The CFB transfer portal has once again reshaped rosters across the Big 12, as teams scramble to land impact players who can fill key gaps ahead of the 2025 season.
Now that the spring transfer window has closed, who were the biggest pickups for each Big 12 squad? From Malachi Bailey’s pass-rushing presence at Arizona to Kyran Duhon’s defensive strength at Oklahoma State, this list highlights the most important transfers expected to make an immediate impact.
Let’s dive into the rankings and analyze how these newcomers could change the landscape of Big 12 football in the coming season.
Big 12 Team’s Best Transfer Portal Pickup
Malachi Bailey (Alcorn State → Arizona)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 260 lbs
Position: EDGE | Class: Senior
Bailey is an explosive pass rusher with a strong ability to disrupt plays. His presence will be key in Arizona’s defensive front as they look to improve their pass rush.
Former Alcorn State defensive lineman Malachi Bailey has committed to Arizona.
The 6’2, 260-pound Bailey had 118 tackles, 28 sacks, two forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in three seasons as a Brave.
(📸 via @MalachiBailey // Instagram) pic.twitter.com/UuEgwy5mr3
— Chris Brown (@Brownbear1999) January 12, 2025
Adrian Wilson (Washington State → Arizona State)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 206 lbs
Position: Wide Receiver | Class: Junior
Wilson brings Pac-12 experience and reliable hands to ASU’s receiving corps. His speed and route-running ability will add depth to the Sun Devils’ offense.
Kobe Prentice (Alabama → Baylor)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 188 lbs
Position: Wide Receiver | Class: Junior
Prentice is a dynamic playmaker with SEC experience. His ability to stretch the field and create separation makes him a valuable addition to Baylor’s offense.
Andrew Gentry (Michigan → BYU)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 327 lbs
Position: Offensive Tackle | Class: Senior
Gentry can cast a massive presence on the offensive line with strong fundamentals. He is expected to solidify BYU’s pass protection and provide leadership up front.
Joe Cotton (South Dakota → Cincinnati)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315 lbs
Position: Offensive Tackle | Class: Senior
Cotton, an FCS standout, brings a mauler’s mentality to Cincinnati’s offensive line. His versatility and physicality will be crucial for the Bearcats.
Kaidon Salter (Liberty → Colorado)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200 lbs
Position: Quarterback | Class: Junior
Salter is a dual-threat quarterback with major upside. His ability to extend plays and make throws on the run fits well in Colorado’s evolving offense.
Tanner Koziol (Ball State → Houston)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 235 lbs
Position: Tight End | Class: Senior
Koziol is a big-bodied red-zone threat who adds versatility to Houston’s offense. His physicality and catching ability make him a reliable target.
Chase Sowell (East Carolina → Iowa State)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 195 lbs
Position: Wide Receiver | Class: Junior
Sowell is an agile receiver with great hands. His ability to create separation and make contested catches will be valuable for Iowa State’s passing attack.
Boden Groen (Rice → Kansas)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240 lbs
Position: Tight End | Class: Senior
Groen is a physical tight end with solid blocking skills and red-zone potential. His presence will help Kansas maintain offensive balance.
Jayshawn Ross (Alabama → Kansas State)
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220 lbs
Position: EDGE | Class: Junior
Ross is a high-upside pass rusher trained in the SEC. His ability to disrupt plays and pressure quarterbacks will be key for Kansas State’s defense.
Jordan Dwyer (Idaho → TCU)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195 lbs
Position: Wide Receiver | Class: Junior
Dwyer is a sleeper transfer with top-end speed and reliable route running. His ability to stretch the field makes him a valuable deep-threat option.
David Bailey (Stanford → Texas Tech)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250 lbs
Position: Outside Linebacker | Class: Senior
Bailey is a veteran linebacker with high football IQ and tackling ability. He is expected to lead Texas Tech’s defense with his experience and leadership.
Sincere Edwards (Pitt → UCF)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 240 lbs
Position: EDGE | Class: Junior
He is a versatile defender who can rush the passer and stop the run. His ability to set the edge will be crucial for UCF’s defensive success.
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Wayshawn Parker (Washington State → Utah)
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 206 lbs
Position: Running Back | Class: Junior
Wayshawn is a slashing runner with great vision and agility. His ability to find gaps and make explosive plays strengthens Utah’s deep backfield.
Jimmori Robinson (UTSA → West Virginia)
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250 lbs
Position: EDGE | Class: Senior
Robinson is a productive edge presence with a strong motor. His ability to generate pressure and disrupt plays makes him a key addition to West Virginia’s defense.
Kyran Duhon (UTEP → Oklahoma State)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 250 lbs
Position: Defensive Lineman | Class: Junior
Duhon is a twitchy defensive lineman with power and quickness. His ability to shed blockers and create pressure strengthens Oklahoma State’s aggressive front.
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