Transfer Portal Winners
Louisville Cardinals
Year 4 under Jeff Brohm looks bright as the Cardinals reload following a disappointing season. Louisville successfully landed key transfers while retaining several key players. Retaining Isaac Brown, Clev Lubin, Antonio Watts, and Adonjah Green is significant for the Cardinals. Key additions include Tyler Thompson (North Carolina), who had 9 sacks in ACC play last year, and Tre Richardson (Vanderbilt), who recorded 800 yards in SEC play last year. They also brought in defensive captain Keon Entringer (Iowa) and secured Lincoln Kienholz (Ohio State) at quarterback. While losing Chris Bell, Caullin Lacy and other offensive talent hurt, but the Cardinals are reloading.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #5
Will Stein
Following a 5-7 season and a 41-0 loss to rival Louisville, Kentucky moved on from long-tenured coach Mark Stoops. Oregon Offensive Coordinator and Kentucky native Will Stein was the right call. He has a strong transfer class coming in for Year 1 with the main focus being the offensive line. He landed Olaus Alinen (Alabama), Lance Heard (Texas), and Max Anderson (Tennessee) to solidify the trenches. He also landed quarterback Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame) after losing Cutter Boley.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #38
Texas Tech Red Raiders
It is no surprise that Texas Tech holds a top spot. West Texas oil money is big, and their portal class reflects this. They have secured a top class for the second year in a row. They landed five-star quarterback Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) to improve an offense that was their downfall last year, which included scoring 0 points against Oregon in the Orange Bowl.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #3
Curt Cignetti
Mark Cuban noted that Indiana’s NIL fund would make them more comfortable in the transfer portal this year. Coming off a National Championship, Cignetti and Indiana wasted no time, bringing in the #1 class. He has his quarterback in Josh Hoover (TCU). With a talented class and the playmakers Indiana has, the program is prepared for another run.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #1
Arch Manning
Arch Manning improved significantly during his time as the starter last season. However, losing starting talent at running back, tight end, and wide receiver required Texas to address those needs. They secured four star running back Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and four-star offensive tackle Jonte Newman (Texas A&M). Most notably, they landed five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn), who is a difference maker and the immediate star of the offense.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #10
Quarterback Market
Transfer quarterbacks are receiving massive NIL deals. Duke quarterback Darian Mensah signed a deal with Miami for up to $10 million, including an Adidas sponsorship and a full ride for his sister on the Miami women’s soccer team. Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt signed a deal with LSU for $7.5 million, and Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) signed a deal with Texas Tech for $5 million. High-profile programs are paying ungodly amounts for quarterbacks. While it worked for players like Fernando Mendoza, it did not have the same result for others like Zach Calzada.
Transfer Portal Losers
Alabama Crimson Tide
Following a College Football Playoff loss to Indiana, the Tide looked to improve in the portal after being outscored 110-44 in its three losses. Alabama’s rushing attack struggled this year, with the leading rusher totaling just over 500 yards. The #2 running back Hollywood Smothers (NC State) committed to the Tide but flipped to Texas three days later. Alabama also missed out on #1 wide receiver Cam Coleman (Auburn) and lost two defensive linemen to Ohio State.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #46
Cincinnati Bearcats
Losing a starting quarterback like Brendan Sorsby is not ideal, and bringing in the #62 transfer class adds to the challenge. Most of the class consists of Group of Five players making the jump to a Power 4 school, which carries significant risk. It is not a total failure, but it is not an ideal situation for the program.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #65
Auburn Tigers
Auburn and new head coach Alex Golesh (South Florida) have struggled in the transfer portal, losing 31 scholarship players in the process. Losing five star transfer Cam Coleman to Texas and potential starter Deuce Knight to Ole Miss are big losses. Currently, Auburn has the worst transfer class in the SEC. While a roster turnover may have been needed for the 5-7 Tigers, the revamp approach has been difficult.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #66
Duke Blue Devils
Losing a starting quarterback and wide receiver in the final hours of the transfer portal is never ideal. This is the second time in three years Duke has lost its starting quarterback in the portal, losing Darian Mensah and wide receiver Cooper Barkate. Despite winning the ACC Championship, it is difficult for the program to match the financial offers coming from schools like Miami.
On3 Transfer Class Ranking: #64
