The transfer portal is always a topic of conversation even with the new entry windows. Grad transfers and players with coaches recently fired can still enter and here’s some news on a few bigger names already in.
DB Nicario Harper – Louisville
After two quiet seasons at Southern Miss, Harper transferred to Jacksonville State where he blew up during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Earning All-American honors while totaling 146 tackles, five tackles for a loss, five interceptions and nine pass breakups in 22 games, he then transferred to Louisville prior to the 2022 season. However, he only had seven tackles this fall before deciding to re-enter the portal. The lack of productivity with the Cardinals has not slowed his new recruiting process though, as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Michigan State, Washington, Florida, SMU, Houston, James Madison and Troy have all made an immediate push for Harper.
DL Jacob Lacey – Notre Dame
Since entering the portal, the Kentucky-native seemed destined to continue his collegiate career in Lexington with the Wildcats. However, after taking one game visit with his family already and scheduling an official visit in November for a second game, a new school has seriously jumped into the picture. Oklahoma has made up a good amount of ground over the last two weeks and now is planning on hosting Lacey for a visit in November. While Kentucky is still the leader at this point, the Wildcats suddenly have some serious competition for Lacey’s commitment.
WR Phoenix Sproles – North Dakota State
Sproles experienced a good amount of success during his time with the Bison, especially in 2019 when he totaled 33 receptions for 541 yards and two touchdowns. A lingering hamstring injury slowed his production this season, with only three receptions in four games before his decision to transfer as a grad transfer. Since entering the portal, Sproles has been busy. He just received his first FBS offer on Wednesday night from James Madison, and has picked up FCS offers from Northern Iowa, Maine, Southeastern Louisiana, Eastern Kentucky, Central Arkansas, Alcorn State, New Hampshire and Samford.
DB JoJuan Claiborne – Nevada
Claiborne only entered the portal on Thursday morning and quickly received interest from a couple of schools. One of these, Colorado State, clearly stands out considering the amount of Wolfpack transfers that followed coach Jay Norvell from Reno to Fort Collins when he switched jobs. No matter who else comes knocking, you can be pretty sure that the Rams will be in the picture with this one.
OL Baraka Beckett – UCLA
Since entering the portal in early October, Beckett has received a steady stream of interest while picking up FCS offers from Eastern Kentucky, Western Carolina, Norfolk State and Bryant. Numerous other FCS schools like Abilene Christian, Lamar, Alabama State, Northern Arizona, Towson and Murray State are also taking a serious look, like while FBS schools like UCF, Pittsburgh, Fresno State, Liberty and Marshall are taking a closer look.
