College football's first transfer portal window, which opened in December, saw over 2,700 football players enter the portal looking for new schools in 2023.
The spring window was open from April 15 through Sunday and saw more than 1,700 NCAA players enter the portal, including 923 from the FBS level. Although the portal didn't flood with elite talent the way it did over the winter, there are some big names making moves.
As spring competitions play out, rosters are still being molded and coaches are always looking to add talent to their depth charts, so these next few weeks will give them the opportunity to do just that.
We look at the top players who entered the portal this spring seeking to find new landing spots for the 2023 season.
coverage:
Answering the biggest portal questions
Transfer takeaways and trends to watch
Ranking the top 10 transfer classes
Winter portal winners and losers
1. Bear Alexander, DT
Transferring to: USC | Transferring from: Georgia
HT: 6-foot-4 | WT: 335 pounds | Class: Freshman
Background: Alexander was the No. 56 prospect overall in the 2022 class and the No. 5 defensive tackle. After signing with Georgia out of IMG Academy (Florida), he had nine total tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks (including one in the national championship game) in his freshman season. He is a talented interior lineman who should have plenty of options.
How he fits at USC: USC's offense has not been an issue under Lincoln Riley, but the defense has been where the coaches have tried to add talent. This offseason, Riley and his staff have brought in Texas A&M defensive lineman Anthony Lucas, Purdue defensive lineman Jack Sullivan, Arizona cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace, Oklahoma State linebacker Mason Cobb, Arizona defensive lineman Kyon Barrs and now Alexander. He's a versatile lineman who can help on third down in pass-rush scenarios and will also give the Trojans more depth and options up front.
2. Emmanuel Pregnon, OL
Transferred to: USC | Transferring from: Wyoming
HT: 6-6 | WT: 318 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Pregnon redshirted during the 2021 season but was named the starter at right guard in the 2022 season, not giving up a sack in 11 games.
How he fits at USC: Pregnon was one of the better offensive line transfers in the portal this time around, and USC needed some extra help up front. He might have a short acclimation period getting up to this level of play, but Pregnon is very capable of contributing right away and helping the interior of USC's offensive line in 2023.
3. Derrick McLendon II, DE
Transferred to: Colorado | Transferring from: Florida State
HT: 6-4 | WT: 245 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: McLendon has played in every game for the Seminoles over the past three seasons. In 2022, he had 12 starts, 37 tackles, five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He has 61 total tackles throughout his career, along with 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
How he fits at Colorado: There was a mass exodus at Colorado this spring transfer period, and McLendon is one of the new players coming in. Deion Sanders and his staff have been looking to upgrade the talent level on the roster, and McLendon should be able to contribute immediately and provide an upgrade on defense for the Buffs.
4. Patrick McMorris, DB
Transferring to: California | Transferring from: San Diego State
HT: 6-0 | WT: 210 | Class: Senior
Background: McMorris is a two-time All-Mountain West selection and a two-year starter for San Diego State. He was the conference's co-defensive player of the year and he has had five interceptions and 151 total tackles over the past two seasons.
How he fits at Cal: He is a tall corner who can help the defense immediately. He has experience and has shown to have a nose for the ball, so this was a big get for the Bears.
5. Josh DeBerry, DB
Transferring to: Texas A&M | Transferring from: Boston College
HT: 5-11 | WT: 177 | Class: Senior
Background: DeBerry played in seven games during his freshman season in 2019 then saw action in 11 during the 2020 season and registered 44 total tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception. He had two picks during the 2021 season and was a second-team All-ACC selection in 2022 with one interception and 50 total tackles.
How he fits at Texas A&M: DeBerry is a welcomed addition to a Texas A&M program that has seen 26 scholarship players enter the transfer portal since December. DeBerry will join a revamped secondary that also will include cornerback Tony Grimes from North Carolina and Florida State defensive back Sam McCall.
6. Storm Duck, DB
Transferring to: Louisville | Transferring from: Penn State
HT: 6-0 | WT: 200 | Class: Senior
Background: Duck, who transferred to Penn State from North Carolina in the December transfer window, is back in the portal just a few months later. Duck played four seasons at North Carolina and had earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2022. He played in all 12 games this past season for the Tar Heels and had three interceptions along with 46 tackles.
7. Antonio Carter, DB
Transferring from: Rhode Island
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Carter made 10 starts as a redshirt freshman in 2021, and recorded 52 tackles, one sack, seven pass break ups and a forced fumble. He started all 11 games in the 2022 season and racked up 60 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one interception and 10 pass break ups. Since entering the transfer portal, Carter has received offers from Notre Dame, LSU, Florida, Ole Miss, Washington, Wisconsin, Texas A&M and a handful of others.
8. Isaac Ukwu, EDGE
Transferring from: James Madison
HT: 6-3 | WT: 260 | Class: Senior
Background: Ukwu missed the 2019 and 2020 seasons because of injury but exploded in 2021, when he had 44 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 14 games. He had 40 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks this past season in James Madison's first at the FBS level and was named a first-team All-Sun Belt defensive lineman. He has experience and the production and will be targeted by some major programs.
9. Josh Simmons, OL
Transferring to: Ohio State | Transferring from: San Diego State
HT: 6-6 | WT: 305 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: Simmons was a quick learner at San Diego State and started as a redshirt freshman in 2022. He played in all 13 games at right tackle, and given his size, he had a ton of interest from major programs across the country.
How he fits at Ohio State: The Buckeyes are looking to replace three positions along the offensive line this upcoming season. While some of those spots are along the interior, Simmons' experience will set him up to potentially win a starting job at one of the tackle spots.
10. Cam'Ron Johnson, OL
Transferring to: Missouri | Transferring from: Houston
HT: 6-4 | WT: 305 | Class: Sophomore
Background: After redshirting in 2020, Johnson played in 13 games during the 2021 season as a backup guard. He started as a sophomore in 2022 at left guard and was named a first-team All-AAC player. Johnson did not allow a sack in 11 games this past season.
How he fits at Missouri: The Tigers are returning their starting left tackle in Javon Foster and took Eastern Michigan right tackle transfer Marcellus Johnson. That means that Cam'Ron Johnson will likely fit on the interior of the line next season, bolstering what should be a strong offensive line unit.
11. Zakhari Franklin, WR
Transferring from: UTSA
HT: 6-1 | WT: 185 | Class: Senior
Background: Franklin was a first-team all-conference player in 2021, when he set school single-season records for receiving yards (1,027), receptions (89) and receiving touchdowns (12). He followed that up with even better numbers in 2022: 1,136 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on 94 receptions. He is an experienced player with a ton of talent who will be highly regarded.
12. Keon Coleman, WR
Transferring from: Michigan State
HT: 6-4 | WT: 215 | Class: Junior
Background: Coleman led the Spartans in receiving yards (798) and touchdowns (seven) this past season and was primed to be a big contributor again in 2023, but he entered the transfer portal on the same day as QB Payton Thorne. The Spartans already lost receiver Jayden Reed to the NFL and freshman receiver Germie Bernard to the transfer portal. Coleman is one of the more productive receivers in the portal and has tremendous size, so the market for him will be aplenty.
13. Matthew Wykoff, OL
Transferring to: California | Transferring from: Texas A&M
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Class: Freshman
Background: Wykoff was a three-star prospect in the 2021 class out of Texas' Magnolia High School. He redshirted his first season then played in 12 games at center after Bryce Foster suffered a knee injury. Wykoff has three years of eligibility remaining and valuable experience playing this past season.
How he fits at Cal: Wykoff played center at Texas A&M, so it's very likely he remains on the interior of the offensive line at Cal. The offensive line was an issue for the Bears last season, which is why the coaches put an emphasis on a few transfers with Wykoff and offensive lineman Tyler Knape, a 2024 recruit. Both are young players with a few years of eligibility left who should help immediately.
14. Caleb Etienne, OL
Transferring to: BYU | Transferring from: Oklahoma State
HT: 6-7 | WT: 325 | Class: Junior
Background: Etienne started his career at Kansas' Fort Scott Community College. Then it was on to Butler Community College, also in Kansas, and eventually Oklahoma State. He started all 13 games last season for the Pokes at left tackle.
How he fits at BYU: The Cougars already have a starting left tackle in Kingsley Suamataia, so Etienne could move over to the right tackle spot and compete for that job.
15. Jordan Hudson, WR
Transferring from: TCU
HT: 6-1 | WT: 190 | Class: Freshman
Background: Hudson was the No. 58 prospect in the 2022 cycle and the highest-ranked commit in the Horned Frogs' class. He originally committed to Oklahoma then decommitted and picked SMU. He decommitted again and signed with TCU out of high school. Hudson had 14 receptions for 174 yards and three touchdowns this past season and he has three years of eligibility remaining.
16. Gary Bryant Jr., WR
Transferring from: Southern California
HT: 5-11 | WT: 180 | Class: Junior
Background: Bryant played in five games during his freshman season in 2020 and had seven receptions for 51 yards. He then broke out in 2021, finishing third on the Trojans in receiving yards (579) and tied for the most receiving touchdowns (seven). USC then brought in wideout transfers Jordan Addison, Mario Williams and Brenden Rice for the 2022 season, resulting in Bryant's production dipping. He took a redshirt to preserve some eligibility, and Bryant is now on the transfer market. Texas A&M, Oregon, Arizona and Miami have all been mentioned for his commitment.
17. Marcus Washington, DB
Transferring to: Louisville | Transferring from: Georgia
HT: 6-1 | WT: 185 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Washington, the No. 84 prospect in the 2022 class out of Grovetown, Georgia, played in just one game his freshman season in 2022. He is now transferring and has heard from plenty of schools. Washington is visiting Louisville, Virginia Tech and Colorado, among others.
18. Jurriente Davis, LB
Transferring to: Texas A&M | Transferring from: Jackson State
HT: 6-1 | WT: 225 | Class: Junior
Background: Prior to joining Jackson State, Davis was a first-team junior college All-American and won a national championship at Kansas' Hutchinson Community College. He then played at Middle Tennessee State in 2021 and had 68 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. In the 2022 season, he was third on the Jackson State team in total tackles with 58 and had 7.5 tackles for loss and one sack.
How he fits at Texas A&M: The Aggies lost quite a bit of talent through the transfer portal this offseason and needed to add some back in. Davis is a linebacker who should be able to contribute right away and will fit in with defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin's defensive scheme.
19. Cam'Ron Kelly, DB
Transferring to: Louisville | Transferring from: Virginia
HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Class: Senior
Background: Kelly played in all 12 games last season for North Carolina, for which he had 49 total tackles, an interception and a pass breakup. He then entered the transfer portal this offseason and chose Virginia; however he reentered the portal after Virginia's spring game.
How he fits at Louisville: New coach Jeff Brohm is doing everything he can to add in talent to the Louisville roster and Kelly was a big get to help that mission. Louisville ranked No. 103 out of 131 FBS teams in opponent passing yards allowed, No. 40 in opponent completion percentage and No. 89 in pass breakups. Bringing in Kelly will help add some veteran experience and talent to the secondary.
20. Nikko Reed, DB
Transferring from: Colorado
HT: 5-10 | WT: 185 | Class: Junior
Background: Reed has played in 12 games in back-to-back seasons for Colorado. He had two interceptions, 42 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack in 2022. Reed also broke up six passes and held opposing quarterbacks to a 48.9% completion percentage when he was the primary defender.
21. Jordyn Tyson, WR
Transferring to: Arizona State | Transferring from: Colorado
HT: 6-2 | WT: 185 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Tyson led the team in receiving yards (470) and touchdowns (five) this past season, and he also contributed on special teams in nine games, scoring a punt return touchdown as well. He became the first Colorado player to record 100 receiving yards and 100 punt return yards in a game, but he is part of a mass exodus from the program as coach Deion Sanders reshapes the roster in his first season.
How he fits at ASU: New coach Kenny Dillingham has transformed the roster at Arizona State, bringing in quarterback transfer Drew Pyne, as well as receivers Troy Omeire, Xavier Guillory, Jake Smith, Melquan Stovall and now Tyson. The staff is returning last season's leading receiver Elijhah Badger, but there will be plenty of opportunities for other wideouts in this offense.
22. Brenen Thompson, WR
Transferring to: Oklahoma | Transferring from: Texas
HT: 5-10 | WT: 163 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Thompson was the No. 143 prospect in the 2022 class out of Spearman, Texas. He ran a 10.38-second 100-meter dash as a high school junior and had offers from some major programs, including Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Oregon. He played in nine games this past season for the Longhorns and had one catch for 32 yards.
How he fits at Oklahoma: It was imperative for the staff to add depth at wideout after losing leading receiver Marvin Mims Jr. to the NFL, Theo Wease (four TDs) to Missouri and tight end Brayden Willis (seven TDs) to the NFL. The Sooners did that this offseason with Thompson, Michigan receiver Andrel Anthony and tight ends Austin Stogner and Blake Smith.
23. Trill Carter, DL
Transferring to: Texas | Transferring from: Minnesota
HT: 6-2 | WT: 300 | Class: Junior
Background: Carter started 11 of the 12 games during the 2021 season and posted 21 tackles, five tackles for loss and one sack. He started all 13 games this past season with 19 total tackles, two tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten player in 2022.
How he fits at Texas: The Longhorns are losing a few defensive tackles to the NFL, but there is still depth with Alfred Collins, Vernon Broughton, T'Vondre Sweat and Byron Murphy II. Carter should be able to work into that rotation and provide help up front for a Texas defense that allowed just 123 rushing yards per game in 2022, second in the Big 12.
24. Sy'veon Wilkerson, RB
Transferring from: Jackson State
HT: 5-9 | WT: 204 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: While with Delaware State, Wilkerson led the MEAC in carries (220) during the 2021 season. He had 848 yards and eight touchdowns on the season and was named first-team all-conference. With coach Deion Sanders and Jackson State in 2022, Wilkerson led the team with 1,167 rushing yards and also had nine touchdowns.
25. Tyler Buchner, QB
Transferred to: Alabama | Transferring from: Notre Dame
HT: 6-1 | WT: 215 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Buchner was an ESPN 300 quarterback in the 2021 class and played in 10 games during his freshman season. He entered the 2022 season as the starter, but was injured and missed most of the season as Drew Pyne took over in his place. He has completed 67 of 118 passes with six touchdowns and eight interceptions during his two years at Notre Dame. He is entering the transfer portal, as the staff brought in Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman.
How he fits at Alabama: With Bryce Young off to the NFL, Nick Saban is looking for his next quarterback for the 2023 season. Jalen Milroe has played some but doesn't have a ton of experience. Buchner played for new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees at Notre Dame, so there is a level of comfortability there. It doesn't seem as though Alabama has a clear leader for the quarterback spot, so Buchner could come in and compete right away if no one else steps up.
26. Jaheim Thomas, LB
Transferring to: Arkansas | Transferring from: Cincinnati
HT: 6-4 | WT: 245 | Class: Junior
Background: Thomas was a three-star recruit in the 2020 class who played in four games as a true freshman then was a role player on Cincinnati's College Football Playoff team in 2021, recording 23 total tackles in 12 games. With an increased role in 2022, he ranked third in the team in total tackles (70) and also recorded 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
27. Byron Vaughns, DE
Transferring to: Baylor | Transferring from: Utah State
HT: 6-4 | WT: 225 | Class: Junior
Background: Vaughns transferred to Utah State from Texas and played in all 14 games during the 2021 season for the Aggies. He had 43 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He followed that with 56 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2022. He is a versatile player who has proven production and should have quite a few options.
How he fits at Baylor: He has experience playing at a high level, starting his career at Texas, then moving to Utah State, where he became a starter. He will provide a pass-rush element and will give the defense help at its JACK position along with Garmon Randolph.
28. Derrick Brown, EDGE
Transferring from: Texas
HT: 6-3 | WT: 210 | Class: Freshman
Background: Brown was the No. 187 recruit overall in the 2022 class and the No. 18 outside linebacker. He picked the Longhorns over offers from Texas Tech, Baylor and many other Power 5 programs. He didn't see game action in his first season, as he redshirted, so he still has four years of eligibility remaining.
29. Var'Keyes Gumms, TE
Transferring to: Arkansas | Transferring from: North Texas
HT: 6-3 | WT: 230 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: Gumms was a three-star prospect out of high school in the 2021 class and signed with North Texas. He played in 14 games during the 2022 season and had 458 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Gumms already has received offers from Oregon, BYU, Colorado, Arkansas, Utah, West Virginia and a handful of others.
How he fits at Arkansas: The Arkansas coaches focused on tight end in the 2023 recruiting class, signing ESPN 300 tight ends Luke Hasz and Shamar Easter. Adding Gumms buys those prospects time and eases some of the pressure off of them to have to contribute right away. Gumms has experience as a pass-catching tight end and should help round out a tight end room that now has some really talented options.
30. Alton McCaskill, RB
Transferring from: Houston
HT: 6-1 | WT: 215 | Class: Sophomore
Background: McCaskill had an excellent season in 2021, rushing for 961 yards and 18 touchdowns for Houston. He was the AAC Rookie of the Year and showed a ton of promise for the Houston offense. He tore an ACL, however, prior to the 2022 season and wasn't able to play. It looked as though McCaskill would be a big contributor to Houston in 2023, and Cougars coach Dana Holgorsen said he was "shocked" to see McCaskill enter the portal.
31. R.J. Moten, DB
Transferring to: Florida | Transferring from: Michigan
HT: 6-0 | WT: 223 | Class: Senior
Background: Moten was an ESPN 300 recruit in the 2020 class out of New Jersey who signed with Michigan. He appeared in all 14 games his sophomore season for the Wolverines, with five starts at safety. He again appeared in all 14 games this past season with 10 starts at safety. Moten had 31 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and one interception in 2022.
How he fits at Florida: Moten's father, Ron Moten, played linebacker at Florida in the mid-1980s, and now R.J. will play for the Gators. Florida needed help at safety with Rashad Torrence II and Trey Dean III both leaving for the NFL. The staff has talent on the roster, just not much experience, so Moten brings that experience having played for Michigan for three years.
32. Troy Everett, OL
Transferring to: Oklahoma | Transferring from: Appalachian State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 285 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: Everett took a redshirt year in 2021, his first season on campus, then started six games at center for App State in 2022. He played in 10 of 12 games and allowed just one sack.
How he fits at Oklahoma: The Sooners needed to replace quite a bit upfront after Wanya Morris and Anton Harrison left for the NFL. Everett should be able to contribute at center immediately, and the staff will also have help from Stanford tackle transfer Walter Rouse and Miami (Ohio) transfer Caleb Shaffer.
33. Payton Thorne, QB
Transferring to: Auburn | Transferring from: Michigan State
HT: 6-2 | WT: 210 | Class: Redshirt senior
Background: Thorne has been the Michigan State starter under center for the past two seasons and has thrown for 6,494 yards and 49 touchdowns in his college career. He was in a quarterback battle this offseason with Noah Kim for the starting job, but it came as a surprise that he entered the transfer portal on the final day of the spring window.
How he fits at Auburn: Thorne brings experience to the table with a quarterback room that was lacking depth. Auburn returns Robby Ashford, who played most of the 2022 season, but Thorne gives the new coaching staff more competition and more options. He has had success at Michigan State but had a rough 2022. A fresh start could do him well and help make everyone else in the quarterback room better.
34. Dominick Blaylock, WR
Transferring to: Georgia Tech | Transferring from: Georgia
HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Class: Junior
Background: Blaylock had 18 receptions for 310 yards and five touchdowns in his first season in 2019. He missed the 2020 season because of a knee injury then recorded two receptions in four games during the 2021 season and 15 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown in 2022.
How he fits at Georgia Tech: Blaylock is reuniting with new Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, who was a quality control assistant at Georgia for three years. After losing leading receiver Nate McCollum to transfer, the staff has added Alabama receiver Christian Leary, Texas A&M receiver Chase Lane, Duquesne's Abdul Janneh and now Blaylock to help bolster the receiver room.
35. A.J. Henning, WR
Transferring from: Michigan
HT: 5-10 | WT: 185 | Class: Senior
Background: Henning signed with Michigan as an ESPN 300 prospect out of Illinois and was a speedy addition to the receivers room at the time. Despite playing for three seasons, he wasn't targeted often as a receiver, tallying 25 receptions for 198 yards in three seasons. He also had 420 kick return yards and a touchdown, as well as 475 punt return yards and a touchdown throughout his career.
36. Jalil Tucker, DB
Transferring from: Oregon
HT: 6-0 | WT: 165 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: Tucker was the No. 137 prospect in the 2022 class and the No. 8 recruit in the state of California. He signed with Oregon and played in one game before taking a redshirt season. Tucker, who ran a 11.05-second 100-meter dash in high school, has four years of eligibility remaining.
37. Elijah Brown, TE
Transferring from: Alabama
HT: 6-5 | WT: 250 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: Brown was a four-star prospect in the 2022 class out of Dayton, Ohio, and signed with Alabama. He took a redshirt this past season, so he has four years of eligibility remaining.
38. Chance Nolan, QB
Transferring to: TCU | Transferring from: Oregon State
HT: 6-3 | WT: 209 | Class: Junior
Background: Nolan threw for 2,677 yards, 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in the 2021 season. He played in five games during the 2022 season and threw for 939 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions on 111 attempts, as Ben Gulbranson took over the starting role midway through the season. The Beavers also added DJ Uiagalelei from Clemson via the portal during the winter.