Editor’s note: This story was originally published Dec. 1 and has been updated.
The transfer portal era has entirely altered the roster-building process and offseason calendar.
Now, not only do you have to recruit high school talent, but you often must re-recruit your own roster as players seek greener pastures elsewhere.
On the other hand, it also provides teams with unprecedented opportunities to quickly plug roster holes with experienced players without relying on home-grown talent.
The 2023-24 transfer portal won’t officially open to non-graduate college football players until Dec. 4. Still, with a highly competitive transfer market and a race against the clock to secure top talent, many high-profile players have already announced their intentions to enter the portal.
Some have even reportedly already decided on their next stop.
Here’s a running list of the biggest names who have decided to enter the transfer portal so far.
1
Kansas State RB Treyshaun Ward
Ward has never been the feature back in an offense, but he’s delivered solid production in stints at Florida State and Kansas State while splitting carries. He’s coming off the most productive season of his career as he totaled 643 yards and five touchdowns, and he’ll be one of the top running backs on the market.
2
Purdue WR Deion Burks (Committed to Oklahoma)
Burks was a bright spot in an overall rough Year 1 for Purdue under Ryan Walters. After hauling in 47 catches for 629 yards and seven touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore, he’s leaving the Boilermakers after a 4-8 campaign and should draw quite a bit of portal with multiple remaining seasons of eligibility.
NEWS: Former Purdue WR Deion Burks (@deionkburks), one of the top receivers in the portal, tells ESPN that he’s committed to transfer to Oklahoma. Burks earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and emerged on NFL Draft radars with his speed and big-play ability. pic.twitter.com/skGXPhrfDT
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 12, 2023
3
Texas A&M QB Max Johnson (Committed to North Carolina)
Johnson is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in all of college football having started 22 games in stints at LSU and Texas A&M. He spent most of his two seasons with the Aggies as a backup behind Conner Weigman, but following a season-ending injury to Weigman in September, Johnson started five games before injuries of his own derailed his season. A graduate transfer, Johnson has already committed to North Carolina.
4
Notre Dame OL Zeke Correll (Committed to NC State)
Correll has been a full-time starter on the interior for a very good Notre Dame offensive line over the last two seasons, and he’s seen quite a bit of game action in his five years in South Bend. Veteran, proven offensive linemen rarely hit the transfer portal, so you can bet Correll will be pursued by several top programs.
I’m ALL IN #1Pack1Goal 🐺
Let’s go to work pic.twitter.com/1HBoUSkL3P— Zeke Correll (@zekecorrell) December 9, 2023
5
N.C. State QB MJ Morris (Committed to Maryland)
Morris had a promising true freshman season in 2022, but he was expected to redshirt as a sophomore following the arrival of transfer quarterback Brennan Armstrong. However, N.C. State ultimately benched Armstrong for Morris, who started the next four games. Instead of finishing the season as the starter, Morris chose to redshirt, leading to much speculation that he would enter the portal, which he did following the season.
Thank you Lord 🙏🏽 Committed 🐢 @TerpsFootball @Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/IquU9Saq6o
— MJ Morris (@mj_morris7) December 13, 2023
6
Baylor QB Blake Shapen (Committed to Mississippi State)
Shapen had a personally respectable 2023 season despite battling injuries, but the Bears were a mess overall. Following changes to the offensive staff, Shapen — a starter since 2021 — chose to transfer and will be one of the more desirable quarterbacks available in his final year of eligibility.
New beginnings! Let’s work 🐶 pic.twitter.com/yVdisOWaIk
— Blake Shapen (@BShapen) December 9, 2023
7
Mississippi State QB Will Rogers (Committed to Washington)
Rogers had one of the most prolific quarterback careers in SEC history running Mike Leach’s offense, but the Bulldogs’ move to a more run-focused offense under new (and since-fired) coach Zach Arnett didn’t really suit Rogers. Though he lost some luster in 2023, the graduate transfer would be a no-brainer add for any program that runs the air raid.
NEWS: Former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers tells ESPN that he’s committed to transfer to Washington. Rogers is the SEC’s No. 2 all-time passer with 12,315 yards. He has one year of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/TIWOrNb1pG
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 16, 2023
8
Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall (Committed to NC State)
McCall was highly sought after last offseason when he entered the portal following Jamey Chadwell’s departure for Liberty. He opted to stay in Conway, but after missing much of the year with an injury, he’ll hit the portal after all.
Proverbs 19:21#1Pack1Goal 🐺 pic.twitter.com/xDRfdmyF4s
— Gray (@McCall_Grayson) December 13, 2023
9
Kansas State QB Will Howard
The 2023 season was the first Howard began as a starter at Kansas State, but he’s seen starting action due to injury in each of his four seasons in Manhattan. He rose to prominence after leading the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in the second half of 2022, and after totaling 921 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground during his career with the Wildcats, his rushing ability is a nice added bonus to his portal resume.
10
Miami QB Tyler Van Dyke (Committed to Wisconsin)
Van Dyke looked like a legitimate NFL prospect as a redshirt freshman in 2021, but his development at Miami was severely hampered by the fact that he’s had three offensive coordinators over the last three seasons. He’ll look for a fresh start to revitalize his career.
#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/sCV3VjUUiJ
— Tyler Van Dyke (@Tyler_Van_Dyke) December 12, 2023
11
Oregon State QB D.J. Uiagalelei (Transfer to Florida State)
Uiagalelei never quite lived up to his top-10 billing coming out of high school during his career at Clemson, and while he made some progress in an Oregon State offense that was better suited for him, he still suffered from many of the same issues. He’s moving on to stop No. 3 after Jonathan Smith took the Michigan State job, but it’s worth noting that all three of the Spartans’ scholarship quarterbacks entered the portal following Smith’s hiring.
12
Duke QB Riley Leonard (Committed to Notre Dame)
Leonard had a very good 2022 season, and though his numbers in 2023 look fairly pedestrian, his importance to the Blue Devils’ offense was apparent in his absence as the team struggled down the stretch after a hot start. Leonard entered the portal with a no-contact tag (meaning only he can initiate contact with schools, not the other way around), and Notre Dame is reportedly a strong possibility for him.
A dream come true. Go Irish ☘️ pic.twitter.com/2Ft09Ho4uj
— Riley Leonard (@rileyleonard13_) December 12, 2023
13
UCLA QB Dante Moore (Committed to Oregon)
UCLA made waves when it flipped Moore, a five-star prospect and top-five overall recruit, from conference rival Oregon. He began the year as the Bruins’ starter but ultimately split time with Ethan Garbers after some struggles. Moore will enter the portal, where he may be the top overall prospect given his potential.
14
Washington State QB Cameron Ward
Ward had a red-hot start to his second season at Washington State, and while the team struggled down the stretch in a 5-7 season, he remained productive. He joined the Cougars after turning in a prolific season at the FCS level with Incarnate Word in 2021, and he could be a dangerous player if he lands with a contender.
15
James Madison QB Jordan McCloud
After leading the Dukes to an 11-1 season that would have resulted in a Sun Belt East title if the team were eligible to win the conference, McCloud opted to enter the transfer portal after a season that saw him win Sun Belt Player of the Year honors. The former South Florida and Arizona quarterback will now finish out his career at his fourth school.
16
Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel (Committed to Oregon)
Former Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel has committed to Oregon 🐥 pic.twitter.com/Wtkz4ZVd9p
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 9, 2023
17
Ohio State QB Kyle McCord (Committed to Syracuse)
18
Texas Tech QB Tyler Shough (Committed to Louisville)
Let’s Play Football. #GoCards pic.twitter.com/4h1Gr6EyIq
— Tyler Shough (@tylershough2) December 6, 2023
A former Red Raider, Shough announced he’s transferring to Louisville, where he’ll be a seventh-year senior who also played for Oregon. Across five seasons between Texas Tech and Oregon, he threw for 4,625 yards, 36 touchdowns and 17 interceptions with a 63.2 completion percentage.
19
Texas A&M DL Walter Nolen (transferering to Ole Miss)
BREAKING: Texas A&M DL Walter Nolen plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’5 300 DL was ranked as the No. 1 Recruit in the 2022 Class 👀
Will have 2 years of eligibility remaininghttps://t.co/jStSukaXte pic.twitter.com/AagEGY2udO
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 4, 2023
BREAKING: Former Texas A&M DL Walter Nolen has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells @on3sports
The 6’5 300 DL is ranked as the No. 1 Player in the Transfer Portal & was the No. 1 Recruit in the ‘22 Class 👀
Will have 2 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/4pp4VZvAY9 pic.twitter.com/cRFxVu2PNs
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 24, 2023
20
Florida EDGE Princely Umanmielen (Committed to Ole Miss)
Proverbs 3:5-6🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/IPetJvgHU4
— Princely Umanmielen (@d1princely) December 6, 2023
🚨BREAKING: Florida transfer EDGE Princely Umanmielen has committed to Ole Miss!https://t.co/on93h3oXbC pic.twitter.com/VwNcZwDPTt
— On3 (@On3sports) December 15, 2023
21
Florida RB Trevor Etienne (transferring to Georgia)
Gods Plan🫶🏾 pic.twitter.com/hpKZnBZaXu
— 3.ti3nn.3 ⁶𓅓 (@Trevor_Etienne) December 7, 2023
BREAKING: Former Florida RB Trevor Etienne has Committed to Georgia, he tells @on3sports
The 5’9 205 RB was Florida’s Team Leader in TDs, yards per carry, & yards per game in 2023
Is ranked as the No. 8 Player in the Transfer Portal (No. 1 RB) 👀https://t.co/e1xhbfMONs pic.twitter.com/4zVHVaLs1l
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 24, 2023
22
UTSA EDGE Trey Moore
— Trey Moore (@treyyymoore) December 5, 2023
23
South Carolina WR Juice Wells (committed to Ole Miss)
NEWS: South Carolina transfer WR Juice Wells tells ESPN’s Mark Schlabach that he’s transferring to Ole Miss.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 17, 2023
— Antwane Wells (@juicew3lls) December 4, 2023
24
Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis (Removed Name From Portal)
BREAKING: Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis has entered the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’6 315 OL started all 12 games this year for the Aggies & was named Freshman All-American 👀
Will have 3 years of eligibility remaining https://t.co/iT5EwNWcmQ pic.twitter.com/A3SYEqMFcO
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 6, 2023
Some good news for Texas A&M:
A&M standout freshman offensive lineman Chase Bisontis, who entered the transfer portal Dec. 6, has withdrawn his name from the portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @247Sports https://t.co/RFR3u39Sly pic.twitter.com/0bqtEhFtqb
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 19, 2023
25
Arkansas RB Rocket Sanders (Committed to South Carolina)
DEUTERONOMY 31:6 🤲🏾 https://t.co/xECXejpxHc
— RocketSanders 🚀 (@raheim_sanders) December 6, 2023
I AINT THINKING BIG ENOUGH I THINK THE CRIB NEED ELEVATORS 😤….. #COMMITTED pic.twitter.com/L7speOIM77
— RocketSanders 🚀 (@raheim_sanders) December 14, 2023
26
Georgia QB Brock Vandagriff (Committed to Kentucky)
Ready to get to work. #GoBigBlue #BBN pic.twitter.com/bGnUCtaCPe
— Brock 🌊 (@BrockVandagriff) December 6, 2023
27
Clemson CB Toriano Pride (Committed to Missouri)
🚨BREAKING: Clemson transfer CB Toriano Pride has committed to Missouri🐯https://t.co/SLrvbXcfsB pic.twitter.com/eXI2oOzauz
— On3 (@On3sports) December 7, 2023
28
Toledo QB Dequan Finn (Committed to Baylor)
— Dequan “DQ” Finn (@Dequanfinn5) December 5, 2023
Former Toledo QB and MAC Player of the Year Dequan Finn has committed to Baylor. pic.twitter.com/wfFmzqZEno
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 18, 2023
29
Kansas State DB Kobe Savage (Committed to Oregon)
BREAKING: Kansas State DB Kobe Savage has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, On3 has learned.
Savage recorded 115 tackles and 6 INTs for the Wildcats over the past 2 seasons👀https://t.co/x6Ex0qGRL7 pic.twitter.com/kpTnKWA7ZK
— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2023
BREAKING: Former Kansas State Safety Kobe Savage has Committed to Oregon, he tells @on3sports
The 5’11 205 S totaled 115 Tackles, 6 Interceptions, and 1 Forced Fumble in his 2 years with the Wildcatshttps://t.co/FS0cwT1uAG pic.twitter.com/11FGgCuLmo
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 20, 2023
30
Notre Dame OL Michael Carmody
— Michael Carmody (@michaeltcarmody) December 11, 2023
31
Auburn QB Robby Ashford
I have confirmed with Auburn QB Robby Ashford that he plans to enter the transfer portal. He hasn’t graduated yet, but Ashford did confirm his plans as of right now to enter the portal.
➡️ https://t.co/9dVshYaQFN pic.twitter.com/HaV5BBERH9
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) December 15, 2023
32
Arkansas QB K.J. Jefferson
Arkansas QB K.J. Jefferson is entering the transfer portal, per his IG.
The 38-game starter will be a sixth-year senior in 2024. pic.twitter.com/PS5NLkb4ZT
— Max Olson (@max_olson) December 16, 2023
33
USC QB Malachi Nelson
One of the top recruits in the class of 2023 is heading into the portal as USC retools under head coach Lincoln Riley. Malachi Nelson didn’t see any action during his freshman year but he should be highly sought after yet again.
USC QB Nelson entering transfer portal. He’s the former No. 1 recruit in ESPN recruiting rankings. Transfer portal just got a whole lot more interesting, via @TomVH https://t.co/vTRP2P6DJr
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 18, 2023
34
Georgia CB Daniel Harris
35
Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker
Florida State QB Tate Rodemaker, who took over as FSU’s starter after Jordan Travis' injury, has informed the FSU staff that he plans to enter the transfer portal, a source tells @247sports.
He won't be playing in the Orange Bowl matchup vs. Georgia.https://t.co/cr6Tn2UxwK pic.twitter.com/tejI78vnpr
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 25, 2023
36
Georgia WR De'Nylon Morrissette
BREAKING: Georgia WR De’Nylon Morrissette plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports
The 6’1 205 WR will have 3 years of eligibility remaining
Was ranked as a 4-Star Recruit in the ‘22 Classhttps://t.co/92AQmThtKb pic.twitter.com/hZjnxc3DHT
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 25, 2023
37
Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa
Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is in the transfer portal.
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) January 5, 2024
Tagovailoa skipped Maryland’s Music City Bowl win over Auburn, but his plans for the future weren’t clear at the time.
