NCAAF · 2 months ago

Which 50 Teams Improved Most in the College Football Transfer Portal?

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

50. Cal Golden Bears
The Cal Golden Bears were completely gutted early in the transfer portal cycle. They lost a ton of talent and were then required to dive into the portal in the spring and try to cobble together a competitive roster. Thirty-eight players were added, with standouts including SMU running back LJ Johnson Jr. and four-star recruit and transfer from Oregon Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Hezekiah Masses is a quality corner, and I like some of the edge rushers and wide receivers the Golden Bears grabbed. It’s an uphill climb for Cal, and the tenure for Justin Wilcox might be running out.
1. LSU Tigers
Ranking the Top College Football Quarterbacks for 2025

Total Commits: 18 | Top Commit Offense: WR Nic Anderson | Defense: EDGE Patrick Payton

It has to be somewhat tricky for LSU fans to sit and watch Notre Dame run to an appearance in the National Championship Game after missing the playoffs in back-to-back years with the Irish’s former head coach leading the program in Baton Rouge. Brian Kelly has been busy, and LSU is loading up in the transfer portal to fix its ailing defense. Blake Baker’s defense added three impact pass rushers, with FSU transfer Patrick Payton highlighting the additions. They then added a pair of top-ten transfer corners in Mansoor Delane and Ja’Keem Jackson to help a woeful pass defense. The offense was not ignored as highlight-reel wide receiver Barion Brown joined from Kentucky, and Nic Anderson was added from Oklahoma. LSU then got a pair of interior linemen that should help improve the running game. The clash at Clemson to open the 2025 season is one of the most interesting games in the country early next year.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 1
On3 Team: 2
Rivals: 1

LSU FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +1800

Conference Winner +700

Over 8.5 Wins -132

Under 8.5 Wins +108

Odds as of July 13
2. Oregon Ducks
Top 10 Oregon Ducks Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run

Total Commits: 11 | Top Commit Offense: OT Isaiah World | Defense: S Dillon Thieneman

The Oregon Ducks were the No. 1 team in the country for much of the 2024 season. Their quest for a national title ended much earlier than they had hoped, but the Ducks will have a shot to make another run in 2025. It has been a quality-over-quantity approach for Dan Lanning in the transfer portal, and Oregon has added some potentially impactful pieces to its roster. The offensive line got a significant boost, with three of the highest-rated linemen on the market coming to Eugene. Makhi Hughes is an awesome get from Tulane and will be one of the best running backs in the country next season. The defense did not add much, but safety Dillon Thieneman was a recruiting win over Ohio State, and well-traveled defensive lineman Bear Alexander adds depth in the trenches.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 5
On3 Team: 4
Rivals: 35

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +1100

Conference Winner +330

Over 10.5 Wins +118

Under 10.5 Wins -144

Odds as of July 13
3. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Ranking the Top College Football Running Backs for 2025

Total Commits: 21 | Top Commit Offense: OT Howard Sampson | Defense: EDGE David Bailey

Texas Tech’s boosters must have sensed an opportunity to make some noise in the restructured Big 12 because the Red Raiders went big in the transfer portal. Despite losing five-star wideout Micah Hudson, Lubbock's roster improved in the past month. Texas Tech surprisingly landed ten of the top 125 players in 247Sports’ rankings. They focused primarily on improving a broken pass defense, adding five players to the secondary and three highly-rated defensive linemen. On offense, they added talented tight end Terrance Carter from Louisiana and dynamic running back Quinten Joyner from USC. The Red Raiders might not win the Big 12, but it won’t be because of a lack of talent.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 2
On3 Team: 1
Rivals: 3

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +13000

Conference Winner +650

Over 8.5 Wins -122

Under 8.5 Wins +100

Odds as of July 13
4. Auburn Tigers
Breakout College Football Stars to Know for the 2025 Season

Total Commits: 19 | Top Commit Offense: WR Eric Singleton Jr.| Defense: CB Raion Strader

It was well-known in college football circles that Auburn was amassing funds to go “all in” for the 2025 college football season. The Tigers had a talented young core of high school recruits in 2024 and supplemented that with a terrific transfer haul during this portal window. A quarterback was a must, and they will be counting on Hugh Freeze to get the most out of either Jackson Arnold or Stanford transfer Ashton Daniels. They added a pair of starting offensive linemen and then snagged Eric Singleton, the top wide receiver in the market, from Georgia Tech. Horatio Fields is a good addition at wideout from Wake Forest, and Preston Howard is a capable tight end from Maryland. The defense added help at each level, with defensive back Raion Strader standing out in particular. Auburn kicks off the 2025 season with Baylor in Waco and has SEC games against Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia, Missouri, and Alabama, but the Tigers will be a team to keep an eye on in a make-or-break campaign for Freeze.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 8
On3 Team: 6
Rivals: 17

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +5000

Conference Winner +2000

Over 7.5 Wins -164

Under 7.5 Wins +134

Odds as of July 13

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5. Florida State Seminoles
Ranking the Top College Football Wide Receivers for 2025

Total Commits: 23 | Top Commit Offense: WR Duece Robinson | Defense: CB Jeremiah Wilson

The 2024 season was a disaster in every conceivable way for the Florida State Seminoles. Head coach Mike Norvell went from an extension to the hot seat in near-record time and needs a strong 2025 campaign to remain in Tallahassee. The staff has changed, and the roster will look much different again. Thomas Castellanos is far from perfect, but he should be an upgrade at quarterback, especially under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn. A pair of well-regarded offensive linemen (Luke Petitbon chief among them) are arriving and will start immediately, and receivers Duce Robinson and Squirrel White were good additions. The defensive additions are not quite as strong, but I like edge rushers James Williams from Nebraska and Jayson Jenkins from Tennessee. They have lower ceilings than guys like Marvin Jones Jr. (that FSU lost in the portal), but higher floors and actual production.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 6
On3 Team: 34
Rivals: 7

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +46000

Conference Winner +2900

Over 7.5 Wins +160

Under 7.5 Wins -200

Odds as of July 13
6. Texas A&M Aggies
Ranking the Top College Football Offensive Linemen for 2025

Total Commits: 14 | Top Commit Offense: WR Kevin Concepcion| Defense: CB Julian Humphrey

Year 1 in College Station for Mike Elko got off to a strong start but petered out and ended in disappointment. The Texas A&M Aggies continue the roster transition under the new coaching staff with another good transfer class. The offense needed to get more dynamic, and A&M hopes they have done so with the addition of former NC State do-everything weapon, KC Concepcion. They also brought in Houston wide receiver Jonah Wilson, plus former five-star Texas Tech receiver Micah Hudson and four-star Mississippi State receiver Mario Craver. That’s an infusion of talent at wide receiver unmatched by anyone in the country. The defense added four defensive linemen, edge rushers, and former UGA corner Julian Humphrey.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 11
On3 Team: 11
Rivals: 37

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +3900

Conference Winner +1500

Over 7.5 Wins -168

Under 7.5 Wins +136

Odds as of July 13
7. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Ranking the Top College Football Offensive Linemen for 2025

Total Commits: 17 | Top Commit Offense: WR Dane Key | Defense: EDGE Williams Nwaneri

Matt Rhule’s Nebraska team broke a long bowl drought but lost many players to the portal. It is debatable how many of those players were ones Nebraska wanted to keep, and the staff got to work on upgrading the roster with incoming additions. The receiving room was upgraded as Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter signed on with Big Red. Those two, plus the returning Isaiah Neyor, give Nebraska a chance to surround quarterback Dylan Raiola with real weapons. Former five-star edge rusher Williams Nwaneri was a good get, and Dasan McCullough is a bet on his upside.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 13
On3 Team: 41
Rivals: 11

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +16000

Conference Winner +3500

Over 7.5 Wins -142

Under 7.5 Wins +116

Odds as of July 13
8. Oklahoma Sooners
Ranking the Top College Football Tight Ends for 2025

Total Commits: 22 | Top Commit Offense: QB John Mateer | Defense: EDGE Marvin Jones Jr.

The Oklahoma Sooners were a disappointment in their first year in the SEC. They also lost a good chunk of talent when the portal opened, but they were gradually impressed with the players they are bringing in. Marvin Jones Jr. is a significant talent from Florida State, and he’s joined on defense by solid linebacker Kendal Daniels. The offense has been the focus as the Sooners landed quarterback John Mateer, pairing him with his offensive coordinator from this past season. Receivers Keontez Lewis, Josiah Martin, and Isaiah Sategna will be an upgrade over what they lost. The Sooners need to add offensive line help, but they upgraded in a big way at quarterback, making them a winner.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 12
On3 Team: 50
Rivals: 26

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +5500

Conference Winner +2400

Over 6.5 Wins -178

Under 6.5 Wins +144

Odds as of July 13
9. Miami Hurricanes
Ranking the Top College Football Interior Defensive Linemen for 2025

Total Commits: 19 | Top Commit Offense: QB Carson Beck | Defense: CB Xavier Lucas

The Miami Hurricanes have recruited well at the high school level under Mario Cristobal. Still, they have also utilized the transfer portal to accentuate the roster and brought in a star quarterback last offseason to turbo-charge the program's momentum. Of course, Cam Ward could not solve the defensive issues, and Miami missed the College Football Playoff after a disastrous late loss to Syracuse.

They have dipped into the portal again with eight new players, including Georgia quarterback Carson Beck. Beck is recovering from a shoulder injury but is still very talented. The rest of the class focused on the defense as Miami landed four cornerbacks and a safety to revamp a secondary shelled in 2024.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 3
On3 Team: 5
Rivals: 9

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +4100

Conference Winner +380

Over 9.5 Wins +122

Under 9.5 Wins -150

Odds as of July 13
10. Ole Miss Rebels
Ranking the Top College Football Edge Defenders for 2025

Total Commits: 30 | Top Commit Offense: OG Patrick Kutas | Defense: EDGE Princewill Umanmielen

Ole Miss was “all in” for the 2024 season, but it's fair to call their campaign disappointing. The Rebels missed the College Football Playoff and suffered some inexcusable losses. There are many pieces to replace, but Lane Kiffin is not shy about going big in the transfer portal and has brought in another excellent class.

The defensive line needed retooling, and talented pass rushers Da’Shawn Womack and Princewill Umanmielen needed to produce to their potential. The primary focus was the offense. The Rebels added five wide receivers, two tight ends, two running backs, and four offensive linemen, with Arkansas transfer Patrick Kutas likely the best of the bunch.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 4
On3 Team: 3
Rivals: 2

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +3300

Conference Winner +1700

Over 8.5 Wins -140

Under 8.5 Wins +114

Odds as of July 13
11. Missouri Tigers
Ranking the Top College Football Safeties for 2025

Total Commits: 22 | Top Commit Offense: WR Kevin Coleman Jr. | Defense: EDGE Damon Wilson II

Missouri was a playoff contender, at least on paper, until the latter portions of the 2024 season. Still, they were lucky to beat anyone with a pulse as Brady Cook struggled to stay healthy. The Tigers turn to Penn State transfer Beau Pribula to step in at quarterback and elevate his play in a full-time role. Former Georgia edge rusher Damon Wilson II is the headliner addition on defense, and they loaded up on offensive linemen in hopes of keeping Pribula protected.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 7
On3 Team: 7
Rivals: 5

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +20000

Conference Winner +9500

Over 7.5 Wins +144

Under 7.5 Wins -178

Odds as of July 13
12. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Ranking the Top College Football Cornerbacks for 2025

Total Commits: 33 | Top Commit Offense: QB Luke Kromenhoek | Defense: IDL Redd Hibbler

Transfer portal success in the Magnolia State is not limited to Oxford. After a rough first season in Starkville, Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby turned to the portal to fill the deficiencies in the Bulldogs’ roster. The class consists of 24 incoming transfers, and it is a bet on the sheer quantity that will result in some “hits” that can help Mississippi State escape the basement of the league. They are counting on Florida State transfer Luke Kromenhoek to be ready to contribute immediately at quarterback and gel with the wholly revamped receiver room. My favorite addition is South Alabama running back Fluff Bothwell. He will be a star in Starkville.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 17
On3 Team: 42
Rivals: 15

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +30000

Over 3.5 Wins -150

Under 3.5 Wins +122

Odds as of July 13
13. Wisconsin Badgers
Total Commits: 21 | Top Commit Offense: QB Billy Edwards Jr. | Defense: EDGE Tyreese Fearby

Things are getting a bit tense in Madison as the Luke Fickell era has gotten off to a less-than-stellar start, and there are questions about how well Wisconsin can compete in the larger Big Ten during the NIL era. Fickell knows things need to be picked up in 2025 and brought in 18 transfers this window. Former Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. and former San Diego State starter Danny O’Neil are coming in to try to fix the quarterback position. Idaho Vandals receiver Mark Hamper is an interesting addition, and they have replenished the defensive line.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 14
On3 Team: 65
Rivals: 32

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +10000

Conference Winner +14000

Over 5.5 Wins +138

Under 5.5 Wins -170

Odds as of July 13
14. Arkansas Razorbacks
Total Commits: 31 | Top Commit Offense: OT Corey Robinson | Defense: CB Julian Neal

Sam Pittman survives for another season in Fayetteville, and the Arkansas Razorbacks are bringing in 22 transfers to replenish a roster that lost quite a few contributors. The class consists of seven pass catchers, two running backs, and five new offensive linemen. That means the Hogs have 14 new offensive transfers to mesh with coordinator Bobby Petrino.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 16
On3 Team: 57
Rivals: 14

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +65000

Conference Winner +20000

Over 5.5 Wins +110

Under 5.5 Wins -134

Odds as of July 13
15. Kentucky Wildcats
Total Commits: 26 | Top Commit Offense: OT Alex Wollschlaeger | Defense: IDL David Gusta

We jump over to the Bluegrass State, Lexington, for the number 15. The Kentucky Wildcats were gutted in the transfer portal, but they responded with some key additions that addressed a lot of holes.

Kendrick Law (Alabama) and Tru Edwards (Louisiana Tech) were good gets at wide receiver after significant departures at that position. The offensive line got a few nice players, including big tackle Alex Wollschlaeger from Bowling Green. They need quarterback transfer Zach Calzada to play better than he has thus far in college.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 10
On3 Team: 16
Rivals: 8

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +30000

Over 4.5 Wins -120

Under 4.5 Wins -102

Odds as of July 13
16. North Carolina Tar Heels
Total Commits: 41 | Top Commit Offense: OT Daniel King | Defense: CB Thaddeus Dixon

No one knows how the Bill Belichick experiment will go in Chapel Hill, and the first portal class will not solve the mystery. However, the North Carolina Tar Heels landed a solid group from the portal, buoyed by a defensive exodus from Washington to North Carolina, following DC Stephen Belichick.

The Tar Heels brought at least three likely starters in from Washington. UNC also addressed the offensive line with five additions in that group. The most significant question mark comes on offense. They did not bring in any difference makers at receiver or running back, and quarterback Ryan Browne was a backup for much of the year for a dreadful Purdue team.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 9
On3 Team: 8
Rivals: 6

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +10000

Conference Winner +4200

Over 7.5 Wins +138

Under 7.5 Wins -170

Odds as of July 13
17. Indiana Hoosiers
Top 10 Indiana Hoosiers Returning For Another College Football Playoff Run

Total Commits: 23 | Top Commit Offense: QB Fernando Mendoza | Defense: CB Amariyun Knighten

The odds are against the Indiana Hoosiers replicating the school’s best-ever season and returning to the College Football Playoff for a second straight season. Still, Curt Cignetti and his staff are going to try. The Hoosiers lost no major contributors to the portal. Still, they did have some serious losses to graduation (Kurtis Rourke, top two running backs, top slot receiver, stud linebacker Jailin Walker, and top interior defensive linemen). As any IU fan could have hoped, they immediately and aggressively filled those positions.

Indiana added one of the top transfer quarterbacks, Fernando Mendoza, from Cal, and a pair of excellent running backs, Roman Hemby and Lee Beebe. They added depth to the offensive line with two potential starters and a pair of solid receivers from Michigan and Appalachian State.

The secondary will be one of the nation’s best after adding Dylan Gandy, Louis Moore, Amariyun Knighten, and Devan Boykin to an already loaded group. They also got a pair of all-conference interior defensive linemen that will start right away. It may not be the fairy tale season they had in 2024, but the 2025 Indiana Hoosiers will be just as talented.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 22
On3 Team: 14
Rivals: 10

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +15000

Conference Winner +4100

Over 8.5 Wins +110

Under 8.5 Wins -134

Odds as of July 13
18. South Carolina Gamecocks
Total Commits: 18 | Top Commit Offense: RB Rahsui Faison | Defense: CB Brandon Cisse

The South Carolina Gamecocks return quarterback LaNorris Sellers and star edge rusher Dylan Stewart, and have a group that will be considered for the top ten in preseason polls. This incoming transfer class is not nearly as high-volume as the one brought in last offseason, but the ten additions addressed some key needs and helped round out a talented roster.

Jaylen Brown from Florida State should pair well with Stewart as a pass rusher, and Utah State transfer Rahsul Faison figures to be the starting tailback. The most interesting addition was quarterback Air Noland from Ohio State. The former five-star prospect sat all season and knew Julian Sayin beat him out, but he’s now behind budding star Sellers.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 15
On3 Team: 27
Rivals: 30

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +5500

Conference Winner +2700

Over 7.5 Wins +110

Under 7.5 Wins -134

Odds as of July 13
19. Virginia Cavaliers
Total Commits: 31 | Top Commit Offense: OT Monroe Mills | Defense: IDL Hunter Osborne

Head coach Tony Elliott did just enough to save his job in 2024, and the Cavaliers hit the transfer portal to try to put together a good enough roster in 2025 to compete for a quality bowl game. Virginia brought in 19 transfers and focused on the offensive side of the ball, especially the offensive line.

Four incoming offensive linemen are expected to compete for starting jobs, and they’ll be blocking for new quarterback Chandler Morris as he jumps from North Texas to Virginia. Keep an eye on receivers Cam Ross (James Madison) and Jahmal Edrine (Purdue).

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 24
On3 Team: 26
Rivals: 18

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +10000

Over 6.5 Wins +112

Under 6.5 Wins -138

Odds as of July 13
20. Colorado Buffaloes
Total Commits: 33 | Top Commit Offense: QB Kaidon Salter | Defense: IDL Jehiem Oatis

Shedeur Sanders is gone, and Travis Hunter is gone. Despite most assumptions to the contrary, Deion Sanders remains the head coach at Colorado, and he’s entering the second phase of the program, one without his son at quarterback and without the best player in the sport at cornerback and wide receiver.

Colorado added 17 transfers, and the class primarily focused on getting better on the defensive front. Jehiem Oatis is the headliner, and the 6’5” beefy addition from Alabama should instantly provide a presence against the run. They added two other defensive linemen and three linebackers to remake the front seven. The season's fate likely rests with how well transfer quarterback Kaidon Salter from Liberty can acclimate to a competitive step-up.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 19
On3 Team: 23
Rivals: 12

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +70000

Conference Winner +3100

Over 6.5 Wins +148

Under 6.5 Wins -184

Odds as of July 13
21. UCLA Bruins
Total Commits: 31 | Top Commit Offense: QB Nico Iamaleava | Defense: IDL Eugene Brooks

There are real concerns about the talent exiting Westwood after Deshaun Foster’s first season in charge (especially the offensive skill positions). Despite concerns, UCLA did get some good additions.

Joey Aguilar is a fun quarterback who chucked it around at Appalachian State, and the Bruins are hopeful he can inject life into the offense along with Kaedin Robinson (App State) and Mikey Matthews from Cal. Three incoming safeties should improve the secondary, and four new offensive linemen will try to strengthen a weak spot from this past season.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 20
On3 Team: 13
Rivals: 4

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +20000

Over 5.5 Wins +124

Under 5.5 Wins -152

Odds as of July 13
22. Alabama Crimson Tide
Total Commits: 12 | Top Commit Offense: WR Isaiah Horton | Defense: CB Cameron Calhoun

Alabama’s first season under Kalen DeBoer did not go as planned, as the Crimson Tide suffered disappointing losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, and Michigan. Any season that ends without a College Football Playoff appearance is a “down year” for Tide fans, and DeBoer is under pressure entering 2025.

They were very selective in the transfer portal, but I like the nine players who have been added. Isaiah Horton is an excellent addition at wide receiver from Miami, and Cameron Calhoun was a much-needed boost at corner from Utah. They need Kelby Collins to produce after transferring from Florida. Some deficiencies on the roster were not addressed, leaving the Tide below No. 20 in the rankings.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 21
On3 Team: 62
Rivals: 76

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +1100

Conference Winner +480

Over 9.5 Wins -110

Under 9.5 Wins -110

Odds as of July 13
23. Houston Cougars
Total Commits: 30 | Top Commit Offense: TE Tanner Koziol | Defense: CB Zelmer Vedder

It was a rough first season for Willie Fritz in Houston. The Cougars struggled all season in the Big 12 and still appear deficient at many positions, but Houston took 19 commitments in the transfer portal and is hoping to get to a bowl game. The headliner of the transfer class is former blue-chip quarterback Conner Weigman returning home after a frustrating start to his collegiate career at Texas A&M. Weigman needs to get healthy and play like the prospect the Aggies hoped they were getting. A focus was placed on the offensive line, with Houston bringing in five offensive linemen, blocking tight end Luke McGary, and two wide receivers.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 27
On3 Team: 49
Rivals: 28

National Title Odds: Houston +75000

Conference Winner +2900

Over 5.5 Wins -205

Under 5.5 Wins +164

Odds as of July 13
24. USC Trojans
Total Commits: 16 | Top Commit Offense: IOL DJ Wingfield | Defense: IDL Keeshawn Silver

Make no mistake: The USC Trojans lost many players to the transfer portal. That includes Emmanuel Pregnon, a standout offensive lineman, receiver Zachariah Branch, and running back Quinten Joyner. After that negativity, Lincoln Riley and the Trojans rebounded pretty well.

They kept defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn despite overtures from Penn State and then added five four-star transfers in areas of need. USC is attempting to continue a transition to a more physical and defensive-minded football program, and they hope that this will be accomplished as the roster continues to churn.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 18
On3 Team: 61
Rivals: 39

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +7500

Conference Winner +2000

Over 7.5 Wins -158

Under 7.5 Wins +128

Odds as of July 13
25. Minnesota Golden Gophers
Total Commits: 22 | Top Commit Offense: RB A.J. Turner | Defense: EDGE Steven Curtis

Minnesota’s transfer class is better than Duke’s Mayo Bath. How big of a compliment that is depends on your feelings about the twangy condiment. The Gophers added 15 transfers, primarily on the offensive side of the ball.

The headliners are probably running backs A.J. Turner from Marshall, Cameron Davis from Washington, and receiver Javon Tracy from Miami (OH). If receivers Logan Loya and Malachi Coleman can produce, the Gophers' offense could be pretty potent.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 29
On3 Team: 38
Rivals: 48

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +65000

Conference Winner +13000

Over 6.5 Wins N/A

Under 6.5 Wins N/A

Odds as of July 13
26. Louisville Cardinals
Total Commits: 30 | Top Commit Offense: QB Miller Moss | Defense: S Corey Gordon Jr.

Louisville’s transfer portal class is more about volume and addressing depth issues than top-end quality. The headliner is quarterback Miller Moss, and he seems like a good fit for Jeff Brohm’s offense as the Cardinals continue to ride the transfer portal carousel at that position.

Brohm also landed a nice interior offensive lineman from his former employer (Purdue), and they are hopeful wide receiver Bobby Golden can make the jump up from Akron. Louisville needs a few defensive transfers to improve a unit that needs to be better in 2025.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 31
On3 Team: 51
Rivals: 24

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +9000

Conference Winner +800

Over 8.5 Wins -148

Under 8.5 Wins +120

Odds as of July 13
27. Michigan Wolverines
Total Commits: 16 | Top Commit Offense: RB Justice Haynes | Defense: IDL Tré Williams

The Michigan Wolverines only brought in 15 transfers in this class. The number is not huge, but the impact could be quite substantial as the Maize and Blue look to build on the momentum they gained from finishing the season with upsets of Ohio State and Alabama.

Donaven McCulley is a talented wide receiver transferring in from Indiana, and Michigan will be tasked with getting him to fulfill his potential. He was not missed in Bloomington, and a change of scenery could be what he needs to take off. Mikey Keene is a veteran quarterback who will be an upgrade on what they had in 2024 and serve as a bridge to No. 1 recruit Bryce Underwood.

They also added depth on the defense with a pair of linemen and a pair of safeties. The most impactful transfer immediately is probably running back Justice Haynes from Alabama, as the Wolverines figure to rely on the running game again.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 35
On3 Team: 12
Rivals: 47

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +3300

Conference Winner +1000

Over 9.5 Wins +140

Under 9.5 Wins -172

Odds as of July 13
28. Michigan State Spartans
Total Commits: 23 | Top Commit Offense: OT Conner Moore | Defense: CB Joshua Eaton

The Michigan State Spartans had a very uneven and inconsistent first season under head coach Jonathan Smith. They dipped into the transfer portal to bring in sixteen new players ahead of his second season to try and reach a bowl game. No addition stands out, but many excellent players have been brought in.

Chrishon McCray is an interesting receiver from Kent State. He produced on a terrible team. Will that translate into an offense that needs more punch to help Aidan Chiles? The offensive line has to improve in 2025, so they hope a couple of the four OLs brought in will bolster that unit.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 28
On3 Team: 21
Rivals: 32

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +49000

Conference Winner +11000

Over 5.5 Wins -134

Under 5.5 Wins +110

Odds as of July 13
29. West Virginia Mountaineers
Total Commits: 52 | Top Commit Offense: IOL Carson Lee | Defense: EDGE Jimmori Robinson

The return of Rich Rodriguez to West Virginia is one of the more interesting storylines heading into the 2025 season in the chaotic Big 12. Will Rodriguez be able to return the Mountaineers to the high times of his first era before he bolted for an ill-fated tenure in Michigan? Can West Virginia hit the ground and dominate with the rushing attack like his previous teams? Rodriguez’s first transfer class is big in quantity, with a major unknown in quality.

Jimmori Robinson is a terrific edge rusher from UTSA, but the rest of the incoming players are three-star transfers from smaller schools and even lower levels. The most significant question mark is quarterback, with underwhelming additions of Jaylen Henderson (Texas A&M) and Max Brown (Charlotte). The bet is that Henderson is the starter, but he has a long way to go in his development.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 30
On3 Team: 59
Rivals: 13

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +4200

Over 5.5 Wins +124

Under 5.5 Wins -152

Odds as of July 13
30. Maryland Terrapins
Total Commits: 16 | Top Commit Offense: OT Rahtrel Perry | Defense: CB Jamare Glasker

We have begun to reach the place in the rankings of teams that are either not involved much in the transfer portal or teams that arguably lost more than they replaced. Maryland falls into the latter category after suffering 21 defections, including stars like Roman Hemby (Indiana) and both quarterbacks (Coastal Carolina and Wisconsin). The Terrapins brought in some talented players, but the class is only ten players.

Hopes are high for 6’7” offensive tackle Rahtrel Perry and 6’4” tackle Jayvin James, and cornerback Jamare Glasker is a high-end cornerback from Wake Forest. The Mike Locksley era appears to be on fumes in College Park.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 34
On3 Team: 32
Rivals: NR

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +30000

Over 4.5 Wins +100

Under 4.5 Wins -122

Odds as of July 13
31. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Total Commits: 24 | Top Commit Offense: WR Eric Rivers | Defense: EDGE A.J. Hoffler

Georgia Tech suffered a blow when Eric Singleton left for Auburn, but the Yellow Jackets responded with an excellent number of incoming transfers. They added good pieces on the defensive line and at linebacker to add bulk to the trenches, bringing depth to the secondary with a pair of quality cornerbacks. The offense will miss Singleton, but the combination of Eric Rivers, Debron Gatling, and Dean Patterson will try to offset that loss. Malachi Hosley is an interesting running back pairing with the returning Jamal Haynes. J.T. Byrne is an underrated tight end who should fit into this system well. The question mark for this class is whether or not the edge rushers brought in can replace the quality of the players who have moved on. Don’t expect a drop-off for Brent Key’s squad.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 33
On3 Team: 63
Rivals: 23

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +15000

Conference Winner +1300

Over 7.5 Wins -158

Under 7.5 Wins +128

Odds as of July 13
32. Utah Utes
Total Commits: 21 | Top Commit Offense: RB Wayshawn Parker | Defense: CB Blake Cotton

I am higher than most on the transfer class for the Utah Utes. I firmly believe in the addition of quarterback Devon Dampier and his potential in the Utah offense. After a pair of mostly lost seasons, as they waited on Cam Rising to return and be healthy, I am hopeful Utah will return to being the most physical bully on the block as a running team. Dampier, fellow New Mexico transfer NaQuari Rogers, and Washington State running back Wayshawn Parker hint toward that direction.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 37
On3 Team: 46
Rivals: 63

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +13000

Conference Winner +600

Over 7.5 Wins -168

Under 7.5 Wins +136

Odds as of July 13
33. Kansas Jayhawks
Total Commits: 27 | Top Commit Offense: WR Emmanuel Henderson Jr. | Defense: LB Bengally Kamara

Injuries and close losses derailed the Kansas Jayhawks’ 2024 season. Lance Leipold has improved the KU program to the point where it was recognized as a major disappointment when the Jayhawks did not contend for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. They lost some talented pieces ahead of the 2025 season, but Leipold added 22 new players and addressed some weaknesses.

Four offensive and three defensive linemen were added, and linebackers Bangally Kamara (South Carolina) and Trey Lathan (West Virginia) are expected to start. The big question will be whether transfers from Auburn (X2), Alabama (X2), and Texas can step up and play to their original high school ranking.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 39
On3 Team: 44
Rivals: 22

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +65000

Conference Winner +1600

Over 7.5 Wins +140

Under 7.5 Wins -172

Odds as of July 13
34. Ohio State Buckeyes
Total Commits: 11 | Top Commit Offense: TE Max Klare | Defense: EDGE Beau Atkinson

The reigning National Champions did not need to do much in the transfer portal. Like other top programs nationally, the Ohio State Buckeyes rely on high school recruiting to fill the needs on their roster and then use the portal to supplement where necessary. The most significant need was on the offensive line. They grabbed Phillip Daniels from Minnesota and impressive tackle Ethan Onianwa from Rice. Onianwa is expected to start at offensive tackle. CJ Donaldson will be part of the rotation at running back, and the Buckeyes are hoping Purdue transfer Max Klare can be a weapon at tight end.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 26
On3 Team: 10
Rivals: 71

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Ohio State +600

Conference Winner +195

Over 10.5 Wins +110

Under 10.5 Wins -134

Odds as of July 13
35. UCF Knights
Total Commits: 41 | Top Commit Offense: IOL Carter Miller | Defense: EDGE Sincere Edwards

Sometimes, things don’t work out. Scott Frost seemed like an excellent hire for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Gus Malzahn seemed like a good fit for the UCF Knights. Frost was a historic failure in Lincoln, and Malzahn left to be the Florida State offensive coordinator with largely unmet expectations. With no clear path forward, UCF is trying to recapture the Frost magic and has hired the one-time Knights head coach again. As expected, Frost brought in 27 new players, and UCF hopes to contend quickly in the Big 12.

Tayven Jackson is in at quarterback after being a backup at Indiana. The Hoosiers had no problem letting him move on, but he might progress with increased practice repetitions. The best pieces of this class are EDGE rusher Sincere Edwards from Pitt and the volume of additions at wide receiver. Central Florida has to replace a lot, but Frost did a solid job of replenishing the roster and giving the Knights a chance to go bowling in 2025.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 42
On3 Team: 40
Rivals: 19

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +100000

Conference Winner +6000

Over 5.5 Wins -114

Under 5.5 Wins +106

Odds as of July 13
36. Illinois Fighting Illini
Total Commits: 18 | Top Commit Offense: OT Ayden Knapik | Defense: IDL James Thompson Jr.

Illinois only has a couple of high-impact incoming transfers, but they have to feel good about keeping almost every player they would have wanted to make a run at a College Football Playoff bid in 2025-2026. Illinois only lost three players who ended up committing to other high-major programs, and they brought in defensive lineman James Thompson Jr. from Wisconsin, along with four other potentially helpful players to bolster the defensive front. Justin Bowick and Hudson Clement are useful wide receivers who can add depth to that position.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 43
On3 Team: 30
Rivals: 60

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Illinois +17000

Conference Winner +4000

Over 8.5 Wins +146

Under 8.5 Wins -180

Odds as of July 13
37. Washington Huskies
Total Commits: 19 | Top Commit Offense: OT Carver Willis | Defense: CB Tacario Davis

Jedd Fisch’s first season in Seattle did not quite meet expectations. Still, with the complete rebuild of the roster and coaching staff, it was always going to be an uphill battle after making the National Championship Game the season prior. Fisch has had a season to see the deficiencies and adjust to the Big Ten, and he got a decent haul in the transfer portal.

The class is led by former five-star wide receiver Johntay Cook from Texas and cornerback Tacario Davis from Arizona. The defense got much better, at least on paper, with Davis plus three potentially impactful defensive linemen and a trio of linebackers.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 40
On3 Team: 15
Rivals: 51

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +23000

Conference Winner +5500

Over 7.5 Wins +114

Under 7.5 Wins -140

Odds as of July 13
38. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Total Commits: 40 | Top Commit Offense: OT Markell Samuel | Defense: EDGE Kyran Duhon

Sixteen players left via the portal, and head coach Mike Gundy brought in a massive class of 40 players to try and recapture some magic in Stillwater. Kyran Duhon is a difference-making edge rusher who they hope will have an All-Big 12 campaign. He is joined by three other defensive linemen and several other defensive players as the Cowboys try to correct things on that side of the ball. Oklahoma State needed a jolt on offense, and Gundy is hoping the three tight ends and four wide receivers that were added can combine to provide some firepower to keep pace in the league.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 32
On3 Team: 29
Rivals: 16

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Oklahoma State +100000

Conference Winner +5000

Over 5.5 Wins +128

Under 5.5 Wins -158

Odds as of July 13
39. SMU Mustangs
Total Commits: 20 | Top Commit Offense: RB Chris Johnson Jr. | Defense: EDGE DJ Warner

It was a fantastic ACC debut for the SMU Mustangs. They broke into the league by earning a bid to the ACC Championship Game, losing in heartbreaking fashion to Clemson, and then making the College Football Playoff. What’s in store for Rhett Lashlee as an encore? SMU should be good again, but the portal class was a bit underwhelming for the Mustangs. Much like Illinois, though, the storyline for SMU is that they lost very little. Only four players exited via the portal, and none of them were guys they wanted to keep. Tyler Van Dyke is an interesting add as a backup quarterback and Lashlee added some nice depth pieces on both lines of scrimmage.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 41
On3 Team: 19
Rivals: 49

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: SMU +11000

Conference Winner +950

Over 8.5 Wins -114

Under 8.5 Wins -106

Odds as of July 13
40. Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Total Commits: 35 | Top Commit Offense: OT Fa'alili Fa'amoe | Defense: CB Ashaad Williams

It was a bit of a surprise when Dave Clawson resigned from Wake Forest and walked away from coaching (for now), but not a complete shock. In the NIL and portal era, Wake Forest is a tough job, and former Washington State head coach Jake Dickert has his hands full trying to compete. As is expected with a coaching change, it was a heavy portal class as the Demon Deacons brought in 23 players and lost 17. I do not think anyone is as good as a few of the guys they lost (Petibon, Fields, Alexander), but there is some reason for optimism in Winston-Salem, and this may not be a complete “year zero” situation. The class is bolstered by a half-dozen players that came with Dickert from WSU, and the offensive line may have upgraded with the addition of tackle Fa’alili Fa’amoe.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 46
On3 Team: 66
Rivals: 29

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 46
On3 Team: 66
Rivals: 29

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Wake Forest +100000

Conference Winner +30000

Over 4.5 Wins +110

Under 4.5 Wins -134

Odds as of July 13
41. Baylor Bears
Total Commits: 22 | Top Commit Offense: WR Kobe Prentice | Defense: EDGE Emar'rion Winston

The Baylor Bears finished the 2024 season strong, and head coach Dave Aranda is off the hot seat, at least for now. They returned a good quarterback and a group of skill players around him, but they lost 17 players to the transfer portal and replaced them with 13 newcomers. That includes wide receiver Kobe Prentice from Alabama and a quarterback for the future in Walker White from Auburn. The main upgrades were on defense, as they added Emar’rion Wilson (Oregon) and Matthew Fobbs-White (Tulane) to try to upgrade the pass rush.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 46
On3 Team: 66
Rivals: 52

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Baylor +17000

Conference Winner +650

Over 7.5 Wins +106

Under 7.5 Wins -130

Odds as of July 13
42. Virginia Tech Hokies
Total Commits: 30 | Top Commit Offense: RB Cameron Seldon | Defense: S Tyson Flowers

The offseason has not been kind to Virginia Tech and head coach Brent Pry. The Hokies have lost 27 players to the portal. Those defections include a pair of well-regarded offensive linemen (to Auburn and LSU) and prized cornerback Mansoor Delane (LSU). Virginia Tech has added 19 players to the roster, but it’s fair to say they have not replaced the lost higher-end talent. Nonetheless, the Hokies added three offensive linemen, four new running backs, and four safeties to revamp those three positions completely.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 42
On3 Team: 24
Rivals: 27

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Virginia Tech +100000

Conference Winner +4900

Over 6.5 Wins +138

Under 6.5 Wins -170

Odds as of July 13
43. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Total Commits: 18 | Top Commit Offense: WR DT Sheffield | Defense: EDGE Bradley Weaver

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights hope to add another bowl trip in 2025, and Greg Schiano has again turned RU into a consistently solid program. They lost 18 players to the portal, but only one of the outgoing players ended up at a high-major program (thus far). The two most exciting of the 11 additions are DT Sheffield (WR from North Texas) and Bradley Weaver (DL from Ohio). Weaver and Sheffield were considered four-star transfers, and Sheffield is expected to give Rutgers a consistent deep threat while Weaver should provide strong play on the edge of the defensive line.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 51
On3 Team: 9
Rivals: 43

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Rutgers N/A

Conference Winner N/A

Over 5.5 Wins N/A

Under 5.5 Wins N/A

Odds as of July 13
44. Arizona Wildcats
Total Commits: 27 | Top Commit Offense: TE Keyan Burnett | Defense: CB Michael Dansby

Brent Brennan's first season in Tucson did not go well. The Wildcats were one of the more significant disappointments in the Big 12, and the roster is being reset again as Brennan looks to rebound in year two. Thirty players hit the exit ramp, bringing a new batch of 25 transfers to the desert. Five receivers were added as they try to replace Tetairoa McMillan, and three new running backs will be getting handoffs from Noah Fifita. The best of that group appears to be Ismail Mahdi from Texas State. Eleven new players were brought in on the other side of the ball, with some for each level of the defense.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 52
On3 Team: 52
Rivals: 21

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Arizona +100000

Conference Winner +5500

Over 5.5 Wins +120

Under 5.5 Wins -148

Odds as of July 13
45. Purdue Boilermakers
Total Commits: 54 | Top Commit Offense: QB Malachi Singleton | Defense: CB Ryan Turner

After bottoming out in 2024, the Purdue Boilermakers fired their head coach and hired UNLV head man Barry Odom to resurrect the program. Odom is starting over as 49 players left West Lafayette, and 54 new ones arrived. There were a few well-regarded departures, including Max Klare (Ohio State), Will Heldt (Clemson), and Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), but they needed to start over. Malachi Singleton was snagged from Arkansas and is expected to win the starting quarterback job. Still, there have been reports that no quarterback performed well for the Boilermakers during the spring. Chauncey Magwood and EJ Horton Jr. are intriguing wide receiver additions, but the offensive line remains a gigantic question mark for the rebuilding Black and Gold.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 47
On3 Team: 70
Rivals: 25

FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Title Odds: Purdue +100000

Conference Winner +30000

Over 3.5 Wins +180

Under 3.5 Wins -225

Odds as of July 13

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46. Georgia Bulldogs
When you recruit the high school ranks like Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs do, there is not much room to upgrade your roster via the transfer portal. That doesn’t mean they don’t dabble, and UGA added some good pieces this offseason. The Bulldogs brought in ten transfers with five on each side of the ball. Noah Thomas and Micah Bell are expected to contribute at wide receiver, while Zachariah Branch was brought in from USC and should be a starting pass catcher. The best defensive transfer is undoubtedly Elo Modozie from Army. Modozie has the potential to be an impactful pass rusher as Georgia tries to repeat as SEC Champions and climb higher to get back to the national title.
47. Texas Longhorns
Much like Georgia, Texas is recruiting at the very top of the sport and that doesn’t leave very many spots open for transfer portal additions. Steve Sarkisian has the top-ranked high school recruiting class, and he supplemented it with 11 incoming transfers. An emphasis was placed on bringing in immediate helpers for the defensive line, as five big fellas joined the roster. Cole Brevard from Purdue, Maraad Watson from Syracuse, and Travis Shaw from UNC are all 300-plus pounders with proven production. Jack Endries was a late addition at tight end, and he provides another weapon for Arch Manning.
48. Vanderbilt Commodores
The Vanderbilt Commodores had a banner year in 2024. It will be hard to replicate that, but Diego Pavia is back to lead the team, and there is real hope and excitement in Nashville. Clark Lea added 21 transfers to the mix, including 12 total linemen. Adding depth along the lines was clearly needed, and it was addressed. Offensive guard Jordan White is a standout from Liberty. Keanu Koht is the most notable defender added, and they hope the former blue-chip recruit can live up to the hype as an edge rusher after leaving Alabama.
49. Syracuse Orange
Fran Brown will attempt to take on a tougher schedule in 2025 while continuing to build the Syracuse Orange into a consistent winner. He added 16 transfers with particular attention paid to fixing the running attack, bringing in five offensive linemen. What happens at quarterback is going to be fascinating as both Rickie Collins and Steve Angeli will compete for the starting job after transferring from LSU and Notre Dame, respectively. Johntay Cook is a high-ceiling addition at wide receiver.
50. Cal Golden Bears
The Cal Golden Bears were completely gutted early in the transfer portal cycle. They lost a ton of talent and were then required to dive into the portal in the spring and try to cobble together a competitive roster. Thirty-eight players were added, with standouts including SMU running back LJ Johnson Jr. and four-star recruit and transfer from Oregon Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Hezekiah Masses is a quality corner, and I like some of the edge rushers and wide receivers the Golden Bears grabbed. It’s an uphill climb for Cal, and the tenure for Justin Wilcox might be running out.
1. LSU Tigers
Ranking the Top College Football Quarterbacks for 2025

Total Commits: 18 | Top Commit Offense: WR Nic Anderson | Defense: EDGE Patrick Payton

It has to be somewhat tricky for LSU fans to sit and watch Notre Dame run to an appearance in the National Championship Game after missing the playoffs in back-to-back years with the Irish’s former head coach leading the program in Baton Rouge. Brian Kelly has been busy, and LSU is loading up in the transfer portal to fix its ailing defense. Blake Baker’s defense added three impact pass rushers, with FSU transfer Patrick Payton highlighting the additions. They then added a pair of top-ten transfer corners in Mansoor Delane and Ja’Keem Jackson to help a woeful pass defense. The offense was not ignored as highlight-reel wide receiver Barion Brown joined from Kentucky, and Nic Anderson was added from Oklahoma. LSU then got a pair of interior linemen that should help improve the running game. The clash at Clemson to open the 2025 season is one of the most interesting games in the country early next year.

TEAM RANKINGS

247Sports: 1
On3 Team: 2
Rivals: 1

LSU FUTURES ODDS FANDUEL

National Championship +1800

Conference Winner +700

Over 8.5 Wins -132

Under 8.5 Wins +108

Odds as of July 13

Which 50 Teams Improved Most in the College Football Transfer Portal?

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