Welcome to TPR’s weekly college football portal report, where we will rank all things transfer portal related, particularly revolving around the 2023 transfer class.
1) Coach Prime’s Transfer Recruiting
We put out a graphic before week one commenting on the high percentage of transfer players making up Colorado’s projected two deep roster. Over 86% (19 of 22) of the offensive two deep had transferred to Colorado, while 95% (21 of 22) of the defensive two deep had transferred to Colorado. Considering those numbers, it should not be a surprise that Colorado had the largest contribution in Week 1 by 2023 transfers.
Travis Hunter [Jackson State ➔ Colorado] played both ways and had nearly 120 yards receiving on 11 catches plus 3 tackles and a huge red zone interception on defense. Shedeur Sanders [Jackson State ➔ Colorado] showed he is more than just Coach Prime’s son and should be considered a legitimate QB1 in big time college football – throwing for a school record 510 yards, while completing over 80% of his passes, on his way to racking up 4 passing TDs. The pair of South Florida receivers, Jimmy Horn Jr. and Xavier Weaver, both went over 100 yards receiving combining for 17 receptions, 235 yards, and 1 TD. Shilo Sanders [Jackson State ➔ Colorado] also had a big day on defense, leading the team with 10 total tackles.
2) Transfer QB’s Contributing
I already mentioned Shedeur’s record setting day, but he wasn’t the only QB to go off in the first full weekend of college football. Texas State transfer TJ Finley [Auburn ➔ Texas State] threw for nearly 300 yards with 1 TD and added another TD on the ground. Emory Jones [Arizona State ➔ Cincinnati] combined for 7 TDs (5 passing, 2 rushing) and 345 yards in the air. DJ Uiagalelei [Clemson ➔ Oregon State] led the Beavers with an efficient 239 yards passing and 5 total TDs (3 passing, 2 rushing). Speaking of efficient, Sam Hartman [Wake Forest ➔ Notre Dame] has been business-like dismantling the defense in Notre Dame’s first two games throwing for almost 450 total yards with 7 combined TDs and no interceptions, while completing nearly 83% of his passes.
3) Heisman almost definitely going to a former transfer…again
There is a strong tradition over the past decade or so of transfers winning the Heisman. Starting in 2010 with Cam Newton [Florida ➔ Auburn] taking home the award like it was a laptop. Then in 2017 and 2018, a pair of Oklahoma QB’s went back to back: Baker Mayfield [Texas Tech ➔ Oklahoma] and Kyler Murray [Texas A&M ➔ Oklahoma]. In 2019, Joe Burrow [Ohio State ➔ LSU] captured America’s heart and the Heisman trophy. After a two year hiatus, the Heisman then returned to a former transfer last year when Caleb Williams [Oklahoma ➔ USC] won it in emphatic fashion. Hell, even O.J. Simpson technically transferred from JUCO City College (big rival of Greendale Community College – shoutout “Community” fans) of San Francisco to USC before winning the Heisman in 1968. Now in 2023, it is almost certain that the award will once again be handed to a former transfer as the top ten Heisman favorites are littered with former transfers. Caleb Williams is leading the way as the odds on favorite at +450.
Overall, this was a huge opening week for college football transfers. Come back next week for more. I have a feeling this won’t be the last appearance by Coach Prime on the power rankings! Thanks for reading, I’ll talk to you next week.
