Joe Cotton is the highest-rated tackle in the transfer portal and will be in high demand ahead of the 2025 season. At 6’7 “and 315 pounds, he brings the ideal size for the position, and teams will be clamoring for his services.
247 Sports has Cotton as a four-star transfer and the third-best uncommitted player in the portal overall. Cotton was a three-year starter for the South Dakota Coyotes, and he is a name on top of many lists around the college football world.
Joe Cotton Set to Visit with Multiple Power 4 Schools
Cotton has impressed since entering collegiate football, earning 2024 All-Conference performer and 2023 FCS Freshman All-American honors. On film, you can see why. In pass blocking reps, he displays a quick first step, violent hands, and athletic footwork.
In his run blocking reps, he showcases the ability to use his size in space, an extremely high motor, and brutality at the point of contact. He’s a well-rounded and talented player with the size and reach to dominate at his position.
South Dakota OT Joe Cotton has emerged as one of the most popular names in the transfer portal.
His agency @QCSports tells @mzenitz and I he’s set Cincinnati and Wisconsin visits.
But many teams are reaching out to the portal’s top available OT.https://t.co/S2RkBunJaP pic.twitter.com/XmbdW3aRv6
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 16, 2025
Beyond his play on the field, his reliability on Saturdays bolsters his profile. Cotton started all 14 games as a Junior last season for South Dakota and has been a multi-year starter.
If he can continue to bring the same level of on-field play while not missing any games in his final two years of eligibility, whatever school gets him will be very pleased.
After announcing earlier this month that he intended to enter the transfer portal, Cotton has reportedly heard from over 20 Power 4 schools, so he’ll have his pick of the litter for what’s best for the next chapter of his career. Cotton and his agency, QC Sports, made it official on Wednesday, and now it’s reported that Alabama, Michigan, Penn State, and Florida are among those vying for his services.
Being a three-year starter adds a layer of consideration in this process for Cotton. He’ll likely need to either adapt to a potentially lesser role or win out against other contenders for starting positions.
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The possibility of transitioning to the right side of the line further adds to his options, giving him several factors to weigh in his decision. Regardless, he will be a strong addition to whichever team he ends up joining, and we should see him on a larger stage in 2025.
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