Spring football is over, meaning schools got a chance to evaluate their early enrollees and transfers in their new environment. The transfer portal just closed and preseason camp is around the corner.
Whether they are transfers or highly ranked recruits, we're looking at newcomers who could have the biggest impact on the 2024 season from each of the top 25 teams from Mark Schlabach's Way-Too-Early list.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Top newcomer: RB Trevor Etienne (Florida transfer)
Why: Georgia's recipe for success under Kirby Smart has been a strong run game with a stout defense. The Bulldogs lost Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, their top rushers respectively from a year ago. Etienne, the No. 16 running back in the 2022 ESPN 300, was a very productive back the past two years running behind an average offensive line at Florida. He produced back-to-back seasons over 700 yards and scored 14 total touchdowns for the Gators. Etienne has great feet and lateral quickness to pick and slide through traffic and can separate from defenders by shifting gears in the open field. At 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Etienne will square up and bounce off initial contact, but is not a pile pusher or load carrier. He is more versatile as well, catching 21 passes for 172 yards last year.
What to expect: Adding Etienne is similar to when D'Andre Swift was in Georgia's backfield. He has a combination of sneaky power and contact balance, yet is nimble and agile enough to make people miss, turn the corner and be a home run threat. He should form a nice tandem with 6-foot, 240-pound Roderick Robinson II, who enjoyed a strong spring, and is a more powerful downhill runner. Off the field, Etienne faces disciplinary action from the university and athletic department following his arrest for DUI in March.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Top newcomer: S Caleb Downs (Alabama transfer)
Why: How good is Downs? The former five-star became the first freshman in Alabama's storied history to lead the team in tackles (107), including 3.5 tackles for loss. He also added two interceptions, three passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Downs' impressive achievements also include being named the SEC Freshman of the Year and first-team All-SEC honors. The Buckeyes appear to have the pieces to make a championship run and it starts on defense, where they will have one of the better defenders in college football roaming the back end.
What to expect: The 6-foot, 203-pounder has elite range, top-level coverage skills and tackling ability. Downs should develop into one of the best college safeties in recent memory. Following a year of experience diagnosing SEC offenses, he should play more aggressively for Ohio State as a sophomore. His production should lead to one of the best Buckeyes defenses in head coach Ryan Day's tenure. Note that 1B for Ohio State's top newcomers is freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder has dazzled this spring.
3. Oregon Ducks
Top newcomer: QB Dillon Gabriel (Oklahoma transfer)
Why: Replacing Heisman Trophy finalist Bo Nix at quarterback won't be easy, but Gabriel is the perfect option for 2024. Gabriel has certainly outplayed his three-star recruiting ranking and unheralded prep career in Hawaii. Between UCF and Oklahoma, Gabriel is responsible for 151 career touchdowns, tying him for fourth all time with -- you guessed it -- Nix. He's seventh all time in total yards (15,925) and eighth in passing yards (14,865) and touchdowns (125). Gabriel isn't elite in one particular area, but can make plays with his arm and legs. The lefty has a quick release with good accuracy and zip in the short-to-intermediate area. Gabriel is also a threat to move the chains on the ground, particularly when the original play breaks down.
What to expect: Gabriel is perfect for Oregon's up-tempo offense. His experience and productivity make him the ideal bridge player to guide the Ducks through their first Big Ten season while continuing to prep Dante Moore, a former five-star recruit and UCLA transfer. This is the best collection of offensive and defensive weapons Gabriel has ever had at his disposal. Expect a big year from the Ducks with Gabriel at the forefront.
4. Texas Longhorns
Top newcomer: WR Isaiah Bond (Alabama transfer)
Why: This one's a toss-up with incoming wide receiver Ryan Wingo, who ranks as the No. 33 player in the 2024 class. Wingo's blend of size, speed and skills will lead to plenty of big plays as a true freshman. Bond just has a bit more experience. Texas will need to replace some key offensive weapons to reach another College Football Playoff. Bond, a former top-100 recruit, can step right in. He played in 13 games with modest production as a freshman for Alabama in 2022, but broke out for 48 catches for 668 yards with four touchdowns as a sophomore. He has great burst and acceleration off the line -- he runs a 10.48 in 100 meters -- to get up the seam quickly and get on top of coverage. Bond has excellent hands and awareness when the ball is in the air. He's super elusive after the catch and his contributions were crucial in Alabama's College Football Playoff semifinals appearance in 2023.
What to expect: Bond's versatility and ability to stretch the field vertically were his key strengths at Alabama as a secondary option. Now, with Quinn Ewers returning and the losses of receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, Bond will be a featured receiver in Steve Sarkisian's explosive offense. Don't overlook the importance of an experienced SEC veteran mentoring Johntay Cook II and DeAndre Moore Jr., either.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Top newcomer: QB Riley Leonard (Duke transfer)
Why: Notre Dame needs strong quarterback play to make a playoff run and Leonard has a chance to be one of its most dynamic dual-threat signal-callers in recent years. Leonard emerged as one of the ACC's top quarterbacks at Duke, leading the Blue Devils to nine wins and a remarkable turnaround in 2022, then an upset of No. 9 Clemson to open 2023. He accounted for 33 touchdowns in 2022, showcasing his dual-threat abilities as a former prep basketball standout. Leonard appeared in just seven games for Duke in 2023 while dealing with a recurring ankle injury.
What to expect: Leonard will get the nod this fall after a competitive competition with Steve Angeli. The Irish will focus on keeping the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Leonard healthy after repeated setbacks last fall and continued complications with his ankle this spring. The talented dual-threat quarterback will focus less on running and more on becoming a consistent, efficient passer. He has shown good pocket instincts, the ability to avoid pressure and a strong, accurate arm. Those are fitting attributes for new coordinator Mike Denbrock's offense. If Leonard can play the entire season and make defenses defend him as a runner and passer, the Irish will be very successful in 2024.
6. Ole Miss Rebels
Top newcomer: DT Walter Nolen (Texas A&M transfer)
Why: Nolen was highly sought after as the No. 1 overall recruit in 2022 and then again in the college football transfer portal. During his time at Texas A&M, he quietly made a significant impact while the program faced off-the-field turmoil. He recorded 66 total tackles and five sacks across two seasons and helped the Aggies defense finish near the top of the SEC. The production just needs to become more consistent. He has a speed and power combination to collapse the pocket, and his stout build (6-4, 290) and powerful hands allows him to hold the point versus double-teams.
What to expect: Look for Nolen to put it all together, reach his ceiling and break out under Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding's direction in 2024. Nolen's anticipated impact is aided by the Rebels' much-improved defensive line after finishing in the bottom half of the SEC last year. Offenses can't solely focus on the NFL-ready defensive tackle. If Nolen can turn his flashes into more regular production, the former top player in the country should lead Ole Miss into a deep playoff run.
7. Missouri Tigers
Top newcomer: DE Williams Nwaneri (ESPN 300 No. 21 recruit)
Why: The five-star Nwaneri is the third-highest signee at Missouri. At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds with an 80-inch wingspan, he's equipped with good bend and explosive power. Nwaneri completely dominated his high school competition. During his senior year in 2023, he recorded 50 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles. He's difficult to contain with his initial quickness off the snap and his ability to turn speed to power off the edge. He already has NFL measurables and will develop into the type of lineman who can play inside and out to create mismatches.
What to expect: Nwaneri has terrific skills, but he was a late bloomer in high school. He has tons of physical development and technique refinement ahead. However, he won't have the fortune of waiting until he's ready to start in Columbia. The SEC's fourth-best defense in points allowed in 2023 lost many starters to either the NFL or graduation, including defensive end Darius Robinson, a first-round pick. The Tigers also lost defensive coordinator Blake Baker to LSU. Nwaneri didn't enroll early and participate in spring ball, but the Tigers might have to rely on him to fill the void quickly.
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
Top newcomer: WR Julian Fleming (Ohio State transfer)
Why: The former No. 1 player in the 2020 class, Fleming had 79 catches for 963 yards and seven touchdowns at Ohio State. His best season came in 2022, when he had 34 receptions for 533 yards and six touchdowns. He was at his best creating separation over the middle and utilizing his wide catch radius and long strides. Fleming certainly isn't a bust, but he hasn't been the high-impact player expected from the headliner of an entire class. In Fleming's defense, he had to battle some of college football's top receivers for targets in Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson, all first-round draft selections. Still, the vertical separation speed never translated from high school to college, and he never found a rhythm due to injuries.
What to expect: Penn State is in dire need of receiver production. The group underperformed in 2023 and lost its top returners to the transfer portal in the offseason. Fleming will get a fresh start under the direction of new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki. Fleming should have the chance to compete for the No. 1 spot and become Drew Allar's go-to outside target.
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
Top newcomer: WR Ryan Williams (ESPN 300 No. 3 recruit)
Why: The top receiver in the 2024 class, Williams was the first two-time Alabama Mr. Football in the award's 42-year history. He accounted for an astounding 4,600 yards and 65 touchdowns in his final two years in high school. Originally a member of the 2025 class, Williams reclassified in December 2023. The move up won't affect his immediate impact in Tuscaloosa. He's a prolific playmaker with excellent hands and top-end speed (4.41 40-yard dash and 10.49 100 meters). Williams is a fluid athlete who is extremely difficult to cover out of his breaks or wrap up in the open field.
What to expect: Alabama's receiver room lacks returning production following the loss of Jermaine Burton to the NFL and transfer of Isaiah Bond to Texas. Williams didn't enroll early and still needs some physical development. He's tall and lean at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds and isn't super strong. However, you can't teach speed. His ability to separate up the seam from the slot position will get this freshman in the rotation. Williams is also confident and mature. The stage won't be too big.
10. Utah Utes
Top newcomer: WR Dorian Singer (USC transfer)
Why: Singer was a former three-star with modest Power 5 recruitment out of high school. His best production came at Arizona, where he caught 66 passes for 1,105 yards and six touchdowns while tallying four games with 100 yards or more in 2022. Singer tried to capitalize in the portal and signed with USC in 2023, but his production dropped, particularly down the stretch. He has elite ball-tracking skills and polished route-running ability. His hands and acceleration on the outside are some of the best in college football. Singer also knows how to attack leverage and get open.
What to expect: Expect to see the 2022 version of Singer, not the 2023 version that got lost in the shuffle at USC. With quarterback Cam Rising returning from injury and receiver Devaughn Vele moving onto the NFL, Singer should be Utah's top target and a great fit for Andy Ludwig's pro-style offense. We got a good glimpse of the Rising-to-Singer connection this spring and the early chemistry looks promising.
11. Arizona Wildcats
Top newcomer: RB Quali Conley (San Jose State transfer)
Why: Conley has all the traits of a featured back -- downhill power between the tackles, speed to get outside, polished pass-catching skills and strength to pass block. Arizona's running back room is empty after former head coach Jedd Fisch left for Washington and took Jonah Coleman, the Wildcats' leading rusher in 2023, with him. Making matters worse, Arizona lost the No. 16 running back in the 2024 class, Jordan Washington, to the portal. Conley started his career at Utah Tech and transferred to San Jose State last season, where he ran for 842 yards and nine touchdowns while also catching 27 passes for 269 yards. He followed coach Brent Brennan once he got the Arizona job.
What to expect: Look for Conley to step in as an every-down back for the Wildcats and take some pressure off talented quarterback Noah Fifita. He's an instinctive player and already has experience playing under Brennan. Conley seems to have adapted quickly to new offensive coordinator Dino Babers' system. He did not play in the spring game due to injury but the injury does not appear to be serious.
12. LSU Tigers
Top newcomer: WR CJ Daniels (Liberty transfer)
Why: The Tigers lost the nucleus of their prolific offense to the first round of the NFL draft after quarterback Jayden Daniels and receiver Malik Nabers went in the top 10 and receiver Brian Thomas was selected No. 23 overall. Nabers and Thomas combined for a whopping 2,746 yards and 31 receiving touchdowns last year. LSU needs a big go-to target on the outside for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier in his first season behind center. CJ Daniels was a key part of Liberty's efficient offense in 2023, catching 55 passes for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns. Highly coveted in the transfer portal, Daniels has great size at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds with speed and jump ball skills on the outside. He's also a great route runner.
What to expect: Daniels doesn't have the same speed or explosiveness as Nabers or Thomas, but his hands and pass-catching skills are in the same category. LSU will likely maintain a downfield passing attack despite offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock moving on to Notre Dame. Daniels can be a top intermediate-to-deep threat (he averaged 19.4 yards per catch in 2023). Daniels' transition from Group of 5 to the SEC will be a steady progression, with the acclimation coming more on the mental than physical side. Fellow transfer Zavion Thomas should take some of the early load and heavy expectations off Daniels shoulders.
13. Michigan Wolverines
Top newcomer: LB Jaishawn Barham (Maryland transfer)
Why: The former ESPN 300 linebacker was named a freshman All-American and an All-Big Ten honorable mention after recording 58 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks for Maryland in 2022. His production dipped in 2023, but the 6-foot-4, 233-pound Barham has all the skills needed to fill some of the void left behind by Michigan greats and recent NFL draft selections Michael Barrett and Junior Colson. Barham can fill between the tackles, make sideline-to-sideline plays and rush the passer.
What to expect: Barham's top-level skill set fits right into the defensive scheme in Ann Arbor. He's big, fast, physical and effective in all phases as an off-the-ball linebacker. A strong blitzer, Barham can also slide up to the edge to rush past less mobile tackles. An instinctual linebacker who understands the game, Barham shouldn't have any issues acclimating to his new team.
14. Oklahoma Sooners
Top newcomer: WR Deion Burks (Purdue transfer)
Why: While it isn't an immediate need, Burks is a key replacement at slot receiver following the departure of the highly productive Drake Stoops. After a quiet start to his career, Burks emerged as a key player with Purdue and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023. He caught 47 balls for 629 yards and seven touchdowns. Not the biggest (5-11, 195) or fastest, Burks is ultra quick and sudden with excellent hands and concentration. He has a great initial burst off the line and acceleration up the seam when positioned in the slot. Burks shined in Oklahoma's spring game, finishing with five catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
What to expect: Quarterback Jackson Arnold and Burks connected for a long touchdown in Oklahoma's spring game and we should see more of that this fall. Burks took advantage of Jalil Farooq's injury this spring and was a featured receiver, allowing him to learn the offense quicker. He should be the No. 1 receiver for a deep and talented unit.
15. Florida State Seminoles
Top newcomer: QB DJ Uiagalelei (Oregon State transfer)
Why: Receiver could make sense here considering the Noles lost Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson to the NFL after productive 2023 seasons, but the quarterback drives Mike Norvell's offense, just look at what happened when Jordan Travis went down. Uiagalelei feels like he's played college football forever after ranking as the No. 1 pocket passer in the 2020 ESPN 300. He'll step in as a starter in Norvell's balanced offense after Travis was drafted. Uiagalelei enjoyed a resurgent 2023 season with Oregon State, throwing for 2,638 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's at his best when he has time in the pocket to process coverage and Oregon State did a good job keeping him clean.
What to expect: There is a big enough sample size to know Uiagalelei will struggle if pressured and his accuracy is streaky. He won't have to shoulder the load at Florida State and can rely on a balanced offense with a strong running game. Uiagalelei can be more of a facilitator than a difference-maker like he was for the Beavers. His experience alone makes the Seminoles a conference contender next season.
16. Tennessee Volunteers
Top newcomer: WR Mike Matthews (ESPN 300 No. 23 recruit)
Why: Tennessee returns its leading receiver from 2023, Squirrel White, along with veterans Bru McCoy and Dont'e Thornton Jr. So why pick a true freshman receiver? Because Matthews is simply that good. The five-star prospect is 6-foot-1 and almost 190 pounds with a wide catch radius and 4.48 verified speed. The slot position is integral for Josh Heupel's offense and Matthews has the skill set to shine there.
What to expect: Matthews should rise up the depth chart and become Nico Iamaleava's top slot target by midseason. Matthews' versatility to play outside should garner even more targets. The sample size this spring has been impressive. He's gotten bigger, stronger and more explosive to beat contested matchups while retaining his excellent skills when the ball is in the air. He's confident and competitive, which is necessary for a true freshman in the SEC.
17. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Top newcomer: RB AJ Green (Arkansas transfer) or RB Trent Howland (Indiana transfer)
Why: Yes, Oklahoma State returns Doak Walker winner Ollie Gordon II. But it needs a viable option to share the load. Green is a former ESPN 300 back with 10.41 in the 100 meters speed. His numbers -- 953 yards and six touchdowns over three seasons at Arkansas -- were not super impressive. However, he averaged 5.4 yards per carry and he's a capable receiver out of the backfield with 19 career catches for 184 yards and two touchdowns. The 5-11 205-pound back can run between the tackles, press the corner with speed and pass block on third down. Green did suffer an injury during spring football and the extent remains unclear. So we've added Howland, another fine complement to Gordon, as well. The 6-foot-3, 240-pounder is more of a power runner, but he's effective cutting back in zone schemes and avoiding traffic. He rushed for 354 yards last season on 4.7 yards per carry.
What to expect: The offensive line should be one of the best in the Big 12 and the Cowboys excel at running the ball. They have size, experience and skill. Expect Green or Howland, who were both underutilized at previous stops, to get meaningful carries and lighten the load on Gordon as the Cowboys make a playoff push.
18. NC State Wolfpack
Top newcomer: QB Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina transfer)
Why: McCall must reinvigorate a Wolfpack passing offense that finished 10th in the ACC in passing yards and eighth in passing touchdowns in 2023. McCall led Coastal to back-to-back 11-win campaigns in 2020 and 2021 and has 10,005 career passing yards, 88 touchdowns and over 1,000 rushing yards. He was named Sun Belt Player of the Year for three consecutive seasons. McCall is a proven winner with a quick release, good accuracy and strong enough arm to make all throws required by the Wolfpack offense. He also has the skills to improvise and make plays outside of the pocket.
What to expect: McCall has looked comfortable all spring. NC State should have a more efficient and consistent passing attack this fall under his veteran leadership. McCall didn't win or produce to his accustomed levels in 2023 because of injury, but the change of scenery will allow him to excel and play up to a higher level of competition.
19. Clemson Tigers
Top newcomer: LB Sammy Brown (ESPN 300 No. 13 recruit)
Why: Dabo Swinney was already raving about Brown this spring. The linebacker wasted no time learning the defense and applying his immense skills. The five-star prospect racked up over 150 tackles as a high school senior and added more than 2,000 yards on offense. Further highlighting his athleticism and versatility, Brown was a state champion wrestler and ran the 100 meters in under 11 seconds, which is impressive for a 230-pound player. His speed translates to the field, where he has measured at over 21 mph in games.
What to expect: Brown can step in at middle linebacker and replace Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s production. He's already mastered the weight room and physical aspects of football as a true freshman. Brown needs to continue progressing this summer, learning the nuances of middle linebacker, namely aligning the defense pre-snap. While Clemson does return some experience, Brown appears a perfect fit for the Mike linebacker position in defensive coordinator Wes Goodwin's scheme. He's as strong a candidate for ACC Rookie of the Year honors as any prospect in this class.
20. Kansas State Wildcats
Top newcomer: RB Dylan Edwards (Colorado transfer)
Why: While there may be more pressing areas of need, there is no arguing the value here. Edwards delivered immediately in Boulder and lived up to his high ESPN 300 ranking while being one of the fastest prospects in the country (4.39 verified 40 as a junior). The speed translated. Edwards excelled at creating mismatches with his top-level acceleration and elusiveness and CU did a good job creatively of getting the ball in his hands. He became a space weapon for the offense and a quick outlet for quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the passing game. Despite facing a midseason change in coordinators and running behind an average offensive line, he compiled 321 yards on the ground and another 299 on 36 receptions.
What to expect: A strong return home to the in-state school that he first committed to. Edwards should make an immediate impact in an already explosive Wildcats offense led by quarterback Avery Johnson. He won't step into a featured back role with DJ Giddens returning but Edwards will be utilized more as a true slot and still see higher touches as a rusher than he did in Boulder given Kansas State puts greater emphasis on the run.
21. Louisville Cardinals
Top newcomer: WR Caullin Lacy (South Alabama transfer)
Why: Lacy can be Louisville's version of Rondale Moore, who Jeff Brohm coached at Purdue. Lacy isn't the biggest (5-10, 190) or fastest, but he's ultra quick. He's elusive as a route runner and after the catch in space. Lacy was a three-star recruit in the class of 2020 who stayed in-state with South Alabama and put together a very productive career. He finished with over 2,500 receiving yards and is coming off a dominant 2023 season. He finished eighth in the country in receptions (91) and seventh in yards (1,316) while reeling in seven touchdowns.
What to expect: Lacy has one year of eligibility remaining and walks into a situation where he should be highly productive starting immediately. The Cardinals don't return much depth at receiver and Lacy, who can play both in the slot and outside, has experience moving around the offense to create mismatches. The successful spring of Texas Tech grad transfer quarterback Tyler Shough and the quick zip he has on his short-to-intermediate routes are favorable for Lacy.
22. Kansas Jayhawks
Top newcomer: DT Javier Derritt (North Dakota State transfer)
Why: Derritt provides strong interior pass rush potential and a needed veteran presence for the Jayhawks. He flashed this spring with his short-area quickness at 280 pounds. He fell under the radar as a no-star Kansas prospect, but he picked up multiple FBS offers his second time through the process as a grad transfer. He's making the jump from FCS to the Big 12, but his size and explosiveness off the ball translate well. Derritt is more of a disrupter than he is a space eater. He has natural pass rush ability and finishes plays with second efforts. He's also a veteran with a lot of big games under his belt, including FCS national championships, and was a multiyear starter with 90 total tackles, 16 for a loss and 11 sacks.
What to expect: Derritt might not make an immediate impact in Week 1 but as he learns the defense and masters his assignments, he'll be disruptive as a situational pass-rusher and an eventual starter.
23. Kentucky Wildcats
Top newcomer: LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Georgia transfer)
Why: The Wildcats must replace NFL-bound linebacker Trevin Wallace's production in the middle. Dumas-Johnson is an All-SEC caliber every-down linebacker with great physical traits. He can run sideline-to-sideline, cover backs in coverage and chase down quarterbacks as a fast, closing blitzer. Dumas-Johnson took over as a sophomore starter in 2022 and recorded 70 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks. His stout play helped Georgia win a national title and he was recognized as a finalist for the Butkus Award. Dumas-Johnson missed four games with an arm injury last year as a junior and quickly saw the immense young talent behind him in Athens step up. His job will be secure in Lexington.
What to expect: Dumas-Johnson transferred to Kentucky to start and could play multiple positions in Kentucky's defense. He projects better as a weakside linebacker, which would allow him to chase rather than taking on blockers. Dumas-Johnson is a plug-and-play defender who will set the tone for one of the best front sevens in the SEC.
24. Miami Hurricanes
Top newcomer: QB Cam Ward (Washington State transfer)
Why: The Hurricanes need Ward to solidify the position after three uneven seasons with starter Tyler Van Dyke, who transferred to Wisconsin. With Ward, the Hurricanes have a dynamic playmaker behind center. Ward won the Jerry Rice Award as the top FCS freshman in FCS with Incarnate Word, then transferred to Washington State in 2022. He was a two-time All-Pac 12 honorable mention selection and threw for nearly 7,000 yards and 48 touchdowns to 16 interceptions over two seasons with the Cougars. Ward has a quick release and strong, accurate arm, and briefly flirted with turning pro before transferring to Miami.
What to expect: Ward is the most significant acquisition of the Mario Cristobal era. He had a great spring, quickly picking up coordinator Shannon Dawson's Air Raid offense. The scheme matches Ward's quick reads and delivery with a more stable offensive line blocking and a complementary run game. Expect Heisman-type numbers.
25. Texas A&M Aggies
Top newcomer: LB Nic Scourton (Purdue transfer)
Why: A&M has lost much of the production from one of the SEC's best pass-rush units in 2023. Scourton was undergraded as a three-star recruit in 2022. He returns home to Texas following a productive start to his college career at Purdue. Scourton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks as a sophomore in 2023 while racking up 50 tackles, including 15 for loss, and forcing a fumble. The Aggies can line him up at almost any position in the front seven to create mismatches and wreak havoc.
What to expect: Scourton will be a big-time contributor at A&M and an immediate starter. He showed flashes of potential SEC dominance already this spring. Unfortunately for Aggies fans, this should be his only year in College Station -- another dominant year will lead to high NFL draft status.