Boise State wide receiver Eric McAlister surprised many of us by putting his name in the transfer portal. College football is changing, and big-time Group of Five players are getting the attention they deserve via the transfer portal.
McAlister gives a Power Five program a young, big-time playmaker who’s services will be highly coveted. We look at where he might end up.
Eric McAlister Transfer Destinations
Washington Huskies
Kalen DeBoer’s offense continues churning out explosive passing attacks, and McAlister’s looking for an offense that at least shows some life in that department. At 6’4″ and 200 pounds, he’d be a great fit in Washington’s system for a few reasons.
Rome Odunze, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk are DeBoer’s latest and greatest group, but their success means they’ll most likely be gone next year. Odunze for sure, though McMillan and Polk could possibly return. Regardless, someone needs to fill Odunze’s role, and McAlister’s frame gives them the perfect fit.
Florida State Seminoles
Obviously, Florida State would love if Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson both returned in 2024, but that’s unlikely. The dynamic duo both have the NFL in their future, so the Seminoles will need a big receiver to fill their shoes.
Mike Norvell’s no stranger to using the transfer portal to help bolster his team, and Eric McAlister would be a name high on his list. He gives the Noles a big receiver who’s currently averaging 18.6 yards per catch, and he’d add to Norvell’s long list of elite wide receivers that he’s coached in his career.
Penn State Nittany Lions
No one needs a WR1 more than Penn State. It’s been painfully obvious so far this year, and Drew Allar needs help if he’s going to reach his full potential. Penn State’s passing attack has options, but they haven’t found a proven playmaker who can stretch the field vertically.
McAlister’s been that threat for the Boise State Broncos, but he’s looking for a quarterback that can get him the ball more reliably. Allar’s arm talent jumps out on tape, and this combination gives the Nittany Lions a scary duo through the air.
Florida Gators
If you want to know how Eric McAlister would work in Billy Napier’s system, just look at Napier’s days at Louisiana. Specifically 2021 and the work Michael Jefferson did for the Ragin Cajuns.
It might not have been the most potent passing attack, but Jefferson was a nightmare for the Sun Belt that year. Jefferson averaged 26.7 yards per catch that year, and McAlister brings a similar frame and skillset to Napier’s system.
Florida has a good young group of receivers already, led by Trey Wilson and Caleb Douglas, and adding McAlister only adds to that group. They’d fly under the radar in the SEC, but they would also quickly make noise if they can find a way to break out as a unit.
SMU Mustangs
This one comes with the assumption that a Power Five team doesn’t come in to swoop Rhett Lashlee away this offseason. Though, the Mustangs going to the ACC in 2024 lessens the likelihood of that.
SMU’s track record in the portal continues to be impressive, and adding McAlister helps the development of star quarterback Preston Stone. SMU has a number of talented receivers, but they’re still looking for a proven top option. McAlister’s size and explosiveness give them what they need and opens up the offense for everyone else.
Others to consider: Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon, UCLA