Brent Brennan did an incredible job with the San Jose State Spartans, but it was only a matter of time before he took another job. With Brennan off to Arizona, the Spartans roster is on transfer portal alert. We look at five players who could also head towards the door and enter the portal in the 30-day window.
Five Potential San Jose State Players Entering the Transfer Portal
Nick Nash, WR
Chances are you probably didn’t know Nick Nash’s name before this year, and many probably still don’t. The former quarterback for the Spartans made the transition to wide receiver, and he found his footing quickly this year.
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He even became former Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro’s favorite target, catching 48 passes for 728 yards and eight touchdowns. At 6’3″, he’d bring good size to a future school, and his big play ability gives that team a dangerous vertical threat.
Quali Conley, RB
San Jose State liked running the ball this year, and Quali Conley thrived even as the backup. With Kairee Robinson gone, Conley was set to become the next starter for the rushing attack. Now, he might also be heading elsewhere if the fit is right.
Conley rushed for 842 yards and nine touchdowns this year, averaging 6.4 yards per carry on 131 rushes. He also caught 27 passes for 269 yards, pushing him over the 1,000-yard mark overall. He’s not the biggest back, but he’s proven to be a versatile weapon in an offense.
Tre Smith, DE
Despite some of the struggles the defense endured this year, there were also plenty of bright spots. This group was tough and relentless, and several playmakers stood out in 2023.
Tre Smith stands 6’5″ and 255 pounds, but it’s his play that helped him stand out on the field. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him receive multiple offers if he hit the transfer portal, and he’d be an instant impact player for a lot of Power Five schools. Smith led San Jose State in both tackles for loss (9.5) and sacks (6.5) in the 2023 college football campaign.
Bryun Parham, LB
A natural playmaker, Bryun Parham had a breakout year for the Spartan’s defense, producing 106 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes defended, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and an interception.
While he’s not the biggest player at 5’11” and 212 pounds, he plays the game fast to get to the ball carrier. That speed helps him take down unsuspecting runners and also puts him in great positions to make plays.
Jay’Vion Cole, CB
Another breakout player for the Spartans, Jay’Vion Cole has multiple years of eligibility left. If he decides to stay at San Jose State, then he can become one of the best players at his position in school history. If he leaves, someone’s getting a young and hungry corner.
The secondary lost several key pieces heading into the 2023 season, but the Spartans also had young talent like Cole in waiting. Once he saw the field, he ensured his presence was known. He led the Spartans in both passes defended (10) and interceptions (three) this past year.
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!