In this era of transfer portal transactions and constant roster turnover, attempting to keep up with who went where can be a dizzying exercise for even the most devoted college football fan. Consider this your cheat sheet: the top 100 newcomers you need to know for the 2024 season.

We surveyed coaches and staffers throughout the country about their most impactful transfer portal additions and true freshman recruits. Here's who they predict will have breakout seasons.

We sorted this list into groups, starting with a top-25 ranking of the best newcomers.

There are dozens of other transfers and freshmen who will become starters and play important roles in the race to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, but these players stood out in preseason practice and have the talent and opportunity to be difference-makers.

Jump to:
Top 25 | Impact QBs
Offensive playmakers | Big men
Dynamic defenders | Moving up
Freshmen to watch

Top 25

1. S Caleb Downs
Transfer: Alabama to Ohio State

Downs claimed a starting role during his debut season with the Crimson Tide and went on to become the first freshman to lead Alabama in tackles (107) since at least 1970. The Freshman All-American entered the portal after Nick Saban's retirement and surprised many by picking the Buckeyes. He's an elite addition in the Ohio State secondary who will be looked upon as a key playmaker within a team that harbors nation title aspirations.

2. RB Quinshon Judkins
Transfer: Ole Miss to Ohio State

The two-time first-team All-SEC selection racked up 2,725 rushing yards and scored 34 touchdowns in his two seasons at Ole Miss. This fall, Judkins will partner with senior TreVeyon Henderson to form one of the nation's most dynamic running back duos. The veteran rushers have bonded quickly in Columbus, and they'll be expected to lead a fearsome Buckeyes offense.

3. QB Dillon Gabriel
Transfer: Oklahoma to Oregon

Gabriel has 49 career starts, making the sixth-year passer one of the most experienced college football players on the planet. He ranked fourth nationally in QBR (87.3) last season at Oklahoma and opted to join the Ducks as the new face of one of the most talented rosters in the nation rather than go pro. The sky's the limit for Oregon as the former All-Big 12 quarterback closes a storied career chasing a handful of NCAA passing records.

4. DL Nic Scourton
Transfer: Purdue to Texas A&M

For new coach Mike Elko, persuading Scourton to come home was a massive win to kick off Year 1. The Bryan, Texas, native developed into one of the Big Ten's most disruptive defenders and led the conference with 10 sacks in 2023. With his rare blend of power and athleticism at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, it's no surprise Scourton is already being hyped as a potential first-round NFL draft pick (No. 9 in Field Yates' recent early mock). He and Shemar Turner give the Aggies one of the country's best defensive end duos.

5. RB Trevor Etienne
Transfer: Florida to Georgia

Etienne had a productive two-year run at Florida, producing nearly 2,400 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns as a rusher, receiver and returner. Now he's looking to play a starring role for the rival Bulldogs. The 5-9, 205-pound junior's short-area quickness and knack for making defenders miss will make Georgia's run game far more dynamic, and he'll put up big numbers behind a much better offensive line. For a loaded Bulldogs team with high expectations and the preseason No. 1 ranking, he's a true X factor.

6. QB Cam Ward
Transfer: Washington State to Miami

After thriving at the FCS level at Incarnate Word and throwing for 6,966 yards and 48 touchdowns over two seasons at Washington State, Ward was torn between entering the NFL draft or joining a CFP contender. He bet on Miami, and the Canes coaches were so blown away by his play in the spring that they pushed all-in and invested in big-name transfer talent on both sides of the ball. They know they've got a quarterback with arm talent, experience and leadership to make them a true ACC title contender.

7. DT Walter Nolen
Transfer: Texas A&M to Ole Miss

Nolen, the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class, has looked spectacular, according to one source, since arriving in Oxford. The 6-3, 305-pound interior defensive lineman started 14 games and produced 66 tackles, 33 pressures, 11 TFLs and 5 sacks over his two seasons at Texas A&M. There's no question Nolen has first-round pick caliber talent; he just needs to play with more consistency. But his presence has already helped turn the Rebels' D-line into arguably their strongest position group entering the season.

8. Edge Trey Moore
Transfer: UTSA to Texas

Moore was a zero-star recruit when he arrived at UTSA and quickly developed into a game changer for the Roadrunners. He earned Freshman All-America honors in 2022 after breaking the school record for TFLs (18) and was AAC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up the third-most sacks (14) in FBS. Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski is going to have a lot of fun deploying the 6-foot-3, 245-pound pass rusher in his scheme. Expect Moore to put up big numbers yet again.

9. WR Isaiah Bond
Transfer: Alabama to Texas

If Texas coach Steve Sarkisian and his offense can bring out the best in Bond, he'll have a chance to be a first-round pick next spring. The 5-11, 180-pound speedster had 65 receptions for 888 yards and five touchdowns in his two seasons at Alabama, none more memorable than his game-winner on fourth-and-31 against Auburn in last year's Iron Bowl. He's one of the best vertical threats in college football and will be a favorite target for Quinn Ewers.

10. WR Jeremiah Smith
Ohio State | 2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 4

Smith was hyped as a generational talent at receiver coming out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida and has played like one in his first preseason with the Buckeyes after joining as a midyear enrollee. As Ohio State receivers coach Brian Hartline put it, there isn't anything Smith doesn't do well. The gifted true freshman joined a loaded room led by Emeka Egbuka and plenty of blue-chip talent but has an opportunity to immediately assert himself as one of college football's top young playmakers.

11. QB Will Howard
Transfer: Kansas State to Ohio State

Howard authored the best season of his college career last fall when he completed 61% of his passes for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns. Now the fifth-year passer takes the reins at Ohio State under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Ryan Day's track record with quarterbacks is strong, and Howard is surrounded by elite talent as he prepares to shoulder the pressure of playing quarterback at Ohio State amid sky-high expectations.

12. QB Riley Leonard
Transfer: Duke to Notre Dame

The Irish locked up their top transfer target right when the portal opened in December and certainly haven't been disappointed by their decision. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior gives new OC Mike Denbrock a true dual-threat playmaker with big-game experience. Injuries slowed Leonard in 2023, but he still led a remarkable turnaround for the Blue Devils in his two seasons as their starter. He's one of just four returning power conference quarterbacks who has produced more than 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards (excluding sacks) over the past two seasons, according to TruMedia.

13. LB Jaishawn Barham
Transfer: Maryland to Michigan

The defending national champs lost five NFL draft picks on defense but don't think they'll take a big step back thanks to the addition of talent like Barham, a 6-foot-3, 248-pound linebacker with valuable Big Ten experience. Barham started right away for the Terps, earned Freshman All-America recognition and produced 98 tackles, 28 pressures, 9.5 TFLs and 7 sacks in two seasons as a starter. Northwestern transfer OL Josh Priebe should have an important role on the Wolverines as well.

14. WR Deion Burks
Transfer: Purdue to Oklahoma

Burks landed in the portal after a breakout sophomore season at Purdue that saw him record 47 catches for 629 yards and seven scores. He arrives at Oklahoma as another new face in the Sooners' offense as Jackson Arnold steps in under center and first-year offensive coordinator Seth Littrell takes charge. Burks is the complete wide receiver the Sooners were missing last fall after Marvin Mims Jr. jumped to the NFL, and he should be a popular downfield choice for Arnold.

15. CB Jabbar Muhammad
Transfer: Washington to Oregon

The Ducks went up against Muhammad twice last fall in his lone season at Washington, then lured him to Eugene as one of the top cornerbacks in the portal this offseason. The second-team All-Pac-12 selection had a big year after transferring in from Oklahoma State with 19 passes defended (16 pass breakups, three interceptions), tied for second most in FBS. Oregon went heavy on transfer defenders this offseason and could start as many as six portal newcomers on defense in Week 1.

16. WR Evan Stewart
Transfer: Texas A&M to Oregon

Stewart, the No. 12 recruit in the 2022 class, caught 91 passes for 1,163 yards and six scores in two seasons at Texas A&M. He joins an Oregon receiving corps down three of its top four pass catchers from a year ago. The Ducks do return senior Tez Johnson, who set a school record with 85 catches last fall, but will look to get Stewart the ball plenty and hope he can take his play to another level as a junior.

17. C Parker Brailsford
Transfer: Washington to Alabama

Brailsford proved to be an absolute gem for the Huskies last season, anchoring their Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line as a redshirt freshman at center. He started all 15 games and earned All-Pac-12 and Freshman All-America recognition before making the move to Alabama with coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff. The transition to SEC play shouldn't be a problem for the preseason All-American after he put in the work this offseason to bulk up from 275 to 290 pounds.

18. DL Marvin Jones Jr.
Transfer: Georgia to Florida State

Florida State turned transfer portal pickups Jermaine Johnson and Jared Verse into star pass rushers. Jones appears to be next. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound junior played around 20 snaps per game for the Bulldogs last season in a rotational role and earned a start in the SEC title game. Now the former top-100 recruit is ready for a breakout year in Tallahassee and has Seminoles coaches excited about his upside as they pair him with another elite edge rusher in Patrick Payton. Jones generated two pressures and two stops in Florida State's season-opening loss to Georgia Tech.

19. WR Antwane Wells Jr.
Transfer: South Carolina to Ole Miss

"Juice" Wells transferred from James Madison to South Carolina in 2022 and immediately established himself as one of the SEC's top wideouts with 68 catches for 928 yards and six touchdowns to earn first-team All-SEC honors. Keeping Wells healthy and on the field will be crucial this fall after he missed most of last season with a foot injury, but the 6-foot, 205-pound senior has all the talent to be among Ole Miss' best offensive players.

20. CB Trey Amos
Transfer: Alabama to Ole Miss

Amos bet on himself by transferring from Louisiana to Alabama last summer and recorded 12 tackles and five pass breakups as a reserve who earned one start. The senior corner moved on during the coaching change in Tuscaloosa and has been a revelation for Ole Miss. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound corner has great size, measurables and skill and has looked like the Rebels' best cornerback in years and a potential early-round draft pick.

21. WR Cam Coleman
Auburn | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 5

Coleman, a five-star signee, has absolutely wowed Auburn coaches with his spectacular play since his arrival. The 6-foot-3, 197-pounder has made the transition to college ball look easy and leads a freshman wideout group with Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson and Bryce Cain that has the potential to be special. Add in transfers Robert Lewis (Georgia State) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Penn State) and the Tigers have an extremely talented receiving corps for Year 2 under Hugh Freeze.

22. QB Dylan Raiola
Nebraska | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 11

The five-star phenom flipping from Georgia to Nebraska before signing day was a massive coup for Matt Rhule and his program entering Year 2, and they're giving him the keys to be QB1 from Day 1. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound freshman has more than lived up to expectations with his arm and work ethic, with Rhule calling him a "special talent" last week after naming him the Huskers' starter. They've upgraded at receiver with transfers Jahmal Banks (Wake Forest) and Isaiah Neyor (Texas) and have a senior-heavy squad that sets Raiola up to be successful early in his promising career.

23. LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson
Transfer: Georgia to Kentucky

"Pop" Dumas-Johnson earned first-team All-America honors as a sophomore on Georgia's absolutely loaded 2022 defense that won the national championship. He was a 24-game starter at linebacker for Kirby Smart and produced 126 tackles, 17 TFLs and 9.5 sacks. Players with those achievements rarely end up in the portal, but Kentucky is glad he became available. Dumas-Johnson has made a big impression on his new coaches as an ideal replacement for third-round NFL pick Trevin Wallace.

24. DL Tyler Baron
Transfer: Tennessee to Louisville to Miami

Baron was one of the more coveted edge players in the portal in December after a strong senior season in which he produced 10.5 TFLs and six sacks for the Vols. He went through spring ball with Louisville, then re-entered the portal to join a Miami squad that is loading up for a playoff run. The Canes have added a ton of talent to their D-line but are counting on the 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass rusher to shine right away.

25. WR Germie Bernard
Transfer: Washington to Alabama

After starting his career at Michigan State and spending a year behind Washington's incredible receiver trio of Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan, Bernard is ready for his career to take off in Tuscaloosa. The 6-foot-1, 209-pound junior caught 34 passes for 419 yards and two scores in DeBoer's offense last season and has an opportunity to do much more as Jalen Milroe's No. 1 receiver this fall.

Impact quarterbacks

Fifteen more transfer starting QBs you need to know going into the 2024 season.

Grayson McCall
Coastal Carolina to NC State

The three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year threw for more than 10,000 yards and accounted for 106 touchdowns over five seasons with the Chanticleers. Now he's eager to prove he can play at the highest level. McCall's leadership and playmaking ability give the preseason top-25 Wolfpack a real opportunity to compete for an ACC title.

KJ Jefferson
Arkansas to UCF

Big 12's preseason Newcomer of the Year evokes Cam Newton comps from coach Gus Malzahn based on his build (6-foot-3, 247 pounds), big arm and dual-threat ability. Jefferson is a proven 38-game starter who produced more than 9,700 career yards and 88 touchdowns at Arkansas, and the Knights have added plenty more help around him via the portal (including RB Peny Boone, LB Ethan Barr, S Deshawn Pace and S Sheldon Arnold) as they look to chase a Big 12 title in their second year in the league.

DJ Uiagalelei
Oregon State to Florida State

After putting together the best season of his career at Oregon State with 2,857 total yards, 27 touchdowns, 7 interceptions and an 80.8 QBR (12th in FBS), Uiagalelei is back in the ACC for his final season of eligibility. After exceeding his coaches' expectations with a strong offseason, the 6-foot-4, 252-pound senior had an up-and-down debut, throwing for 193 yards on 19-of-27 passing in the Seminoles' loss to Georgia Tech in Ireland. He will look to bounce back and take his game to another level.

Taylen Green
Boise State to Arkansas

Green earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors in 2022 and followed that up by leading the Broncos to a conference title as a sophomore. The 6-foot-6, 230-pound passer has shown off serious dual-threat ability with 1,024 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns (fourth most among FBS quarterbacks since 2022) and impressed in new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's system during fall camp.

Aidan Chiles
Oregon State to Michigan State

Jonathan Smith and his staff knew they'd found a real gem in Chiles at Oregon State and will now build around him in East Lansing. The former four-star recruit played a limited role last season as QB2 behind Uiagalelei and made the most of it, leading 11 scoring drives on 17 possessions. Chiles is still only 18 and has plenty more developing to do, but the sophomore is already a team captain for the Spartans.

Tyler Van Dyke
Miami to Wisconsin

Wisconsin's coaching staff is hoping it can bring out the best in Van Dyke and get him back to playing like the quarterback who won ACC Rookie of the Year in 2021. A fresh start has been a good thing for the 6-foot-4, 225-pound redshirt senior with 28 career starts, and he's looking like a solid fit for OC Phil Longo's passing attack with his arm strength and ability to extend plays.

Tyler Shough
Texas Tech to Louisville

Shough, a seventh-year senior who will turn 25 next month, could end up being one of the steals of this portal cycle if he can finally stay healthy. The former Oregon and Texas Tech starter endured awful injury luck during his time in Lubbock and was limited to 13 starts over three seasons. If the Cardinals can protect him, he should put up big numbers in Jeff Brohm's offense.

Max Johnson
Texas A&M to North Carolina

The Tar Heels needed to find a successor to first-round pick Drake Maye and made a smart bet on Johnson, a fifth-year senior who brings plenty of experience with 22 career starts between his time at LSU and Texas A&M. He's thrown for more than 5,800 yards and 47 touchdowns during his career.

Kyle McCord
Ohio State to Syracuse

After throwing for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions and earning third-team All-Big Ten honors in his lone season as Ohio State's starter, McCord opted to hit the portal and start over at Syracuse. He's been everything new coach Fran Brown needed in a team leader and put together an impressive fall camp with the Orange.

Will Rogers
Mississippi State to Washington

Rogers became the SEC's all-time leader in pass attempts and completions at Mississippi State while throwing for more than 12,000 yards and scoring 96 touchdowns. The 40-game starter signed with the Huskies to play for Kalen DeBoer, and after DeBoer was hired by Alabama, Rogers opted to stay and be a leader for new coach Jedd Fisch, whose system should allow him to show off all his tools as a passer.

Dequan Finn
Toledo to Baylor

Finn earned MAC Player of the Year in 2023 after producing a conference-high 3,220 yards of total offense and 29 touchdowns, guiding the Rockets to 11 wins and achieving an AP top-25 finish. Dave Aranda and the Bears are depending on the 32-game starter to lead their turnaround, and his dynamic rushing skills (1,836 career yards) should provide new wrinkles for new OC Jake Spavital's system.

Brock Vandagriff
Georgia to Kentucky

Vandagriff, a former top-50 recruit, has been preparing for his breakout season for three years. He played just 69 snaps at Georgia while backing up Stetson Bennett and Carson Beck but was well regarded within the program. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound junior is ready to show what he can do in the SEC and should benefit from teaming up with the Wildcats' talented receiving corps.

Max Brosmer
New Hampshire to Minnesota

P.J. Fleck and his Gophers staff looked to the portal for a veteran starter and nabbed one of the best in FCS in Brosmer. The sixth-year senior was a Walter Payton Award finalist after leading FCS in passing yards per game last season and threw for 8,713 yards with 80 total touchdowns during his Wildcats career. He's been a perfect fit for Minnesota's offense with his accuracy, efficiency and leadership.

Brendan Sorsby
Indiana to Cincinnati

Sorsby flew under the national radar amid all the big-name quarterbacks who transferred in December, but don't sleep on him. Cincinnati's staff believes it has found a promising young arm to build around in Year 2. The 6-foot-3, 228-pound passer earned seven starts for the Hoosiers last season as a redshirt freshman and threw for 1,587 yards with 19 total touchdowns and five interceptions.

Jordan McCloud
James Madison to Texas State

The reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year went on quite a journey with stops at USF and Arizona before finally breaking through in 2023 at James Madison, where he put up 3,933 total yards and 43 touchdowns for the 11-win Dukes. McCloud opted to transfer within the conference after coach Curt Cignetti left for Indiana and is teaming up with GJ Kinne and a Texas State offense that ranked 11th nationally in scoring last season and brings back many of its top weapons.

Offensive playmakers

Offensive transfers with the potential to have high-usage, high-impact roles for their new squads.

RB Damien Martinez
Oregon State to Miami

Martinez proved himself as one of college football's best young running backs at Oregon State, earning Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2022 and first-team All-Pac-12 honors last season after finishing third in the conference in rushing yards (1,185) and scoring nine touchdowns. Now he's out to prove he should be one of the first backs selected in the 2025 NFL draft. He's lived up to the hype for the Canes in fall camp.

WR Samuel Brown
Houston to Miami

Brown, another valuable spring portal pickup, began his career at West Virginia but shined at Houston with 103 catches for 1,286 yards and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout finished sixth in the Big 12 in receptions (62) as the Cougars' leading receiver last season. He looks like he'll be a terrific complement to Miami's returning receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George and has the potential to become a top-50 draft pick.

RB Raheim Sanders
Arkansas to South Carolina

A healthy "Rocket" Sanders is going to be a problem yet again in the SEC. The 6-foot, 230-pound back finished second in the conference in rushing (1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns) at Arkansas in 2022 and picked up first-team All-SEC honors. Sanders was limited to six games last year due to a knee injury and missed this spring while recovering from shoulder surgery, but he's ready to roll now and has wowed South Carolina coaches this offseason.

WR Silas Bolden
Oregon State to Texas

Texas lost its top four pass catchers to the NFL draft but did an excellent job of reloading via the portal with Isaiah Bond, Bolden, Matthew Golden (Houston) and Amari Niblack (Alabama). Bolden is smaller than the rest at 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds but is an electric talent as a receiver and returner who has accounted for 2,328 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Steve Sarkisian has been impressed by Bolden's "unbelievable" work ethic and elite speed and will look to get him a lot of touches.

WR Colbie Young
Miami to Georgia

Young is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound target with a lot of talent who will make Carson Beck's job easier. Young was Miami's third-leading receiver last season and caught 79 passes for 930 yards and 10 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Hurricanes. He's in line to start and have a really productive year for the Bulldogs.

WR Josh Kelly
Washington State to Texas Tech

Five-star freshman Micah Hudson is going to play early and often, but Kelly has emerged as Texas Tech's likely No. 1 receiver. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior spent four seasons at Fresno State before making the move to Washington State and breaking out with 61 catches for a team-high 923 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Tech coaches are excited about Kelly, Hudson, Caleb Douglas (Florida) and tight end Jalin Conyers (Arizona State) all playing major roles in what should be one of the Big 12's top offenses.

WR Malik Benson
Alabama to Florida State

Benson arrived at Alabama with big expectations as the No. 1 junior college recruit in the country out of Hutchinson Community College. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound wideout earned six starts but didn't have a significant role in the Tide offense, turning 21 targets into 13 catches, 162 yards and one score. The Seminoles will give him an opportunity to be a true No. 1 receiver. Benson caught four passes for 39 yards against Georgia Tech, including two critical fourth-quarter conversions, and also handled punt return duties.

RB Jonah Coleman
Arizona to Washington

Coleman is coming off a strong sophomore campaign with the Wildcats and was one of the Pac-12's most productive backs with 871 rushing yards, 283 receiving yards and 6 total touchdowns. He's tough to tackle at 5-foot-9, 229 pounds and will be a big help for Fisch and the Huskies as they roll with a ton of newcomers on offense.

RB Jordan Waters
Duke to NC State

Waters, a sixth-year senior, could end up being a steal for NC State with his proven ACC production. The 6-foot, 219-pound back earned third-team All-ACC recognition last season after gaining a career-high 958 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. The Wolfpack assembled a quality offensive haul in the portal with Grayson McCall, Waters, wide receiver Noah Rogers (Ohio State), tight end Justin Joly (UConn) and center Zeke Correll (Notre Dame) all coming in to help this squad contend in the ACC.

WR Ja'Corey Brooks
Alabama to Louisville

Touted South Alabama transfer Caullin Lacy missing extended time with a broken collarbone means the Cardinals need Brooks to step up and be an impact playmaker. The 6-foot-3, 195-pound senior emerged as Alabama's No. 2 receiver in 2022 with 39 catches for 674 yards and a team-high eight receiving touchdowns but struggled with a shoulder issue last year and finished with just three catches for 30 yards. He'll have a great opportunity to be one of Tyler Shough's go-to guys.

RB Dylan Edwards
Colorado to Kansas State

Edwards made a name for himself by lighting up TCU in his college debut with 177 total yards and four touchdowns in last year's stunning upset for the Buffs. He opted to move closer to home this spring and team up with Avery Johnson in Manhattan. The Wildcats return one of the Big 12's best backs in DJ Giddens but are going to put Edwards' speed to good use and get him a lot of touches. The 5-foot-9 playmaker also provides them a significant upgrade in the return game.

WR Dorian Singer
USC to Utah

Singer, a former walk-on, shined at Arizona in 2022 and finished second in the Pac-12 in receiving with 1,105 yards. He opted to enter the portal and team up with Caleb Williams at USC but didn't have the type of season anyone expected, catching just 24 passes for 289 yards and three scores. The 6-foot, 177-pound senior impressed in fall camp with the Utes and looks like he'll be a key target for Cameron Rising.

TE Ben Yurosek
Stanford to Georgia

Georgia could not have found a more qualified candidate to help replace All-America tight end Brock Bowers. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound Yurosek, a senior, has produced 1,342 receiving yards since 2021, fourth most among FBS tight ends behind Bowers, Michael Mayer and Dalton Kincaid. He'll team up with Oscar Delp and bring a lot of value to an offense that loves to play in 12 personnel.

Big men

Quality offensive and defensive linemen are worth more than most when they hit the portal. These linemen are set to play important roles.

DE Princely Umanmielen
Florida to Ole Miss

The second-team All-SEC performer earned 24 starts and produced 71 pressures, 24.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks over his four seasons with the Gators. Umanmielen has lived up to high expectations for his new coaches as a 6-foot-4, 255-point stand-up edge who can bend and get to the passer.

DL LT Overton
Texas A&M to Alabama

The former five-star and No. 6 overall recruit in the 2022 class started four games over his two seasons at Texas A&M and believes he's found a much better fit for his size and talents in Kane Wommack's defensive system. The athletic 6-5, 283-pound junior is playing the Bandit edge rusher role and looks like he'll be a disruptor for the Tide.

DT Damonic Williams
TCU to Oklahoma

A 27-game starter and a 2022 national runner-up at TCU, Williams' transfer to Oklahoma filled a critical hole up the middle for the Sooners this offseason. Brent Venables' defense enters the SEC down five upperclassmen defensive tackles from last fall, and in the 6-foot-1, 319-pound Williams, Oklahoma gained needed size and experience at the position. He'll start at nose tackle next to true freshman DT Jayden Jackson, a three-star signee who has earned high praise from Venables and his staff. Former Tennessee transfer Da'Jon Terry will feature heavily in the rotation, as could five-star freshman David Stone.

OL Lance Heard

LSU to Tennessee

Heard, the No. 3 ranked offensive tackle recruit in the 2023 class, moved on from LSU after playing 195 snaps (one start) during his true freshman season. The 6-foot-6, 340-pound tackle gets a clear path to playing time with the Vols as their No. 1 left tackle and has an extremely bright future entering his first season as a full-time starter.

DT Jamaree Caldwell
Houston to Oregon

A former junior college transfer, Caldwell's 6.5 sacks ranked fifth in the Big 12 last fall, and he joins Oregon among the stream of transfer newcomers on the Ducks' defense. With speed and movement that has impressed the staff in Eugene, the 6-foot-1, 340-pound defensive tackle will be an asset for Oregon in its first season battling Big Ten offensive lines, factoring heavily into a unit that also added Michigan State transfer Derrick Harmon.

OL Kadyn Proctor
Alabama to Iowa to Alabama

It's been a fascinating offseason to say the least for the former five-star recruit. Proctor left Alabama after starting at left tackle as a true freshman, went home to join Iowa for two months and then had a change of heart and rejoined the Tide. The massive 6-foot-7, 365-pound lineman had to re-earn his job and has gotten stronger and leaner entering his sophomore campaign.

DE Dayon Hayes
Pitt to Colorado

It's tough to pick just one Colorado defensive lineman for this list after the Buffs' dramatic overhaul up front with 11 transfers joining the program this offseason. Hayes, a 6-foot-3, 265-pound senior who broke out with a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss in 2023, will certainly help the pass rush. Hayes, fellow Pitt transfer Samuel Okunlola and Arizona State transfer BJ Green all look prepared to produce for a defense that's looking to get a lot better in a hurry.

OL Kahlil Benson
Indiana to Colorado

On the other side of the ball, the Buffs are rolling with a new-look offensive line and have high hopes for Benson, who brought a solid résumé to Boulder with 17 starts in the Big Ten over the past two seasons and experience at both right guard and right tackle. He'll help fortify a unit that surrendered 56 sacks last year and will have an opportunity to get drafted if he can put together a good season.

OL Cayden Green
Oklahoma to Missouri

Green appeared in 11 games with five starts at left guard in his debut season at Oklahoma. Now back in his home state, Green opens a new chapter as Missouri works to replace starting left tackle Javon Foster and left guard Xavier Delgado, both NFL draft picks. Green's size and versatility make him a valuable player for the Tigers, and he's expected to be part of the solution alongside SMU transfer Marcus Bryant as Missouri repairs the left side of its offensive line.

DL Fadil Diggs
Texas A&M to Syracuse

The 6-foot-5, 261-pound edge defender from New Jersey followed his D-line coach Elijah Robinson to Syracuse and should be a standout for the Orange. Diggs was a team captain in both of his seasons as a starter for the Aggies and has produced 18.5 TFLs and eight sacks in his career. He should be one of the ACC's top pass rushers.

DT Aeneas Peebles
Duke to Virginia Tech

The 6-foot-1, 290-pound grad transfer brings 47 games of ACC experience to the table and looks like he'll be a much-needed force up front for the Hokies. Peebles earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2023 after registering 40 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 4 sacks. Among all the returning interior defensive linemen in FBS, only Kentucky's Deone Walker generated more pressures than Peebles.

OL Bryce Foster
Texas A&M to Kansas

Foster was a post-spring pickup for the preseason No. 22 Jayhawks who helps address a real need up front after three-year starting center Mike Novitsky graduated. It's uncommon to find a transfer lineman with his level of experience as a 28-game starter and former Freshman All-American still available in June, but the junior has put in the work to catch up. He offers impressive size (6-foot-5, 330 pounds) and athleticism.

DT Jared Harrison-Hunte
Miami to SMU

Rhett Lashlee and his staff have had a lot of success with their Miami transfers at SMU and added another big one this spring in Harrison-Hunte. The 6-foot-4, 294-pound senior started 22 games for the Hurricanes and generated 46 pressures and 19.5 TFLs. He's a valuable upgrade up front for a team making its transition into ACC play and had three tackles in his debut against Nevada.

Dynamic defenders

Veteran defensive starters (and a few promising young ones) poised to have breakout seasons for their new schools.

LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
Oregon State to USC

Mascarenas-Arnold was a first-team All-Pac-12 performer for the Beavers who finished third in the conference in tackles (107) last season and collected 6.5 TFLs, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. He was a big-time pickup for the Trojans as they work to rebuild their defense under new coordinator D'Anton Lynn. He has exceeded expectations in fall camp.

S Keon Sabb
Michigan to Alabama

The defending national champs didn't lose many players to the portal during their coaching change, but Sabb did opt for a fresh start after starting five games in 2023 and producing 28 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and a pick-six. The former top-100 recruit is proving to be a great fit for a secondary that returns Malachi Moore but will need to lean on a bunch of newcomers.

LB Cam Riley
Auburn to Florida State

Riley started just 11 of his 48 career games at Auburn over four seasons, but the veteran linebacker has made a big impression on Florida State's coaching staff. He's a 6-foot-5, 237-pound senior who plays fast and has fit in well. Riley recorded seven tackles in his Seminoles debut against Georgia Tech.

S Andrew Mukuba
Clemson to Texas

The Austin native chose Clemson over Texas coming out of high school, but opted to come home after starting 31 games for the Tigers over three seasons and earning Freshman All-America recognition in 2021. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior should provide a big upgrade on the back end for the Longhorns with his versatility and experience.

CB Jermod McCoy
Oregon State to Tennessee

Here's another defensive back who flashed exciting potential in 2023. The 6-foot, 193-pound cornerback was able to start five games as a true freshman for the Beavers and led the team with nine passes defended (seven PBUs, two interceptions). McCoy brings impressive skills and one source said he has done some "special stuff" in fall camp for the Vols, so expectations are high for his sophomore season.

S Kamari Ramsey
UCLA to USC

Ramsey earned Freshman All-America recognition last season after moving into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman and recording 40 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception. His decision to follow Lynn to rival USC was another important move for turning around a unit that finished No. 121 in FBS in scoring defense last year.

CB Garnett Hollis Jr.
Northwestern to West Virginia

The 6-foot-1, 201-pound senior started 17 games over the past two seasons at Northwestern and has earned strong reviews from his new coaches for his play in camp along with fellow transfer corner Ayden Garnes (Duquesne). The Mountaineers turned veteran transfer Beanie Bishop Jr. into an All-American a year ago, and it looks like they've again found some gems in the secondary.

CB A.J. Harris
Georgia to Penn State

The No. 37 overall recruit in the 2023 ESPN 300 got on the field for 89 snaps over seven games during his true freshman season with the Bulldogs and logged eight tackles. He'll have an opportunity to move into the starting lineup as a sophomore for a talented Penn State defense with preseason top-10 expectations.

CB Dezz Ricks
Alabama to Texas A&M

Ricks, a former five-star recruit who reclassified to the class of 2023, played sparingly during his freshman season with the Crimson Tide with just eight snaps over two games. Elko and his Texas A&M staff have been impressed by Ricks' talent and development and are counting on him and fellow transfer corner Will Lee III (Kansas State) to step up in the secondary.

LB Elijah Herring
Tennessee to Memphis

Herring moved into a starting role as a sophomore after Keenan Pili's season-ending injury and finished with a team-high 80 tackles. He opted to move on this spring, joined a Memphis squad that has a chance to compete for a CFP bid and has quickly emerged as their top player on defense.

DB Caleb Ransaw
Troy to Tulane

Jon Sumrall brought Ransaw with him from Troy and knows he can trust him to lock down slot receivers from the Green Wave's Spear nickel position. The 6-foot, 196-pound junior recorded 51 tackles, six TFLs and an interception last season. He has all the tools to be a difference-maker in the AAC, and one NFL scouting service gave him a third-round grade entering the season.

Moving up

Key transfer portal additions for Power 4 teams who are making the jump from Group of 5 or FCS programs.

LB John Pius
William & Mary to Wisconsin

The two-time FCS All-American racked up 35 TFLs and 21 sacks over the past two seasons at William & Mary. He's a long, explosive pass rusher at 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds who has been a much-needed addition for the Badgers' defense along with Arkansas transfer LB Jaheim Thomas.

OL J.C. Davis
New Mexico to Illinois

Davis, a two-year starter and first-team All-Mountain West selection, was a projected Day 3 draft pick and could have gone pro after impressing at New Mexico. He opted to make the move to Illinois in hopes of proving he can compete with the best. Sources say Davis has been thoroughly impressive at left tackle for the Illini this offseason and looks poised for an All-Big Ten caliber season.

WR Kris Mitchell
FIU to Notre Dame

Mitchell bet on himself and joined the Irish after turning 64 receptions into a Conference USA-best 1,118 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season at Florida International. Notre Dame's coaching staff did a nice job of reloading at a key position of need with wideouts Mitchell, Beaux Collins (Clemson) and Jayden Harrison (Marshall) coming in via the portal to boost Denbrock's passing attack.

WR Chris Brazzell II
Tulane to Tennessee

After leading the Green Wave with 44 catches for 711 yards and five touchdowns in 2023, Brazzell made the move to the SEC and is putting in the work to become a difference-maker for Tennessee. The Vols return proven pass catchers in Squirrel White and Bru McCoy and have a deep cast of wideouts, but their coaches see serious high-end ability in Brazzell.

DL Tre Smith
San José State to Arizona

The first-team All-Mountain West selection followed coach Brent Brennan and his staff to Arizona after breaking out with a career-high 66 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 270-pound junior is expected to be the Wildcats' top pass rusher and should have a big year in the Big 12.

OL Fernando Carmona Jr.
San José State to Arkansas

Carmona has held down the left tackle spot for Arkansas and sources say he's looking like an NFL-caliber talent. The 6-foot-5, 322-pound junior was a two-year starter at San José State and has benefitted greatly from going against All-SEC pass rusher Landon Jackson in practice. He's one of many transfers (including running back Ja'Quinden Jackson and linebackers Xavian Sorey Jr. and Larry Worth III) expected to make an instant impact for the Razorbacks.

CB D'Angelo Ponds
James Madison to Indiana

The tough 5-foot-9, 170-pound cover man shined in the Sun Belt last season, finishing among the top 10 nationally in pass breakups (13) and picking up Freshman All-America honors. Curt Cignetti brought 13 James Madison transfers to Bloomington and is counting on a bunch of them (including wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, tight end Zach Horton and linebacker Aiden Fisher) to expedite the rebuilding process.

S Jordan Riley
Ball State to Kansas State

Kansas State's staff needed to replace veteran safety Kobe Savage after he transferred to Oregon and found a gem in Riley, a two-year starter at Ball State who earned All-MAC recognition in 2022. The 6-foot, 202-pound senior has earned rave reviews for his play in their Jack middle safety role. There's also plenty of internal excitement about what North Dakota transfer Easton Kilty has brought to the table as their new left tackle.

RB Nate Noel
Appalachian State to Missouri

After developing Division II transfer Cody Schrader into an All-American, Eli Drinkwitz and his staff looked to the portal to address their need at running back. Noel, a fifth-year back who has more than 3,000 career rushing yards and was initially recruited to App State by Drinkwitz, gives them speed and will pair nicely with Georgia State transfer Marcus Carroll, whose 46 rushes of 10-plus yards ranked third in FBS last season according to TruMedia.

WR LaJohntay Wester
FAU to Colorado

Wester led the AAC in receptions (108) and receiving yards (1,168) last season, scored 10 total touchdowns and took home AAC Special Teams Player of the Year honors after averaging 19.9 yards per punt return. He's a dynamic player with the ball in his hands who makes the Buffs' offense better. Shedeur Sanders already had top targets Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. returning and gets even more help with transfers Wester, Will Sheppard (Vanderbilt) and Terrell Timmons Jr. (NC State) joining the mix.

LB Cooper McDonald
San Diego State to TCU

The 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge defender brings three seasons of starting experience from his stints at Washington and San Diego State and is proving to be a great find for the Horned Frogs as they transition to new DC Andy Avalos' scheme. TCU picked up quite a few transfers who should make key contributions, including tight end Drake Dabney (Baylor) and linebackers Kaleb Elarms-Orr (Cal) and Devean Deal (Tulane).

WR CJ Daniels
Liberty to LSU

Daniels enjoyed a breakthrough season during the Flames' 13-1 run to the Fiesta Bowl and finished second in Conference USA in receiving yards (1,067) with 10 scores on 55 catches as Kaidon Salter's go-to guy. He's a savvy wideout who will be a solid addition for an LSU passing attack that must replace two first-round draft picks.

OL Jalen Travis
Princeton to Iowa State

Travis, a two-year starter at Princeton, opted to try a grad transfer rather than enter the draft and has wowed Iowa State coaches with his massive size (6-foot-7, 340 pounds) and NFL potential. He'll hold down the left tackle spot for a Cyclones squad that brings back a lot of firepower on offense and should contend in the Big 12.

Freshmen to watch

Ten top-100 recruits who will have an opportunity to make a name for themselves as true freshman contributors.

ATH Terry Bussey
Texas A&M | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 18

The five-star athlete was a two-way star at Timpson High School, leading the Bears to a Texas state title during his senior season. With the Aggies, Bussey projects as an immediate difference-maker at defensive back and as a kick returner. But Bussey has the speed and athleticism to make an impact on offense too. Where the talented freshman ultimately ends up, as Mike Elko told reporters earlier this month, is still up in the air.

Edge Dylan Stewart
South Carolina | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 14

At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, Stewart stood among the most physically impressive prospects in the 2024 cycle when he landed with South Carolina as one of the highest-rated signees in program history. Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks' staff are high on the aggressive, five-star edge rusher from Washington, D.C., and Stewart is expected to earn playing time this fall with comparisons to South Carolina legend Jadeveon Clowney hovering over the talented freshman.

OL Jordan Seaton
Colorado | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 19

The five-star blocker's late-cycle commitment to Colorado represented the most important pledge in Deion Sanders' 2024 class. This fall, Seaton represents an upgrade at left tackle on an offensive line that struggled to protect the quarterback in 2023. As attention naturally follows Sanders' program this fall, focus will remain firmly on the blocking unit now helmed by the 6-foot-5, 285-pound freshman tackle.

WR Ryan Williams
Alabama | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 3

Retaining Williams' commitment to the Crimson Tide was one of DeBoer's first orders of business at Alabama, and for good reason. The five-star wide receiver has wowed the Crimson Tide's first-year staff with his explosiveness and big-play ability since arriving on campus. Alabama returns pass catchers Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law and added Bernard, but Williams should see playing time this fall as one of the budding stars in Tuscaloosa in DeBoer's first season.

WR Bryant Wesco Jr.
Clemson | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 28

The second-highest-rated prospect in the Tigers' 2024 class, Wesco turned in a strong spring camp, then increased his listed weight by 10 pounds over the summer. Clemson returns experienced pass catchers in Tyler Brown, Troy Stellato and Antonio Williams, with Cade Klubnik back under center this fall. The Tigers have been led in receptions by a freshman six times since Dabo Swinney took over in 2009. Could Wesco be next?

Edge Colin Simmons
Texas | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 12

An ESPN preseason Freshman All-American, Simmons possesses the speed and explosiveness to make an immediate impact as a member of Texas' pass-rush rotation this fall. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound edge will need time to develop into an every-down defender and may struggle defending the run game early on, but Simmons has everything he needs to be a Day 1 contributor in the Longhorns' first season in the SEC.

S KJ Bolden
Georgia | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 16

One of four five-star signees in Georgia's 2024 class, per ESPN rankings, Bolden's name is one college football fans may well be familiar with by late fall. While naming Bolden a preseason Freshman All-American, ESPN's Tom Luginbill wrote that the first-year safety "could have the same instant impact that Malaki Starks had as a freshman." Starks, now an All-America junior, started 14 of the Bulldogs' 15 games in 2022. Similarly, Bolden will have early opportunities to rotate in and make an impact.

DE Williams Nwaneri
Missouri | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 21

Nwaneri signed with the Tigers as the program's highest-rated defensive lineman since Terry Beckner in 2015. Mizzou brings back 2023 breakout star Johnny Walker Jr. and adds transfers Zion Young (Michigan State), Darris Smith (Georgia) and Eddie Kelly Jr. (Georgia Tech). Missouri's edge depth may initially limit Nwaneri's path to playing time, but there's a sense within the program that his skill set will ultimately make it difficult to keep him off the field.

Edge LJ McCray
Florida | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 10

McCray arrived on campus at Florida ahead of schedule physically, then gained more size and muscle over the past seven months. The 6-foot-3, 264-pound edge is the kind of explosive pass rusher Florida has been missing in recent seasons. That need, combined with McCray's ability to disrupt in the backfield, makes him a strong candidate to break into the Gators' rotation early and to stay there this fall as coach Billy Napier stares down a critical third campaign.

CB Zabien Brown
Alabama | 2024 ESPN 300 rank: 65

Between the NFL draft and the transfer portal, Alabama has lost six cornerbacks from last year's roster. That bodes well for Brown, the 6-foot, 196-pound freshman from California who has made a powerful early impression with the Crimson Tide. Alabama has veteran depth in transfers Domani Jackson (USC) and DaShawn Jones (Wake Forest), but Brown will be called on early and often with fellow first-year defensive backs Jaylen Mbakwe (No. 2 in the 2024 ESPN 300) and Zavier Mincey (No. 46) also expected to see playing time this fall.