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Early Transfer Portal Season Recap

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Transfer portal season is in full swing as teams reload for the 2024 campaign. With 1,482 players entering the portal and just 175 committing, there are still plenty of extremely talented players up for grabs.

First, let’s look at the top quarterback talent that has come off the board, and which star signal callers have yet to make their decision.

Committed QBs

  • Dillon Gabriel, Oregon

The top player in the portal according to TPR’s fantasy point system, Gabriel announced his commitment to the Ducks last Saturday. Head coach Dan Lanning and OC Will Stein hope for Gabriel to provide a seamless transition from former transfer and third-place Heisman finisher Bo Nix.

2023-24 College Football Transfer Portal Database

  • Grayson McCall, NC State

Making the decision to stay in the Carolinas, McCall announced his commitment to the Wolfpack after four outstanding seasons as the starter at Coastal. McCall will need to adjust to his first full season of power-five competition, but I expect NC State to hit the ground running in 2024.

  • Max Brosmer, Minnesota

After uncorking for over 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns each of the past two seasons, Brosmer takes his talents to the BIG-10. He will look to revive a Golden Gophers offense that has struggled mightily in recent years.

  • Tyler Van Dyke, Wisconsin

Another struggling BIG-10 offense in need of a spark, Van Dyke hopes to provide that for the Badgers in 2024. If the Miami transfer can consistently display his incredible talent, expect the Wisconsin offense to take a huge leap next season.

  • Hank Bachmeier, Wake Forest

A two-time transfer, first from Boise State and now Louisiana Tech, Bachmeier is one of the most experienced signal callers in the country. The Demon Deacons struggled following the departure of Sam Hartman and will need a big season out of Bachmeier to get things back on track in Winston Salem.

Quarterbacks who have yet to Commit

  • Oregon State QBs DJ Uiagalelei and Aidan Chiles

DJ will be headed to FSU for a visit in the coming days. Meanwhile, Chiles is looking like the favorite to become former head coach Jonathan Smith’s first QB for his first season in East Lansing with Michigan State.

  • Hajj-Malik Williams, Campbell

After back-to-back seasons of great ball with the Fighting Camels both through the air and on the ground, Williams is receiving interest from Georgia State, Western Michigan, Coastal Carolina, and others. On top of that, Williams is being looked at by P5 schools NC State and South Carolina.

  • Cameron Ward, Washington State

An electrifying talent, consistency will be key at Ward’s next stop. Miami appears to be the front runner to land the transfer while Ohio State looks to still be in the race as well.

  • Jordan McCloud, JMU

Looking to finish out the Dukes first FBS season strong with a bowl game victory, McCloud will be playing his last game with JMU. Look for the star quarterback to follow head coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and the BIG-10.

Top Skill Position Players Still Available

  • Trevor Etienne, Florida

The ultra-talented brother of NFL star Travis Etienne, Trevor has been a beast in his two seasons at Florida. Stay tuned for his announcement as SEC East rival Georgia appears to be the current favorite to land the star running back.

  • Will Sheppard, Vanderbilt

Likely the most talented player on the Commodores roster last season, Sheppard announced his intent to transfer following four years in Nashville. Sheppard has received interest from loads of powerhouse programs including Florida State, Oregon, Penn State, LSU, and more.

  • Jo’Quavious Marks, Mississippi State

The top career fantasy scorer still available amongst skill players with 547, Marks has provided steady production during his four seasons in Starkville. Marks is rumored to be taking a visit to Washington, looking to potentially follow in the footsteps of Dillon Johnson who transferred from MSU and is having a brilliant season at UW.

2023-24 College Football Transfer Portal Database

  • Nate Noel, Appalachian State

After ripping off five straight games of over 100 rushing yards to start 2023, an injury slowed down his production in the second half of the season. However, the Miami native has 3,076 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns and will be a huge addition to whichever backfield he decides to join.

  • Caullin Lacy, South Alabama

The top receiver from 2023 in the portal, Lacy uncorked for 1,316 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The 5-10 wideout plays bigger than his size and will be an outstanding addition to a power-five squad.

Top Defensive Transfer Stars Available

  • Walter Nolen, Texas A&M

The number one recruit in the 2022 class, Nolen was the first of many to announce their intent to transfer from A&M following the turmoil that happened this offseason. Nolen was most recently on a visit in Eugene with the Ducks and is headed to Ole Miss next to meet with Lane Kiffin and the Rebs.

2023-24 College Football Transfer Portal Database

  • Andrew Mukuba, Clemson

Possibly the most highly touted defensive back in the portal, Mukuba’s rare combination of size and speed at his safety position make him a top target for all the biggest programs. The Austin native has been the definition of consistency for the Tigers and will be taking a visit to his home team Texas Longhorns in the coming days.

  • Jacoby Windmon, Michigan State

A two-time transfer, Windmon had his best season in 2021 with the UNLV Rebels. The linebacker racked up an astonishing 118 tackles that season good for third in the Mountain West.

  • LT Overton, Texas A&M

The second Aggie on this list, Overton was also a former number one recruit in his class before reclassifying gave him a lower ranking. However, Overton is a force in the middle when on the field and is a guy that every top team would love to have in the trenches.

Can’t Forget About Special Teams

Here are the top punters/kickers still looking for new homes.

  • Matthew Shipley, Hawaii

The Rainbow Warriors placekicker for four seasons, Shipley looks to finish his collegiate career strong with his new squad. The senior is automatic from extra point range, going 125-127 in his four years and has a great leg with a career long of 51 yards.

  • Joshua Sloane, UTEP and Ethan Duane, Old Dominion

Both Melbourne, VIC, Australia natives, Sloane and Duane are the top remaining punters available in the portal. Both have career longs of 61 yards and will be a crucial piece for their new squads in 2024.

2023-24 College Football Transfer Portal Database

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