It was a new year for the AAC in 2023. There were substantial changes from the previous year, from conference realignment to transfer portal impact. This year will be no different.
Our AAC Transfer Portal Rankings look at what each team did in the winter window and how the infusion of talent replaces the players they lost.
14) Navy Midshipmen
Total Transfers: 0
Top Offensive Transfer: N/A
Top Defensive Transfer: N/A
Neither of the bottom two teams in our AAC Transfer Portal Rankings should be a surprise. Getting transfers to the Navy will always be tough due to academic standards and service commitments, and they essentially only lose talent through the transfer portal. Jacob Busic was a huge loss to UCLA, though the defense should still be a solid group even with his departure.
13) Army Black Knights
Total Transfers: 0
Top Offensive Transfer: N/A
Top Defensive Transfer: N/A
I have no arguments if you want to flip the two service academies. The only reason Army is higher is because the loss of Isaiah Alston is less damaging to the Black Knights than Busic’s departure is to the Midshipmen. Alston heads to Iowa State, and the Black Knights must find a new explosive weapon at receiver.
12) Rice Owls
Total Transfers: Four
Top Offensive Transfer: EJ Warner, QB
Top Defensive Transfer: Michael Daley, EDGE
After the J.T. Daniels era ended, all eyes turned to this staff to see who would take over at quarterback. They didn’t have to wait long, as Temple transfer EJ Warner arrived on campus via the transfer portal to run the offense.
The Owls saw little action in the portal outside of Warner. Michael Daley comes from BYU to help on the edge of the defense, Harvard tackle Spencer Cassell will help protect Warner, and Penn State transfer Alex Bacchetta will handle punting duties.
Rice’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Michael Daley, EDGE, BYU
- Alex Bacchetta, P, Penn State
- EJ Warner, QB, Temple
- Spencer Cassell, OT, Harvard
11) Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Total Transfers: Six
Top Offensive Transfer: Jacob Waller, OT
Top Defensive Transfer: Gavin Potter, LB
Kevin Wilson understood the challenges when he took over as Tulsa’s head coach, and he’s doing what he can to fix certain holes in his roster. The Golden Hurricane welcomed just six players from the transfer portal, but there are some exciting arrivals.
Gavin Potter was considered a promising young player for Kansas a few years ago, but an injury halted that momentum before he transferred to Arkansas State. A disappointing year with the Red Wolves took him to Tulsa, where he’s hoping to get back on track in 2024.
In the past, Tulsa has produced some exciting defenders, and Indiana transfer Myles Jackson could be next. He brings 51 tackles and six tackles for loss with him, along with an explosive skill set that could make him a menace in the AAC.
Tulsa’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Gavin Potter, LB, Arkansas State
- Zach Marcheselli, LB, TCU
- Jacob Waller, OT, SMU
- Zion Steptoe, S, Purdue
- Chris Thompson Jr., LB, USC
- Myles Jackson, EDGE, Indiana
10) USF Bulls
Total Transfers: Six
Top Offensive Transfer: Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen, WR
Top Defensive Transfer: De’Shawn Rucker, CB
The USF Bulls finished the year on a high note, but they made less of a splash in the portal than a year ago. After taking 18 transfers in the 2023 cycle, Alex Golesh and his staff made just six additions in the winter window. Defending the passing attack was the emphasis of their 2023-2024 class, with five of the six players playing positions that affect that part of the game.
That makes sense after the Bulls finished second to last in pass defense this past season. Something needed to change in the secondary, and Golesh and his staff added three cornerbacks in Brent Austin (James Madison), De’Shawn Rucker (Tennessee), and Kajuan Banks (South Carolina). They also added safety D’Marco Augustin from Youngstown State.
Wide receiver Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen could step into the offense and contribute right away, and watch for Junio Uzebu to push for time at one of the tackle spots this year, too.
USF’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Brent Austin, CB, James Madison
- Junior Uzebu, OT, Vanderbilt
- De’Shawn Rucker, CB, Tennessee
- D’Marco Augustin, S, Youngstown State
- Kajuan Banks, CB, South Carolina
- Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen, WR, Purdue
9) UAB Blazers
Total Transfers: Six
Top Offensive Transfer: Armoni Goodwin, RB
Top Defensive Transfer: Octavius Brothers, LB
UAB’s introduction to the AAC wasn’t a kind one, though there were some flashes of excitement late in the season. The USF and FAU games showed a team that can compete in this conference, but consistency needs to improve. Trent Dilfer looked to improve the quality of players on the roster this offseason, bringing in five players from Power Five schools.
LSU transfer Armoni Goodwin should have the biggest impact on the team from this class. The Blazers finished in the middle of the pack in rushing offense, so Goodwin hopes to help elevate their ground game substantially.
On defense, LeDarrius Cox (Indiana) adds some good size to the defensive line at 6’4″ and 315 pounds. Dilfer plucked Purdue linebacker O.C. Brothers from the portal after a season in which he recorded 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks.
Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Ezra Odinjor, EDGE, Georgia Tech
- Jamoi Mayes, WR, Chattanooga
- Armoni Goodwin, RB, LSU
- JonDarius Morgan, OT, South Carolina
- LeDarrius Cox, DL, Indiana
- Octavius Brothers, LB, Purdue
8) UTSA Roadrunners
Total Transfers: 10
Top Offensive Transfer: Jaylen Garth, OT
Top Defensive Transfer: Zach Morris, S
Maybe one of the biggest wins for UTSA was keeping Jeff Traylor for at least another year. The Roadrunners lost a few key players, but Traylor and his staff found ways to lessen the blow. In what will be a transitional year, the Roadrunners still added 10 players from the transfer portal to fill holes and add depth.
Despite a few key losses, UTSA’s receiver room should be in good hands, but they still added multiple players to bolster their depth. DJ Allen (TCU) and J.J. Sparkman (Texas Tech) figure to be rotational contributors in 2024 for Frank Harris’ replacement.
MORE: 2024 Pac-2 Transfer Portal Rankings
Defensively, the Roadrunners added four players who should play immediately. Linebackers Ian Jackson (Alabama) and Bren Randle (Louisiana Tech) should push for time, with Randle bringing valuable experience from his time with the Bulldogs.
Offensive line play has been solid for Traylor’s offense, and they added three players up front to keep that trend going this year. Jaylen Garth (Houston) and Kamar Missouri (Rutgers) will push for spots at tackle, while CJ James (New Mexico) gives them good size on the interior.
UTSA’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Ian Jackson, LB, Alabama
- Jaylen Garth, OT, Houston
- DJ Allen, WR, TCU
- Brevin Randle, LB, Louisiana Tech
- J.J. Sparkman, WR, Texas Tech
- Daemian Wimberly, DL, SMU
- Kamar Missouri, OT, Rutgers
- Zach Morris, S, New Mexico
- CJ James, IOL, New Mexico
- Jermarius Lewis, S, New Mexico
7) Temple Owls
Total Transfers: 17
Top Offensive Transfer: Clifton McDowell, QB
Top Defensive Transfer: Andreas Keaton, S
It’s safe to say that Temple has some work to do if they want to get back to the top of the AAC. A 3-9 finish provided plenty of disappointing games, but they did finish the year strong despite a three-game losing streak.
With the talent they added from the transfer portal, the Owls hope to inch closer to bowl eligibility in 2024.
Quarterback Clifton McDowell played a huge role in getting Montana to the FCS National Championship Game this past year. The dual-threat threw for 2,026 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 753 yards and nine scores this year, and that skill set should help Temple’s offense immensely. He’ll face competition for the QB1 spot from former Rutgers quarterback Evan Simon.
Temple’s transfer class includes plenty of inexperienced talent, but there’s also potential in many of them. Linebackers Tyquan King (ECU) and Torren Wright (NC State) saw limited action last year but have the talent to compete for starting spots.
Defensive backs Andreas Keaton (Western Carolina), Jamel Johnson (Charleston Southern), and Adrian Maddox (Alabama State) bring various levels of production from the FCS to help the secondary. The Owls’ pass defense will be in good hands if those playmakers can handle the transition.
Temple’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Clifton McDowell, QB, Montana
- Antonio Jones, WR, Georgia
- Cam’Ron Stewart, DL, Rutgers
- Louis Frye, S, Northern Illinois
- Antwain Littleton II, RB, Maryland
- Jason Moore, DL, Georgia Tech
- Andreas Keaton, S, Western Carolina
- Grayson Mains, OT, South Carolina
- Javier Morton, CB, Nebraska
- Tyquan King, LB, ECU
- Jamel Johnson, CB, Charleston Southern
- Torren Wright, LB, NC State
- Jaylen Lewis, CB, Arkansas
- Adrian Maddox, CB, Alabama State
- Evan Simon, QB, Rutgers
- Maddux Trujillo, K, Austin Peay
- Torey Richardson, CB, UTEP
6) FAU Owls
Total Transfers: 12
Top Offensive Transfer: Milan Tucker, WR
Top Defensive Transfer: Chisom Ifeanyi, EDGE
Tom Herman’s looking to turn the Owls into a competitor in the AAC this year, and he’s trying to infuse as much talent as possible into the starting lineup. It became obvious what area of the team he felt needed the most attention, and the transfer portal class addressed that concern.
Half of the transfers will contribute to the passing game this year. FAU’s aerial attack was far from elite last year, so Herman wants to fix that in 2024. The addition of Cam Fancher from Marshall has some intrigue if he can be developed to his full potential.
Fortunately for the new FAU quarterback, he’ll have options out wide.
Milan Tucker (Appalachian State), Caleb Coombs (Marshall), George Johnson (UMass), and Marlyn Johnson (Buffalo) all bring plenty of experience with them at receiver. BYU transfer Dom Henry is the most inexperienced of the group but could factor into the rotation.
FAU’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Milan Tucker, WR, Appalachian State
- Caleb Coombs, WR, Marshall
- Cam Fancher, QB, Marshall
- Marlyn Johnson, WR, Buffalo
- Daughtry Richardson, OT, Florida State
- Chisom Ifeanyi, EDGE, Shippensburg University
- CJ Campbell, RB, Florida State
- Dom Henry, WR, BYU
- George Johnson, WR, UMass
- Phillip Dunnam, S, Indiana
- Prince James Boyd Jr., DL, Purdue
- Kyler Laing, EDGE, Buffalo
5) Charlotte 49ers
Total Transfers: 18
Top Offensive Transfer: Max Brown, QB
Top Defensive Transfer: Sammy Anderson, CB
You have to tip your cap to this Charlotte 49ers staff. They’re doing everything they can to bring in players to elevate the talent on the roster. While it might take some time to get everyone on the same page, they hit on quite a few of the 18 transfers that form their winter window class.
Max Brown played six games for the Florida Gators at quarterback, throwing for 192 yards and rushing for another 37. He made some nice plays in his limited action, so there’s reason to believe he could have an impact on the 49ers offense.
Charlotte convinced Shadrick Byrd to remove his name from the portal while adding more talent to the running back room. CJ Stokes contributed to Michigan consistently in 2022 before only playing two games in 2023, and Iowa State transfer Cartevious Norton brings 655 yards and five touchdowns of production.
Charlotte’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Tyler Gibson, DT, Georgia Tech
- Derrick Edwards, S, Louisville
- CJ Stokes, RB, Michigan
- CJ Clinkscales, CB, Boston College
- D’Andre Martin, EDGE, South Carolina
- Donovan Spellman, EDGE, Appalachian State
- Cartevious Norton, RB, Iowa State
- Xavier Simmons, LB, Missouri
- Sammy Anderson, CB, Cincinnati
- Treyveon McGee, S, Iowa State
- Jordan Herman, OT, Florida
- Max Brown, QB, Florida
- Mo Clipper Jr., IOL, Tennessee
- Anthony Romphf, CB, Western Michigan
- Jordan Spasojevic-Moko, IOL, Texas A&M
- Mitchell Mayes, OT, Clemson
- Justin Olson, WR, Middle Tennessee
- Aidan Kaler, LB, Stony Brook
4) ECU Pirates
Total Transfers: 13
Top Offensive Transfer: Jake Garcia, QB
Top Defensive Transfer: Andrew Wilson-Lamp, CB
With the amount of talent ECU lost after the 2022 season, a down year was to be expected in 2023. Mike Houston did his best to navigate a challenging 2-10 season and even changed the coaching staff for the upcoming season. He also added 13 transfers, many of whom will step in and play immediately.
Former Ole Miss and Oregon transfer Casey Kelly brings Power Five experience with him, and he should catch passes from Missouri transfer Jake Garcia. The former four-star should finally get his chance to show off his talent for a Pirates’ offense in need of a major spark.
MORE: 2024 SEC Transfer Portal Rankings
Former West Virginia and Florida State transfer Winston Wright Jr. brings great speed to that unit. The passing attack figures to be upgraded with the returning talent combined with the transfer portal class, exciting the fanbase.
Despite their record, ECU’s defense was tough at times last year. Still, Houston added some talent that will fill holes on that side of the ball. Jaden McKenzie (Ohio State) and Ryheem Craig (Louisville) should upgrade the defensive line and push for starting time.
Andrew Wilson-Lamp gives the Pirates a big corner from West Virginia. At 6’2″, his length should give him an edge over most in the secondary. Maryland transfer Gavin Gibson should also compete for a spot.
ECU’s Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Casey Kelly, TE, Oregon
- Jaden McKenzie, DL, Ohio State
- Jake Garcia, QB, Missouri
- Andrew Wilson-Lamp, CB, West Virginia
- Darius Bell, OT, Maine
- Qae’shon Sapp, IOL, Florida State
- Ryheem Craig, EDGE, Louisville
- O’Mega Blake, WR, South Carolina
- Dameon Wilson, LB, Missouri
- Anthony Smith, WR, NC State
- Gavin Gibson, CB, Maryland
- Katin Houser, QB, Michigan State
- Winston Wright Jr., WR, Florida State
3) North Texas Mean Green
Total Transfers: 20
Top Offensive Transfer: Chandler Morris, QB
Top Defensive Transfer: Jake Shipley, EDGE
Despite the losses North Texas sustained at certain positions, the staff wasted no time replacing that talent through the transfer portal. Quarterback, running back, and offensive line took hits this offseason, but the Mean Green mined the portal hard to address those needs. They bring in 20 transfers, the most in the conference.
With Chandler Rogers off to Cal, the quarterback position was uncertain this offseason. Reese Mooney (Liberty) and Chandler Morris (TCU) arrive and will compete to replace him. If Morris rediscovers what made him the starting quarterback in 2022, North Texas’ offense will be hard to stop.
The Mean Green lost multiple running backs, so they dipped into the transfer portal to find replacements. LSU transfer Tre Bradford and Minnesota’s Zach Evans give them two quality options. North Texas also added five offensive linemen to ensure the skill positions have time to make plays.
One of the more intriguing portal additions was North Texas bringing in DT Sheffield from Washington State. His time with the Cougars was a roller coaster, but it was easy to see why so many like his game. He’s an explosive weapon when he’s on the field, so North Texas just needs to figure out how to keep him on it.
Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Reese Mooney, QB, Liberty
- Jake Shipley, EDGE, Oregon
- Chandler Morris, QB, TCU
- MaKyi Lee, OT, Missouri
- David Spuriells, S, Northern Arizona
- BJ Allen Jr., S, Texas
- Johnny Dickson, IOL, Virginia Tech
- X’Avion Brice, CB, Texas
- Justice Guillory, IOL, Stephen F. Austin
- Oscar Hammond, TE, Central Oklahoma
- Jasper Lott, IOL, TCU
- Tre Bradford, RB, LSU
- JJ Jean-Louis, LB, Iowa State
- Zach Evans, RB, Minnesota
- DT Sheffield, WR, Washington State
- Isheem Young, S, Ole Miss
- Jeremiah Aaron, WR, West Virginia
- Landon Peterson, IOL, Texas Tech
- Jayden Hill, CB, Ohio Dominican
2) Memphis Tigers
Total Transfers: 17
Top Offensive Transfer: Jyaire Shorter, WR
Top Defensive Transfer: Tahj Ra-El, S
Ryan Silverfield needed a big year to cool off the hot seat talks, and a 10-3 season delivered on that. Now, he’s looking to add a conference title to his resume, and he hit the transfer portal to help meet that goal.
Arguably, the biggest addition to this class is Old Dominion Safety Tahj Ra-El. He produced 84 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one interception in a breakout 2023 for the Monarchs. Memphis lost Cameron Smith to the portal, so Ra-El’s addition was huge. The Tigers also added fellow safeties Jordan Grier (Indiana) and AJ Watts (UL-Monroe) to help.
Running back Mario Anderson gained plenty of attention when he transferred to Memphis from South Carolina, and many expect him to compete for the starting spot. Former North Texas and Auburn transfer Jyaire Shorter gives the Tigers’ passing attack a proven vertical threat, making quarterback Seth Henigan happy.
The losses of Davion Carter (Texas Tech) and Makylan Pounders (Mississippi State) hurt, but Silverfield and his staff landed Trent Holler (Marshall) and Kenyell Lewis (UL-Monroe) to replace them.
Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Tahj Ra-El, S, Old Dominion
- Jordan Grier, S, Indiana
- Ja’koby Banks, WR, Houston
- AJ Watts, S, UL-Monroe
- Jaylen Nichols, OT, South Carolina
- Joshua Sloan, P, UTEP
- Mario Anderson, RB, South Carolina
- Izaiah Reed, OT, Louisville
- Javante Mackey, LB, Arkansas State
- Jyaire Shorter, WR, Auburn
- Caden Costa, K, Ole Miss
- Trent Holler, IOL, Marshall
- Keydrell Lewis, OT, UL-Monroe
- Jaidyn Denis, CB, Elon
- Richard Kinley, EDGE, Middle Tennessee
- Patrick Lucas Jr., DL, Indiana
- Matt Hudson, LB, Harvard
1) Tulane Green Wave
Total Transfers: 12
Top Offensive Transfer: Mario Williams, WR
Top Defensive Transfer: Caleb Ransaw, CB
Hat tip to Jon Sumrall, who took over the Tulane program and did everything he could to ensure they would still compete for a title in 2024. It might still be a transition to get the new staff and roster acclimated, but Sumrall ensured the talent level stayed the same.
Even before the 2023 season, fans knew the passing attack would take some hits with veterans leaving. Chris Brazzell’s departure to Tennessee was another blow for the group, but Sumrall and the Green Wave did well to lessen the blows.
MORE: 2024 College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
Shazz Preston comes from Alabama to get a better chance at starting, as does UCF transfer Jaylon Griffin. One of the more surprising additions was former USC transfer Mario Williams, a guy who could be a star for Tulane. Idaho transfer Terez Traynor brings a good frame for the Green Wave’s new quarterback to hit.
Speaking of quarterbacks, Ty Thompson gets a fresh start to his career with Tulane. He’ll compete for the starting spot and has plenty of talent around him to maximize his potential.
On defense, Sumrall addressed the secondary hard. He brought three former Troy Trojans to bolster the defensive backend, while three other cornerback arrivals will push for time on the field. Given the defensive dominance at Troy under Sumrall, the additions should spark plenty of excitement for Tulane fans.
Transfer Portal Class, 2024
- Shazz Preston, WR, Alabama
- Jack Tchienchou, S, Troy
- Chris Rodgers, S, Troy
- Caleb Ransaw, CB, Troy
- Deshaun Batiste, DL, Troy
- Mario Williams, WR, USC
- Terez Traynor, WR, Idaho
- Ty Thompson, QB, Oregon
- Micah Robinson, CB, Furman
- Jaylon Griffin, WR, UCF
- Lu Tillery, CB, UL-Monroe
- Jalen Geiger, CB, Kentucky
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!