The Transfer Portal’s Impact on the 2025 College Football Season
The landscape of college football has been irrevocably altered by the transfer portal and the elimination of the one-year redshirt rule. Quarterbacks, in particular, have become the poster children for this new era, with high-profile signal-callers frequently changing teams in search of better opportunities. In the recent national championship game, both Ohio State and Notre Dame started transfer quarterbacks, highlighting the immediate impact these players can have. Moreover, three of the four College Football Playoff semifinalists boasted a transfer quarterback under center, and half of the teams in the entire playoff bracket were led by a transfer at the position.
However, the influence of the transfer portal extends far beyond the quarterback position. Every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) is actively utilizing the portal to fill roster gaps, enhance depth, and discover hidden gems from other programs. While some teams excel at navigating the portal more effectively than others, its importance cannot be overstated as teams prepare for the 2025 season. Transfers, at quarterback and across all positions, are poised to significantly shape conference races and the pursuit of the national championship.
Here’s a look at some teams that have positioned themselves well through the transfer portal:
LSU Tigers
LSU has addressed their needs by acquiring a trio of impactful transfers: edge rusher Patrick Payton from Florida State, wide receiver Nic Anderson from Oklahoma, and wide receiver Barion Brown. Payton brings a wealth of experience and proven production, having accumulated 32 tackles for loss and 16 sacks during his time with the Seminoles. Brown is a dynamic playmaker who can contribute significantly in the return game. Anderson, along with Oklahoma tight end transfer Bauer Sharp, are expected to make immediate contributions to the LSU offense. The Tigers are aiming to bolster their defense and reignite their offensive firepower under coach Brian Kelly.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami has prioritized strengthening their offensive and defensive lines with the additions of offensive tackle Howard Sampson from North Carolina, edge rusher Romello Height from Georgia Tech, and defensive tackle Lee Hunter from Central Florida. The Hurricanes have capitalized on their robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offerings to attract top talent through the portal. Sampson and Miami (Ohio) transfer Will Jados are projected to be starters on the offensive line. Tight end Terrance Carter, a transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette, adds another offensive weapon after amassing 689 receiving yards last season.
Oregon Ducks
Oregon’s transfer class may be smaller in number, but it packs a considerable punch. Offensive tackle Isaiah World from Nevada is considered by some to be the best overall player in this year’s transfer portal. Offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon from Southern California is expected to step into the interior of the line and compete for all-conference honors. Running back Makhi Hughes, a transfer from Tulane, is a proven difference-maker, having accumulated 2,779 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns over the past two seasons. The Ducks are looking to solidify their offensive line and add a dynamic presence in the backfield.
Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss has focused on adding playmakers on both sides of the ball. Offensive lineman Patrick Kutas from Arkansas and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen from Nebraska are expected to play key roles for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. While Umanmielen is still developing, he has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Cornhuskers. Head coach Lane Kiffin has also brought in a host of receivers to support new quarterback Austin Simmons, including Harrison Wallace III from Penn State and DeZhaun Stribling from Oklahoma State.
Missouri Tigers
Missouri’s transfer class is headlined by quarterback Beau Pribula from Penn State, who performed admirably in relief of Drew Allar last season. His ability to lead the offense as the starting quarterback will be crucial to Missouri’s success in 2025. The Tigers have also continued their trend of securing impactful, day-one starters through the portal, including edge rusher Damon Wilson II from Georgia and wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. from Mississippi State. Edge rusher Nate Johnson (Appalachian State) and running back Ahmad Hardy (Louisiana-Monroe) add depth from the Group of Five ranks.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami’s success in the portal can also be see with their acquisitions of quarterback Carson Beck from Georgia, cornerback Xavier Lucas from Wisconsin, and cornerback Charles Brantley from Michigan State. The value of this transfer class hinges on Beck’s recovery from an arm injury and his ability to regain his status as a top NFL draft prospect. Brantley, once healthy, is expected to compete for a starting cornerback position. Lucas, who joined Miami after a controversial departure from Wisconsin, possesses the potential to become a lockdown corner.
Auburn Tigers
Auburn is looking to revitalize its offense with the additions of wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. from Georgia Tech, offensive lineman Xavier Chaplin from Virginia Tech, and offensive lineman Mason Murphy from Southern California. Quarterback Jackson Arnold, formerly of Oklahoma, is the frontrunner for the starting job, though his performance with the Sooners didn’t live up to expectations. Arnold will have a talented receiving corps to work with, including holdover Cam Coleman and newcomers Singleton and Wake Forest receiver transfer Horatio Fields. The defensive additions may not be as impactful, but there are several younger players with potential for future development, including LSU linebacker transfer Xavier Atkins.
Florida State Seminoles
Florida State is looking to make some noise with their transfers. Wide receiver Duce Robinson (Southern California), EDGE James Williams (Nebraska), OL Luke Petitbon (Wake Forest) all come to a team looking to reload after losing some key players. While this transfer class may lack the star power of previous years, it includes players like Williams who can make a significant impact in rotational roles. Boston College transfer Thomas Castellanos, who previously played under new Florida State coordinator Gus Malzahn at Central Florida, is expected to take over as the starting quarterback.
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska has focused on bolstering its offensive line and adding playmakers on both sides of the ball. Offensive lineman Elijah Pritchett from Alabama and offensive lineman Rocco Spindler from Notre Dame are expected to step into starting roles. Wide receiver Dane Key from Kentucky should be the team’s leading receiver, while Kentucky transfer Hardley Gilmore might need a year to develop. Nebraska also added Georgia Southern linebacker Marques Watson-Trent, one of the top Group of Five defenders, and Oklahoma transfer Dasan McCullough, providing needed flexibility in the secondary.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin lost several key players to the transfer portal, including cornerback Lucas, running back Tawee Walker (Cincinnati), and wide receiver Will Pauling (Notre Dame). However, the Badgers have responded with an 18-member transfer class headlined by quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. from Maryland and tight end Tanner Koziol from Ball State. Wide receiver Mark Hamper, a transfer from Idaho, averaged 20.1 yards per catch last season and could provide a major spark to the passing game.
The transfer portal has become an integral part of college football, and teams that can effectively utilize it will have a significant advantage in the 2025 season and beyond. These teams have strategically addressed their needs, added talent and experience, and positioned themselves for success in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.
