top off defenses will strike fear in opposing coaches. Not afraid to get physical, he also makes an impact in the red zone. That mentality doesn't necessarily translate to his blocking skills. As a receiver, Anderson lacks a well-rounded route tree. Even if he remains a one-trick pony, Anderson is such a variable asset to any offense.

21) Nic Anderson, Wide Receiver

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Height: 6-3 | Weight: 200 pounds
Class: Redshirt Sophomore | Years of Eligibility: 3
Former Team: Tulane | New Team: Duke
2024 Stats: 2,723 yards, 65.9%, 9.5 YPA, 22 TDs, 6 INTs
While <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/darian-mensah/30844">Darian Mensah</a> didn't put up gaudy numbers in 2024, he did lead the American Athletic Conference in yards per completion (9.5) and completion percentage (65.9), showing a unique efficiency for a redshirt freshman when the Green Wave let him rip it. That included a career-high 342 yards on 29 attempts against Kansas State of the Big 12. An accurate passer, Mensah possesses good arm strength and knows when to add touch to the football. Evaluators were impressed with his mental acumen and understanding of the game, especially for a first-year player. He also flashed the ability to run with the football, topping 40 yards on the ground in two of his last three games. Another bonus for the Dukies is that, unlike most proven players at the upper end of the transfer portal rankings, Mensah has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

22) Darian Mensah, Quarterback

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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Nebraska | New Team: Ole Miss
2024 Stats: 13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 1 PD, 0 INTs
After a promising freshman season, there were high expectations for <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/princewill-umanmielen/37629">Princewill Umanmielen</a> going into the 2024 season. While he registered only one sack as a true freshman, his 22 tackles were very impressive for a first-year player along the line of scrimmage. Things didn’t work out as planned this season, although he did post a season-high three tackles in Nebraska’s bowl-clinching win over Wisconsin.
The former Husker will follow in his brother’s footsteps, as he’s committed to Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/princely-umanmielen/48326">Princely Umanmielen</a> was one of the most coveted edge defenders in last year’s portal class, and he busted through with 10.5 sacks (13 TFLs) for the Rebels to set himself up for the 2025 NFL Draft. The younger Umanmielen has similar traits and upside as a pass rusher and potentially even an off-ball defender.

23) Princewill Umanmielen, EDGE

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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 225 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Cal | New Team: Indiana
2024 Stats: 3,004 yards, 68.7%, 7.8 YPA, 16 TDs, 6 INTs
The Cal quarterback is a rarity in the portal—a starting passer coming off a successful season in the Power 4. Once committed to Yale before enrolling at Cal, you know <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/fernando-mendoza/49656">Fernando Mendoza</a> is one of the most intelligent players in the portal, and over the past two seasons, he’s proven he can play. Mendoza started the final eight games of his redshirt freshman season and 11 this past season. He’s started 19 games with 4,712 yards and 30 TD passes. The Miami man set career highs in 2024 in yards, completion percentage, yards per pass, and touchdown passes with fewer interceptions. Mendoza brings a quality arm and good athleticism and is well-recognized for his toughness. He played behind one of the worst offensive lines in the Power 4, which is why many believe he’s still only scratching the surface.

24) Fernando Mendoza, Quarterback

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Height: 6-6 | Weight: 265 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Purdue | New Team: Clemson
2024 Stats: 56 tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, 1 FR, 0 INTs
You didn't think three Purdue Boilermakers would be ranked so high on this list, did you? In two seasons in West Lafayette, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/will-heldt/26452">Will Heldt</a> saw action in 24 games, including 12 starts as a sophomore when he was seemingly in on every play. Very active, Heldt excelled at getting into the opponent's backfield and should only get better this season as a pass rusher. Joining what was already one of the nation's best defensive lines, don't be surprised if he records double-digit sacks, as it will be nearly impossible to double-team the Indiana native. Heldt has excellent length and size, which he uses well at the point of attack. He uses his frame to keep blockers off him and has a strong first punch. Can be overaggressive and doesn't have the quickness to make up for missteps.

25) Will Heldt, EDGE

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Height: 6-7 | Weight: 255 pounds
Class: Redshirt Freshman | Years of Eligibility: 4
Former Team: Missouri | New Team: Nebraska
2024 Stats: 2 tackles, 1.0 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, 1 FR, 1 QB Hurry
A five-star recruit out of high school, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/williams-nwaneri/32813">Williams Nwaneri</a> cracked the top 10 for 247Sports and Rivals as the top player coming out of Missouri. As a true freshman for the Tigers, Nwaneri saw a mere 38 snaps over four games, so he was able to preserve his year of eligibility. The Kansas City native has a massive frame, at 6'7" and 255 pounds, and looks like a power forward on the gridiron. It's that size, coupled with impressive athleticism, that had colleges salivating on the recruiting trail. In terms of potential, he fills the void left by <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/princewill-umanmielen/37629" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Princewill Umanmielen's</a> transfer to Ole Miss. The move to Lincoln wasn't a shocker, not after Matt Rhule hired Nwaneri's former high school coach as a senior analyst. Many players in the portal are unproven, no more so than Nwaneri, who also brings unrivaled potential.

26) Williams Nwaneri, EDGE

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Height: 6-5 | Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Texas A&amp;M | New Team: Georgia
2024 Stats: 39 receptions, 574 yards, 8 TDs
A top-50 recruit coming out of high school, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/noah-thomas/45702">Noah Thomas</a> improved every season in College Station, as he developed into Texas A&amp;M's leading receiver in 2024 when he averaged 14.7 yards per catch and caught eight touchdowns. With a more consistent passing game, the Texas native could have put up even bigger numbers, whether he finds that with the Bulldogs is anyone's guess. What's clear to all is that Thomas brings a rare blend of length and elite speed, which makes him challenging to cover one-on-one. Just as impressive is his quickness and ability to change speeds. He also has reliable hands and a keen ability to track the ball. The former Aggie will provide Georgia with a legitimate deep threat who doubles as a red zone weapon. If he can get stronger at the line of scrimmage and improve his route running, we could be talking about a first-round pick.

27) Noah Thomas, Wide Reciever

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Height: 6-8 | Weight: 340 pounds
Class: Redshirt Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: North Carolina | New Team: Texas Tech
The Houston native began his career at North Texas, where he appeared in six games over two seasons (including a redshirt year) before transferring to North Carolina in 2024, gaining his first taste of Power 5 football. <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/howard-sampson/33148">Howard Sampson</a> returns to the Lone Star State as one of the crown jewels of Texas Tech's elite transfer portal class. Standing at 6'8," he resembles a hooper, and he tips the scales at 340 pounds (per Tech HC Joey McGuire in the spring), giving him elite size for an offensive tackle. With long arms, elite mobility, and fluidity, Sampson has all the physical tools to develop into a top left tackle. He's a lot to get around for a pass rusher and has the athleticism to get to the second level in the run game. Sampson's play down-in, down-out doesn't always match that potential, but that's expected to improve in his second season as a starter.

28) Howard Sampson, Offensive Tackle

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Height: 5-11 | Weight: 205 pounds
Class: Junior | Years of Eligibility: 2
Former Team: Alabama | New Team: Michigan
2024 Stats: 448 yards, 5.7 YPC, 7 TDs, 17 receptions, 99 yards
Hailing from Georgia's heralded Buford High School, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/justice-haynes/19397">Justice Haynes</a> was a five-star recruit who spurned the hometown Dawgs for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. In limited duty (25 carries) as a true freshman, Haynes averaged 6.7 yards per carry. His role grew in 2024 when the Georgia native found the end zone seven times as a runner and caught 17 passes, but his 79 carries as a sophomore left him yearning for more touches, which he hopes to see in Ann Arbor. Michigan is replacing <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kalel-mullings/86333">Kalel Mullings</a> and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/donovan-edwards/86643">Donovan Edwards</a> (313 carries combined in 2024). The Wolverines have had multiple rushers with at least 119 carries in each of the past five non-COVID seasons. Not a burner, Haynes excels in everything else. He has excellent vision, strength, balance, burst, and one-cut quickness. Haynes can run through tackles and make defenders miss in the open field. He's also a proven blocker with reliable hands who still might reach the All-American potential his recruiting ranking foretold.

29) Justice Haynes, Running Back

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Height: 6-3 | Weight: 317 pounds
Class: Fifth-Year Senior | Years of Eligibility: 1
Former Team: Washington State | New Team: Kentucky
2024 Stats: 21 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, 3 PDs
With <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/keeshawn-silver/28522">Keeshawn Silver</a> on his way to USC, the Wildcats had a gaping hole to fill on the interior of their defensive line. The UK did that with the addition of <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/cfb/players/david-gusta/20554">David Gusta</a>, who is arguably an upgrade. Over the past two seasons at Washington State, Gusta has earned 23 starts and made an impact in controlling the line of scrimmage. The fifth-year senior is a rare high-motor defensive tackle who plays with discipline and maintains gap integrity. Gusta is strong enough to get off blocks and has flashed the ability to penetrate the offensive backfield, even though the numbers don't fully reflect that. Throw in his athleticism, and there's the belief that the big fella is just scratching the surface of his potential. Not a big-time pass rusher, but gets his hands up near the quarterback, clogging passing lanes and getting his hands on the football. Capable of playing both the 1- and 3-technique positions along the defensive line.

30) David Gusta, Defensive Tackle

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Discover the top transfer portal players from 2024-25 poised to impact the 2025 college football season, with analysis of fit, talent, and breakout potential.

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