By Bruce Feldman, Sam Khan Jr. and Manny Navarro

The method in which college football teams are assembled has changed drastically over the last few years — and the number of players switching teams keeps growing by the year.

It’s not just coaches picking off the best players from other teams anymore, either. We’re seeing assistants and coordinators getting hired at new places and bringing players with them.

Last offseason, quarterback Diego Pavia and offensive coordinator Tim Beck made the move from New Mexico State to Vanderbilt, sprung one of the biggest upsets of the year and altered the College Football Playoff race. Pavia was ranked No. 100 on our top-100 list last season.

The player ranked just ahead of him — 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year Peny Boone — appeared in only six games for UCF and hardly made a dent for the Knights.

So, yes, quantifying impact can be tricky. Not every transfer lives up to the hype.

Which 2025 transfers do we think will make the biggest mark on their new teams this fall? We solicited feedback from dozens of FBS coaches and staffers this summer to find out which players have impressed and are on track to become impact players. Some staffers were granted anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about their rosters.

Below, everything you need to know about The Athletic’s 100 most impactful transfers of 2025.

1. QB John Mateer, Washington State → Oklahoma

Mateer was electric at Washington State in 2024, throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 826 yards and 15 scores against a Mountain West-heavy schedule that included just two Power 4 teams. Opposing coaches are confident he will make an impact at OU, but “it’ll be interesting to see how (he) holds up over the course of an SEC schedule,” a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. “He has so much juice. Worst case, he’ll be a good player.”

2. QB Carson Beck, Georgia → Miami

Beck went 24-3 as a starter at Georgia but is coming off elbow surgery and an underwhelming 2024 season in which he threw 12 interceptions. Miami staffers have praised his intellect and dedication to work with his new receivers. “If he gets back to playing how he was two years ago, he’ll be really good,” a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. “The elbow surgery’s gotta scare you a little bit (as well as) the turnovers last year. … But he’s a very talented kid.”

3. Edge David Bailey, Stanford → Texas Tech

Bailey is the headliner of the Red Raiders’ renowned transfer haul this offseason. The former Freshman All-American produced 22 1/2 tackles for loss and 14 1/2 sacks in three seasons at Stanford. He’s got rare speed for his size (6 foot 3, 250 pounds), having hit 22.16 mph on the GPS. “He’s an absolute freak,” Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said.

My position-by-position previews for the 2026 NFL Draft begin next week – eager to share all the scouting buzz from the summer!

I really like this EDGE group. Texas Tech’s David Bailey (Stanford transfer) brings a ton of juice and could be a SR riser this season 🚀 pic.twitter.com/8wNHmRx5kB

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) July 10, 2025

4. DB Dillon Thieneman, Purdue → Oregon

Thieneman was a consistent producer over two years (24 starts) at Purdue. In 2023, he picked off six passes en route to earning Freshman All-America honors, and last year he led all Big Ten defensive backs with 104 tackles while adding seven pass breakups. He has good range and a knack for finding the ball and is a physical tackler. A Power 4 GM called Thieneman his favorite player in the portal this cycle.

5. QB Fernando Mendoza, Cal → Indiana

After taking Indiana to the College Football Playoff with Kurtis Rourke, Curt Cignetti is betting on another transfer QB to lift the Hoosiers. Mendoza is big (6-5, 225) and has a good arm. “He was pretty impressive when we played against him,” a Power 4 personnel director said. “A little stiff, but not a statue. Good, solid quarterback. I think he’ll be pretty good there.”

6. DB A.J. Haulcy, Houston → LSU

Haulcy was a Freshman All-American at New Mexico in 2022 (87 tackles, two interceptions), led Houston with 98 tackles in 2023 and led the Big 12 with five interceptions in 2024 en route to first-team all-conference honors. He’s instinctive and physical. “He’s a really good player who packs a punch,” a Power 4 defensive coordinator said.

7. WR Eric Singleton Jr., Georgia Tech → Auburn

Singleton is a small, shifty stick of dynamite who is lethal in space. He caught 104 passes for 1,468 yards and nine scores in two years at Georgia Tech and was also a weapon in the running game. He’ll be a major asset in the slot for Auburn. “He’s the real deal,” a Power 4 general manager said. “He was the best receiver in the portal.”

8. Edge Damon Wilson II, Georgia → Missouri

The Tigers had edge rushers drafted in 2023 and 2024 but saw the streak come to an end in April, even with Johnny Walker Jr. finishing fourth in the SEC with 9.5 sacks. Wilson, a former five-star recruit, is expected to be the next highly productive pass rusher in Corey Batoon’s system. He had 26 pressures (second-most on the team) and three sacks while splitting reps on a loaded Georgia front last season.

9. RB Jaydn Ott, Cal → Oklahoma

Ott was Oklahoma’s second-biggest get in the portal after Mateer. He accounted for more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns in three seasons at Cal. A lingering ankle injury slowed his production in 2024 after a breakout 2023. “He’s got impressive power and acceleration. He’s a home run threat,” a Power 4 head coach said. “I always thought he was very underrated because he was playing at Cal.”

10. OL Ethan Onianwa, Rice → Ohio State

Onianwa was the top O-lineman on the board of several Power 4 programs. He allowed only one sack on 294 pass-blocking snaps last season, and his pressure rate of 2.4 percent ranked in the 92nd percentile of FBS offensive tackles. He dropped 20 pounds in his first semester at Ohio State and is now 6-6, 325, and The Athletic’s Cameron Teague Robinson reported he looks “right at home at left tackle” on the Buckeyes’ projected starting line this month. “He’s really smart with a lot of athleticism for being so massive,” a Power 4 OC said. “He has first-round talent.”

Onianwa (78) will play a key role for an Ohio State offensive line in transition. (Adam Cairns / Columbus Dispatch / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

11. RB Makhi Hughes, Tulane → Oregon

Hughes, a two-time first-team all-conference back at Tulane, should provide instant production for the Ducks. In his last two years at Tulane, he rushed for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns while also serving as a receiving threat. “He’s got a lot of bulk and strength. He’s a real downhill runner,” a P4 head coach said. “Has a good burst and has good hands too.”

12. QB Darian Mensah, Tulane → Duke

Mensah was a revelation as a redshirt freshman last year at Tulane and attractive enough to the Blue Devils to pivot away from Maalik Murphy (now at Oregon State). He’s got room for growth, but there’s a lot of optimism about how good Mensah could be. “He has really good accuracy and awareness,” a Group of 5 head coach said. “He is a good quarterback. His physical talent is just OK. His arm strength is decent, and he can run a little but isn’t that willing of a runner.”

13. WR Dane Key, Kentucky → Nebraska

Key brings good size (6-3, 210), production and a veteran presence to the Huskers passing attack. He has increased his catch and yardage totals each year and now rejoins his 2024 position coach, Daikiel Shorts, who also made the move from Lexington to Lincoln this offseason. Expect him to be a major target for sophomore QB Dylan Raiola.

Something you’ll likely see a lot this fall: Dylan Raiola ➡️ Dane Key 🏈

Fall camp is underway for the #Huskers!@WOWT6News pic.twitter.com/rfJx6gibXE

— Mason Kern (@MasonKernMedia) July 28, 2025

14. QB Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee → UCLA

Iamaleava, the subject of the year’s wildest portal story, led Tennessee to a 10-3 record and a College Football Playoff appearance in his first season as the starter. The former five-star recruit impressed with his big arm and athleticism, but he struggled at times finding open receivers. Since arriving in Westwood, Iamaleava has wasted little time impressing his new teammates and coaches with his talent and his temperament, but he doesn’t have much time to learn a new offense.

15. OL Emmanuel Pregnon, USC → Oregon

The 6-5, 320 Pregnon has great strength and length and should be a huge asset on Oregon’s interior O-line. He was one of the most experienced players in the portal, with 36 career starts, including 25 at USC over the last two years. He considered going pro, accepting an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl before opting to return for one more year. “I thought he was a top-10 player in the portal,” a Power 4 scouting director said.

16. QB Devon Dampier, New Mexico → Utah

Dampier could breathe new life into the Utah offense. He joined his former OC at New Mexico, Jason Beck, in Salt Lake City, so the transition should be seamless. He’s an electric runner (fourth among FBS QBs with 1,166 rushing yards last year) and capable as a passer. “I think they’re going to be dangerous (with him),” a Power 4 general manager said. “He’s not going to win any combines from a throwing perspective, but with better people around him he’s going to do a good job there.”

17. TE Max Klare, Purdue → Ohio State

Klare was the most coveted tight end on the market after finishing eighth nationally at the position in receiving yards (685) in 2024. Ohio State staffers liken his skill set to that of veteran NFL tight end Zach Ertz, a three-time Pro Bowler and former second-round pick. “He’s an X-factor and he creates big-time mismatches for the defense,” a Power 4 GM said.

18. OL Howard Sampson, North Carolina → Texas Tech

North Carolina’s 2024 starting left tackle is a mountain of a man at 6-8, 340 pounds. “He’s just so big and hard to get around,” Texas Tech OC Mack Leftwich said. “Dude doesn’t even fit through the door frame.” The Red Raiders hope he can anchor an O-line that needs big-time improvement this year. They love the early returns since Sampson arrived. “He’s the real deal,” Leftwich said.

19. CB Tacario Davis, Arizona → Washington

Davis tested the portal last offseason but withdrew and returned to Arizona for the 2024 season. He re-entered this winter to rejoin his former head coach, Jedd Fisch, in Seattle. He’s a two-time all-conference pick with size (6-4) and length that’s hard to find at his position. He has an impressive 21 pass breakups over the last two seasons.

20. DL Lee Hunter, UCF → Texas Tech

Hunter provides the type of disruptive interior defensive line presence that Texas Tech needs. He was a second-team All-Big 12 pick in 2024 and compiled 20 1/2 tackles for loss in the last two seasons. He moves well for a 320-pounder and hit 16.5 mph on the GPS this spring, according to Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire. He was one of the first significant portal acquisitions in Texas Tech’s big offseason. “Lee Hunter changes this building,” McGuire said.

21. QB Gio Lopez, South Alabama → North Carolina

Bill Belichick’s first North Carolina quarterback is a southpaw with some moxie. Lopez impressed as a dual-threat playmaker for the Jaguars, and Power 4 coaches are excited about what he’ll bring to Chapel Hill. “A little bit of a gunslinger. He throws it really well,” a Power 4 OC said. “He’s really well put together. He’s a pretty thick kid, so he can take a little bit of a beating. He’s good.”

22. WR Nic Anderson, Oklahoma → LSU

Anderson is a big-time talent who was sidelined most of 2024 with an injury. In his breakout redshirt freshman year in 2023, he caught 31 balls for 798 yards and an Oklahoma freshman record 10 touchdowns, one of which was the game-winner against Texas. He’s a proven deep threat (his 19 yards per reception in 2023 ranked fourth nationally) who will allow Garrett Nussmeier to attack downfield more. “He makes plays on the ball in the air that are unbelievable,” Nussmeier said at SEC media days.

23. LB Amare Campbell, North Carolina → Penn State

Campbell entered the portal after a productive 2024 season but opted to return and go through spring practice with Bill Belichick and the new staff. He re-entered in late April and landed at Penn State. “He’s a playmaking guy,” Penn State linebackers coach Dan Connor said in June. “He can create. He can play in space. He can play in the box. He can blitz. He can cover. He can do a lot.”

24. WR Zachariah Branch, USC → Georgia

Georgia had a problem with drops at receiver last season, and Kirby Smart addressed it by tapping into the portal to land 6-6, 200-pound Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Branch, a 5-10, 180-pound speedster and special teams ace. Branch is expected to make a huge impact in both phases of the game for the defending SEC champions. “He’s an explosive playmaker that we’ve got to find ways to get the ball,” Smart said.

25. Edge Beau Atkinson, North Carolina → Ohio State

Two of the Tar Heels’ best defensive players bolted after going through spring practice with Bill Belichick: Atkinson and linebacker Amare Campbell. Atkinson started only one game last season (the Fenway Bowl) but still produced 26 pressures, 12 tackles for loss and 7 1/2 sacks while playing roughly 30 snaps a game for Mack Brown. Imagine what he’ll do with better talent around him in Columbus.

26. WR KC Concepcion, NC State → Texas A&M

The 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year caught 124 passes for 1,299 yards and 16 touchdowns in two seasons with the Wolfpack — no other wideout on Texas A&M’s roster has more than 17 career receptions. When Marcel Reed decides to throw, Concepcion will be the most targeted receiver on the team. He lined up in the slot 77 percent of the time last season at NC State and figures to play a similar role with the Aggies.

27. QB Jake Retzlaff, BYU → Tulane

Retzlaff was a late addition to the Green Wave, departing BYU in July because he was facing a suspension for violating the school’s honor code. In 2024, Retzlaff led the Cougars to an 11-2 record and CFP contention. “He’s got plenty of arm talent. The guy can really spin it,” a G5 head coach said. “His accuracy is pretty good — not great — and he can be reckless with the football. He can run and he really plays with a chip on his shoulder.”

28. WR Duce Robinson, USC → Florida State

The 6-6, 223-pound former five-star recruit could be the next Johnny Wilson. Early indications from FSU are that he and slot receiver Squirrel White (Tennessee transfer) are going to seriously upgrade the offense, now run by Gus Malzahn. “Super hard-working kid who is eager to make an impact. Big catch radius. He’s a tough kid. He has a lot he wants to prove to himself. We need that attitude,” a Seminoles staffer said.

29. LB Elo Modozie, Army → Georgia

Kirby Smart signed four of the Bulldogs’ 10 incoming transfers following the spring, and Modozie was the one proven commodity among them. The 6-3, 248-pound outside linebacker produced 6 1/2 sacks and 37 quarterback pressures last season, and he has been a good fit in Athens. “People are going to know that name before the year is over,” Smart said at SEC media days.

30. WR Barion Brown, Kentucky → LSU

Brown’s pure speed will be an asset to the Tigers in multiple ways. He can stretch the defense on the outside, but he’s also a dynamite return specialist, having returned five kickoffs for touchdowns in three seasons at Kentucky and twice earning All-SEC honors as a returner or all-purpose player.

31. QB Jackson Arnold, Oklahoma → Auburn

Arnold was supposed to be the next star QB for Oklahoma but endured a messy 2024 season. His supporting cast was ravaged by injuries, he went through a coordinator change, and he was briefly benched midseason. Auburn is banking on Arnold turning into what the Sooners thought he would be. “I think he’s really talented,” a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. “He still has a chance to be a really good player.”

Will a fresh start at a new SEC program in need of a jolt unlock Jackson Arnold’s five-star potential? (Jake Crandall / Advertiser / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

32. TE Tanner Koziol, Ball State → Wisconsin → Houston

The 6-7, 240-pound Koziol was one of the most coveted tight ends in the portal after catching 94 passes last year, third-most nationally at the position. His 26 contested catches led all tight ends, per PFF. Houston pursued him in the winter, but he initially chose Wisconsin. He re-entered the portal in the spring, and the Cougars got their guy. “Fantastic movement skills. … I think he’s going to be an outstanding player for us,” Cougars coach Willie Fritz said.

33. QB Mark Gronowski, South Dakota State → Iowa

Expectations are sky-high for the two-time FCS national champion. He was considered a draftable prospect but chose to transfer into the Big Ten for one more college run. “He’s better than most of the FBS starting QBs that went in the portal,” a Power 4 offensive coordinator said. “Makes some good throws but he misses some layups. Powerful runner. Really tough kid. Winner.”

34. Edge Patrick Payton, Florida State → LSU

The Tigers signed five defensive linemen in the portal, including four from Power 4 programs. Payton, the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022, is by far the most experienced with nearly 1,600 career snaps, 31 1/2 tackles for loss, 16 sacks and 90 QB pressures. Payton now needs to prove that he can be an alpha. He had his best season in 2023 while playing opposite eventual first-round pick Jared Verse and looked ordinary on a 2-10 FSU team in 2024.

35. RB Ahmad Hardy, Louisiana-Monroe → Missouri

The 5-10, 205-pound Mississippi native became a hot commodity after he ran for 1,351 yards and averaged 5.7 yards per carry as a true freshman. It made sense that Hardy ended up at Missouri. The Tigers have had the leading rusher in the SEC two of the last four seasons, running mostly outside zone. “He has great burst, understands the scheme and how to run it,” Eli Drinkwitz said of his new back at SEC media days.

36. TE Terrance Carter, Louisiana → Texas Tech

Carter (6-2, 245) is not as big as Jalin Conyers (6-4, 265) — the former Texas Tech transfer tight end who caught five touchdowns for the Red Raiders last year — but he could have an even bigger impact. Carter was seventh among tight ends nationally with 689 receiving yards last year and has impressed this offseason. “He has some of the best body control and route-running ability that I’ve seen in my career,” Texas Tech OC Mack Leftwich said. “He’s really good in the pass game, and he’s a better blocker than people give him credit for.”

37. WR Trebor Pena, Syracuse → Penn State

James Franklin wants to spread the ball around a little more this season with first-round pick Tyler Warren off to the NFL and Harrison Wallace now at Ole Miss. Pena had an ACC-leading 84 catches for 941 yards and nine touchdowns last season and will be a primary target for senior QB Drew Allar. “He’s a stud,” an ACC personnel director said.

38. QB Beau Pribula, Penn State → Missouri

Pribula spent the last two seasons backing up Drew Allar but showed enough to have QB-needy programs intrigued this offseason. Penn State used his mobility situationally, but he’s also a capable, accurate passer who produced when called upon. When Allar returned for one more year, Pribula departed to seek a starting opportunity. “He could be a real sleeper at Mizzou,” a Power 4 scouting director said.

39. OL Xavier Chaplin, Virginia Tech → Auburn

The Tigers have six offensive linemen who have started at least 13 games, but Chaplin’s arrival gives Hugh Freeze a legitimate starting left tackle and allows 37-game starter Dillon Wade to move back inside to left guard. Chaplin, a 6-7, 348-pound junior, gave up only two sacks in 2024, his second full season as Virginia Tech’s starting left tackle. “The length and footwork he has, it changes us,” Freeze said this spring. “I think he’s an All-SEC performer when I watch him move around.”

40. TE Jack Endries, Cal → Texas

After losing Gunnar Helm to the NFL, the Longhorns acquired a tight end who produced at a similar clip. Endries tied for sixth nationally — one spot behind Helm — in catches among tight ends in 2024 (56). He caught 91 passes for 1,030 yards in the last two seasons and is a good route runner with good hands. He’ll be an asset for Arch Manning and the Texas passing game.

41. OL Isaiah World, Nevada → Oregon

World’s frame (6-8, 310) and traits are elite. His great feet and movement skills have NFL scouts intrigued, but first he will team with USC transfer Emmanuel Pregnon to give the Ducks a formidable left side of the O-line. But there’s still room for growth. A Group of 5 offensive coordinator called him “inconsistent” in 2024, citing struggles in the screen game, and he was among the 25 most penalized tackles in the FBS last year, per PFF. But if he can put it all together, he could be dominant.

42. DB Mansoor Delane, Virginia Tech → LSU

LSU improved from 104th in pass efficiency defense to 68th last season, Blake Baker’s first as coordinator. The Tigers should take a bigger leap forward this fall after upgrading in several spots. Delane, a 6-0, 190-pound cornerback, earned third-team All-ACC honors last season after finishing third in the league with four interceptions and sixth with 11 passes defended. “He’s a defensive weapon,” Baker said.

43. Edge Will Heldt, Purdue → Clemson

The Tigers have two potential first-round picks in T.J. Parker and Peter Woods. Heldt provides new defensive coordinator Tom Allen with another high-quality pass rusher who could see a lot of one-on-one matchups. The 6-6, 260-pound junior produced 28 pressures, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks while receiving most of the attention last season as a sophomore. “His growth the last few years has been impressive,” Allen said this spring.

44. DB Raion Strader, Miami (Ohio) → Auburn

Strader was one of several key winter portal pickups for the Tigers. A first-team All-MAC selection in 2024 with 22 career starts, Strader is an active defender who makes a ton of plays on the ball. He led the FBS with 18 pass breakups last year and has 31 combined in the last two seasons. He’s a fluid athlete with the skill set to play inside or outside corner.

45. DB Xavier Lucas, Wisconsin → Miami

Luke Fickell had big plans for the South Florida native and wasn’t happy when the 6-2 corner decided to leave for a bigger NIL payday back home. Miami’s secondary problems last season were well documented. There’s little doubt internally that Lucas will play a huge role at cornerback alongside returning Freshman All-American O.J. Frederique.

46. Edge Williams Nwaneri, Missouri → Nebraska

The 6-7, 255-pound redshirt freshman and former five-star recruit was Nebraska’s first commitment during the winter portal window. He played a total of 38 snaps and had three pressures and one sack in his debut at Missouri. He may not be ready to make a big impact right away, but he has the highest ceiling of Nebraska’s roster additions.

47. CB Jeremiah Wilson, Houston → Florida State

The 5-10, 185-pound senior started eight games last season and tied for third in the Big 12 with four interceptions. FSU landed the Florida native following the spring to help fill the void left behind by third-round pick Azareye’h Thomas. Wilson’s late addition is a sign that some of the younger players on the roster might not be ready to contribute right away.

48. RB Justice Haynes, Alabama → Michigan

The 5-11, 205-pound junior from Georgia began the 2024 season as Alabama’s starting running back but lost the job after six games to Jam Miller. Haynes averaged 5.7 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns. At Michigan, it looks like he’ll split carries with sophomore Jordan Marshall. He feels like the perfect fit in Chip Lindsey’s offense.

49. WR Reggie Virgil, Miami (Ohio) → Texas Tech

Virgil was one of the most explosive receivers in the country last year, averaging 19.9 yards per catch, best among players with at least 40 receptions. He’ll give Texas Tech QB Behren Morton a legitimate deep threat to complement the rest of the receivers. “He’s gonna catch five or six 50- or 60-yard bombs this year and be a huge big-play guy,” Texas Tech OC Mack Leftwich said.

50. QB Miller Moss, USC → Louisville

Under Jeff Brohm, the Cardinals have had success with transfer QBs the last two years (Jack Plummer, Tyler Shough). Could Moss be next? His traits don’t jump off the page, and he got benched at the end of last season, but he was productive at times and has shown he can play good football. “I’m a big fan of his game,” a Power 4 personnel director said. “He can make all the throws. I think he’ll be really good there.”

Under the direction of OC Brian Brohm and head coach Jeff Brohm, Miller Moss is in position to put up numbers at Louisville. (Sam Upshaw Jr. / Courier Journal / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

51. RB Fluff Bothwell, South Alabama → Mississippi State
52. WR Malachi Fields, Virginia → Notre Dame
53. Edge Romello Height, Georgia Tech → Texas Tech
54. DL Jehiem Oatis, Alabama → Colorado
55. OL Fa’alili Fa’amoe, Washington State → Wake Forest
56. LB Nikhai Hill-Green, Colorado → Alabama
57. RB Rahsul Faison, Utah State → South Carolina
58. LB Josiah Trotter, West Virginia → Missouri
59. Edge Jimmori Robinson, UTSA → West Virginia
60. DL Maraad Watson, Syracuse → Texas

Bothwell (832 rushing yards, 13 TDs) and Faison (1,109 yards, 8 TDs) both put up good numbers at G5 schools last year but are stepping into Power 4 programs. Faison, who has spent time at two junior colleges and two FBS schools, has yet to be cleared for the 2025 season.

The three incoming Big 12 defensive linemen are intriguing. Height is at his fourth school and didn’t start until last season, but he was solid at Georgia Tech in 2024 (6 1/2 tackles for loss). Oatis decided to redshirt after four games last year but has starting experience and a frame (6-5, 325) that’s hard to find. Robinson was the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2024 with 10 1/2 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

61. TE Bauer Sharp, Oklahoma → LSU
62. OL Patrick Kutas, Arkansas → Ole Miss
63. WR Chase Sowell, East Carolina → Iowa State
64. RB CJ Donaldson, West Virginia → Ohio State
65. QB Braylon Braxton, Marshall → Southern Miss
66. LB Khmori House, Washington → North Carolina
67. WR Kevin Coleman, Mississippi State → Missouri
68. DB Julian Neal, Stanford → Arkansas
69. DL Santana Hopper, Appalachian State → Tulane
70. QB Chandler Morris, North Texas → Virginia

Braxton headlined a group of 19 scholarship transfers who followed coach Charles Huff from Marshall to Southern Miss. Braxton went 8-0 as a starter to lead the Herd to a Sun Belt title. “He can run, he’s big, physical, has a big arm and makes good decisions,” a G5 scouting director said.

Hopper is another quality G5-to-G5 transfer and has the Green Wave staff excited. He was a first-team All-Sun Belt selection and had the highest PFF grade in the league among defensive linemen in 2024.

71. Edge Princewill Umanmielen, Nebraska → Ole Miss
72. RB Jaivian Thomas, Cal → UCLA
73. DB Julian Humphrey, Georgia → Texas A&M
74. QB Maalik Murphy, Duke → Oregon State
75. WR Emmett Mosley, Stanford → Texas
76. DB Zechariah Poyser, Jacksonville State → Miami
77. TE Luke Hasz, Arkansas → Ole Miss
78. QB Conner Weigman, Texas A&M → Houston
79. DB Brice Pollock, Mississippi State → Texas Tech
80. QB Maverick McIvor, Abilene Christian → Western Kentucky

The QBs here are in fascinating situations. Murphy had a solid 2024 at Duke, but the Blue Devils pivoted to Darian Mensah. Still, Murphy should upgrade an Oregon State passing attack that struggled last year.

Weigman, a former five-star recruit, battled injuries in his three-year Texas A&M career and is looking to lift what was one of the nation’s worst offenses last year at Houston.

McIvor, who put up big numbers at ACU, followed his offensive coordinator, Rick Bowie, to Western Kentucky in much the same way former Hilltopper Bailey Zappe did with Zach Kittley (now the head coach at FAU).

81. DB Matthew McDoom, Coastal Carolina → Cincinnati
82. DL David Gusta, Washington State → Kentucky
83. OL Braelin Moore, Virginia Tech → LSU
84. OL Conner Moore, Montana State → Michigan State
85. WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Oklahoma State → Ole Miss
86. WR Jordan Dwyer, Idaho → TCU
87. OL Josh Thompson, Northwestern → LSU
88. QB Tommy Castellanos, Boston College → Florida State
89. WR Noah Thomas, Texas A&M → Georgia
90. OL Hunter Zambrano, Illinois State → Texas Tech

LSU lost four NFL Draft picks on the offensive line, so rebuilding up front was a top priority. Thompson started 21 games over the last two seasons on the right side of the O-line, while Braelin Moore started 24 over the last two years on the interior. Conner Moore and Zambrano are both stepping up from the FCS ranks and have received high praise from their new staffs since arriving.

91. RB Wayshawn Parker, Washington State → Utah
92. OL Pat Coogan, Notre Dame → Indiana
93. OL Elijah Pritchett, Alabama → Nebraska
94. LB Marques Watson-Trent, Georgia Southern → Nebraska
95. DB Cole Wisniewski, North Dakota State → Texas Tech
96. OL Joe Cotton, South Dakota → Cincinnati
97. LB Kendal Daniels, Oklahoma State → Oklahoma
98. QB Steve Angeli, Notre Dame → Syracuse
99. WR Eric Rivers, FIU → Georgia Tech
100. QB Kaidon Salter, Liberty → Colorado

Cotton, a 6-6, 317-pound tackle, was a big win for Cincinnati. He started 27 games in the last two seasons and was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection. “I thought he was one of the best linemen in the country,” a Power 4 personnel director said.

Angeli was impressive when he saw the field for Notre Dame. Could he have the type of impact at Syracuse that Kyle McCord did a year ago? “Limited sample size, but this kid’s got it,” a former Power 4 scouting director said.

Salter will be fascinating to watch. True freshman Julian Lewis is also in the mix, but Salter has talent and is proven, though he was much better in 2023 than 2024.

(Top illustration photos: Nathan Giese / Avalanche-Journal; Doug Hoke / The Oklahoman / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)