The Sun Belt is set to be one of the most competitive conferences in college football this upcoming season, and if you’re not utilizing the transfer portal to maximize your roster, there’s a chance you’ll get left behind. With that said, how do our Sun Belt transfer portal rankings evaluate the offseason additions for the 14 teams of the conference?
Top Transfer Portal Additions in the Sun Belt
1) Corey Rucker, WR, Arkansas State
After establishing himself as one of the best pass catchers in the Sun Belt in 2021, Corey Rucker took a sojourn to the SEC with South Carolina, snagging one reception for a 52-yard score.
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He returns to Jonesboro as the top transfer portal addition in the Sun Belt, bringing his blend of size, physicality, twitchiness, and elusiveness to an Arkansas State offense in need of a spark.
2) Davis Brin, QB, Georgia Southern
The Georgia Southern offense was on fire last fall in the hands of Kyle Vantrease, and now Tulsa standout Davis Brin is at the wheel. The high-volume passing attack is made for a quarterback of Brin’s arm talent, with his ability to hit receivers anywhere on the field. Don’t be surprised to see him throw more touchdowns this season than in his entire time at Tulsa.
3) J.J. Roberts, DB, Marshall
There are several Power Five players landing in the Sun Belt via the transfer portal, but none have been as impactful at the level as J.J. Roberts. Having seen playing time in each of the last three years at Wake Forest, he’s coming off a 20-tackle, seven pass breakup campaign and has the versatility, football IQ, and athleticism to play anywhere in Marshall’s secondary.
4) Makai Jackson, WR, Appalachian State
Appalachian State has been particularly busy in the transfer portal, but it’s the addition of former St. Francis WR Makai Jackson to the Sun Belt that’s worth monitoring this fall. The 6’0″, 190-pound sophomore was the NEC Offensive Rookie of the Year after snagging 991 yards and nine touchdowns last fall. He’s a dangerous yard-after-the-catch threat for the Mountaineers.
5) Phoenix Sproles, WR, James Madison
James Madison got burned by Phoenix Sproles when they played North Dakota State in the 2020 FCS Championship Game, and they weren’t about to let it happen again. The Dukes bring in the cousin of Darren Sproles to wreak havoc in the Sun Belt, with his ability to be used in multiple ways making him a dangerous weapon to defend against — especially in motion and on returns.
6) Kole Wilson, WR, Texas State
Under new coach G.J. Kinne, there’s been plenty of movement in the transfer portal — both additions and departures — for the Bobcats. While bigger names may command more attention, WR Kole Wilson is the name to know.
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A Freshman All-American last fall, he’s dangerous as a returner and receiver with his speed, ball-tracking, contact balance, and catch-point competitiveness.
7) Cane Berrong, TE, Coastal Carolina
The addition of Cane Berrong to the Sun Belt might not set off any statistical alarms. However, the new Coastal Carolina tight end was once considered the best in his recruiting class. The 6’4″, 245-pound TE is a sure-handed pass catcher with good body control at the point. However, he excels when using his frame and physicality as a blocker.
8) Donell Harris, EDGE, Louisiana-Monroe
A former five-star recruit, Donell Harris never lived up to his recruiting hype at Texas A&M. However, he was still much sought-after in the transfer portal and is a great addition to a Louisiana-Monroe team looking to be more competitive in the Sun Belt. He’s an explosive pass rusher with excellent athleticism who can rejuvenate his career with this move.
9) Rodrigues Clark, RB, Southern Miss
While he may not ascend to the top of the Southern Miss depth chart while Frank Gore Jr. is on the roster, the addition of Rodrigues Clark gives the Golden Eagles a legitimately competitive running back room. Clark does his best work heading north to south, using his 5’9″, 200-pound frame like a battering ram when he lowers his shoulder.
10) Kevin Swint, EDGE, Georgia State
A highly productive defensive standout on the Georgia high school scene, Kevin Swint was a four-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class, landing at Clemson where he played as a freshman and saw action in 33 games. The outside linebacker moves incredibly well at 6’3″, 242 pounds — both laterally and in a straight line — and has the length to disrupt offensive linemen.
Honorable Mention for Top Sun Belt Transfer Portal Additions
- Tyrek Funderburk, CB, Appalachian State
- Jacob Bayer, C, Arkansas State
- Carlos Hatcher, DL, Coastal
- Cameron Williams, S, Georgia Southern
- Malik Hornsby, QB, Texas State
- Landon Parker, WR/P, Troy
- Andrew Volmar, CB, Louisiana-Monroe
- Lucas Taylor, C, South Alabama
- Jaylon Barden, WR, Georgia Southern
- Elijah Sarratt, WR, James Madison
