NCAAF · 1 year ago

Ranking the Top 15 Players Heading Into the College Football Transfer Portal

John Canady

Host · Writer

15) DL Tyson Ford, Notre Dame
Tyson Ford spent one season at Notre Dame in 2023, where he saw minimal time on the field. In 2024, Ford has yet to suit up for a game with the Fighting Irish this season. The defender heads to the transfer portal, hoping to find a new home over the offseason.
1) Bear Alexander, USC
Bear Alexander transferred to USC from Georgia in 2023. In his first season with the Trojans, the talented defensive lineman racked up 47 tackles, two pass defenses, and 1.5 sacks. Fast-forward to this season, and the Texas native saw his reps drop, which led to Alexander opting to enter the transfer portal and looking for another fresh start.
2) Donaven McCulley, Indiana
Donaven McCulley has spent three seasons with the Hoosiers, during which he’s shown flashes of his potential. The talented wide receiver entered the portal over the offseason before new head coach Curt Cignetti convinced the playmaker to stay. However, after an undefeated start, Culley re-enters the transfer portal after only grabbing two receptions in five weeks.
3) Jahiem Oatis, Alabama
Jaheim Oatis is yet another talented defender set to hit the portal. The Crimson Tide defensive lineman started 13 games in two seasons under former head coach Nick Saban, but with new coach Kalen DeBoer running the show, Oatis’ snap counts have taken a significant hit—the former four-star hits the portal, looking for a fresh start.
4) Devin Neal, Louisville
Devin Neal joined Louisville in 2023 after three solid seasons with Baylor. The safety had a breakout season in his first year with the Cardinals, but now, he’s struggled to contribute to the team’s stout defense. The safety hits the portal, and he will likely have many suitors for his services.
5) CB Bryon Threats, UCF
Bryon Threats spent three seasons at Cincinnati before transferring to UCF in the offseason. The versatile defensive back put up impressive stats with the Bearcats and hoped to find the same prominent role with the Knights. However, Threats returns to the portal after only tallying six tackles in the first five weeks.
6) DE Red Hibbler, NC State
Red Hibbler is set to enter the transfer portal after a lackluster start to the season with the Wolfpack. The defensive end led the team in sacks last year with 6.5 and added 13 total tackles throughout last season. However, after low usage, the talented defender enters the transfer portal hoping to find a new program he can impact with his remaining eligibility.
7) WR Anthony Simpson, UMass
Anthony Simpson spent two seasons at Arizona before transferring to UMass in 2023. During his first year with the Minutemen, Simpson finished with 792 receiving yards and three touchdowns looking to be a reliable playmaker entering 2024. However, the wide receiver has yet to make an impact this season after seemingly being pushed out of the lineup. Simpson heads back to the portal to try to find a new home.
8) Leshon Williams, Iowa
Leshon Williams has spent four seasons with the Hawkeyes since committing out of high school in 2021. Last year, the running back finished the season with 821 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Williams looked poised for a career year this season, but in six weeks, the senior has only touched the ball 15 times. The offensive playmaker now adds to a talented list of players in the portal.
9) CB Jahari Rogers, SMU
Jahari Rogers initially committed to Florida after graduating high school before transferring to SMU in 2021. Since then, the cornerback has spent four seasons with the Mustangs, where he made an impact as a consistent defender in the secondary. Unfortunately, Rogers looks to have been pushed back in the rotation to start the 2024 season, which led to the Texas native entering the transfer portal.
10) Kaleb Brown, Iowa
Kaleb Brown transferred from Ohio State to Iowa in the offseason of 2023. The versatile pass-catcher joined the Hawkeyes hoping to break out, but Brown’s production has been disappointing in two seasons. Now, the junior again hits the portal, hoping to turn his career around.
11) WR Xavier Townsend, UCF
Xavier Townsend began his college career with UCF in 2022 after committing to the Knights out of high school. In three seasons, the wide receiver has yet to find the opportunity to showcase his talent consistently. The junior ends his season early with plans to enter the transfer portal.
12) CB Jaden Mickey, Notre Dame
After being a highly touted recruit, Jaden Mickey committed to Notre Dame out of high school. The corner spent three seasons with the Fighting Irish but never found the size of a role many envisioned. Mickey heads to the transfer portal, seeking a more significant opportunity on a different team.
13) WR Christian Leary, Georgia Tech
Christian Leary committed to Alabama as a four-star recruit. After two unimpactful years with the Crimson Tide, the Florida native transferred to Georgia Tech, hoping for more opportunities. Unfortunately, after two disappointing seasons, the wideout returns to the portal again.
14) WR Jaedon Wilson, Arkansas
Jaedon Wilson signed up with Arkansas as a three-star recruit after high school. Despite other offers elsewhere, the wide receiver chose to stay close to home and suit up for the Razorbacks. However, after two seasons with little production, Wilson heads to the portal early, looking to retain an extra season of eligibility.
15) DL Tyson Ford, Notre Dame
Tyson Ford spent one season at Notre Dame in 2023, where he saw minimal time on the field. In 2024, Ford has yet to suit up for a game with the Fighting Irish this season. The defender heads to the transfer portal, hoping to find a new home over the offseason.
1) Bear Alexander, USC
Bear Alexander transferred to USC from Georgia in 2023. In his first season with the Trojans, the talented defensive lineman racked up 47 tackles, two pass defenses, and 1.5 sacks. Fast-forward to this season, and the Texas native saw his reps drop, which led to Alexander opting to enter the transfer portal and looking for another fresh start.