2. Keye Thompson, Pittsburgh LB
The Pitt Panthers will be getting a tackling machine when Keye Thompson sets foot on the field for them in 2024. Thompson, the No.98 player in Ohio coming out of high school, has been a defensive menace for three years for his hometown Bobcats. Thompson’s best season came in 2022. The Pitt transfer uncorked for 96 tackles which was good for the team lead. In addition, Thompson tallied 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. I expect the experienced Thompson to step up as the leader of the Panthers defense in 2024.
1. KJ Jefferson, UCF QB
Finally, my favorite transfer portal move of the offseason, Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson’s decision to transfer to UCF. Head Coach Gus Malzahn has a knack for developing dual threat quarterbacks. Guys like Nick Marshall and John Rhys Plumlee have taken the bulk of the quarterback snaps for Malzahn’s career as head man. Both these guys have seen great success both on the ground and through the air.
At 6-3 247, Jefferson is an athletic specimen. He used his combination of size and skill to put up back-to-back 2,600+ yard passing seasons in the SEC with 45 passing touchdowns. In addition, Jefferson rushed for over 600 yards in each of those two seasons with 15 more scores. I believe Jefferson and Malzahn will mesh immediately, and the Knights will have an incredible offensive season in 2024.
