The end of spring practices across the country signals the reopening of the college football transfer portal. Many players who have gone through offseason workouts are looking for new homes after finding that their current roster position is not to their liking. Others may have been told that their chances of seeing the field are not promising or that their playing time will be reduced this fall.
Some of those looking for new opportunities will be familiar names or ex-recruits who can step into their programs and provide immediate impact. Who are the best available this cycle?
Here are the best picks from schools looking to improve their roster:
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Penn State
Lambert-Smith considered entering nfl draft After leading the Nittany Lions with 673 receiving yards. His return was seen as a major coup with Penn State needing to get options to help make their attack more explosive against top defenses. But Lambert-Smith won’t be a part of that group this fall and will look to make an impact elsewhere.
Damien Martinez, RB, Oregon State
The running back who rushed for over 1,000 total yards in a Power Five league last season is going to attract interest from major programs. Martínez put up big numbers for the Beavers last year and remains so this spring despite the loss of coach Jonathan Smith for Michigan State And the school is in the process of transitioning to two teams with the Pac-12. Now it is available in the market and there should be demand for it.
Cayden Proctor, OL, Iowa
It has already been an eventful career for Proctor after only one season in college football. He committed to Iowa at home as one of the top high school recruits in the 2023 class before signing with Alabama. As a freshman, he was an immediate starter for the Crimson Tide, but later decided to transfer to the Hawkeyes. Nick Saban’s retirement, After a few months, Proctor is back at Portal and looking forward to returning to Tuscaloosa.
Demonic Williams, DL, TCU
A two-year starter for the Horned Frogs, Williams helped the team to the College Football Playoff title game as a freshman and followed that up with 33 tackles and three sacks in 2023. He is expected to attract the attention of all the teams. Strengthen your defensive line.
Cormani McClain, DB, Colorado
One of the prized high-school recruits of Deion Sanders’ first recruiting class, McClain struggled to make his mark in his one season with the Buffaloes. He played in nine games and recorded 13 tackles. Previously committed to Miami, McClain could potentially return to his home state of Florida or be tempted elsewhere.
Tacario Davis, DB, Arizona
Davis is one of several key losses for the Wildcats Coach Jed Fish’s departure to Washington, He led the Pac-12 with 15 pass breakups and would be a valuable addition to a team looking for an immediate starter in the secondary.
Elijah Herring, LB, Tennessee
It’s rare to see an SEC school’s leading tackler on the portal. Herring’s decision to leave Knoxville after starting 11 games and posting 80 tackles comes due to his playing time being uncertain due to the return of Keenan Pilley. Still, his production makes him an attractive option for programs in need of their defense.
Jason Zandamella, OL, Southern California
Zandamella, one of the top signees for the Trojans last December, walked away after going through his first spring practice. He may not be ready to start immediately this fall, but is a potential project on the interior of the offensive line that could pay big dividends in the future.
Penny Boone, RB, Louisville
Boone rushed for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns for Toledo last season before transferring to Louisville this winter. But after spring practice with the Cardinals, he is on the move again and should have plenty of options. His size (6-1,242 pounds) is unique for the position.
Jaden Rashada, QB, Arizona State
It’s already been a rough college journey for Rashada. He signed with Florida through 2023 and left before the season result of his void deal Now the Gators are under NCAA investigation. He started the first two games for the Sun Devils but an injury kept him out until the team’s final game against Arizona. Now, he will try to establish his foot in some other program.
Sam Brown, WR, Houston
The Cougars’ leading receiver is leaving to catch passes at another school. Brown had a breakout season, totaling 815 yards on 62 catches. His skillset should be valued by any team looking for a wide receiver who can make quick plays.
Jacoby Matthews, DB, Texas A&M
It’s been an offseason of change for the Aggies Mike Elko is replacing Jimbo Fisher., Matthews is the latest starter to enter the portal from last year’s defense. He made a major contribution in his first season, recording 42 tackles.
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