College football is changing as realignment and NIL redefines what we know about the sport. Conference USA has not been immune from changes, as Kennesaw State is due to join the conference in 2024.
There are plenty of talented athletes from the CUSA who have entered the portal and drawn interest from Power Five programs. Who are the top 10 transfer portal departures from the CUSA?
Top CUSA Transfer Portal Departures in 2023
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9) Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky
Upton Stout is one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in the transfer portal, and the standout cornerback isn’t short on offers.
He originally started his college career at North Texas before transferring to the Hilltoppers in 2021. Since moving to Western Kentucky, Stout has thrived, putting up 73 tackles, 15 pass breakups, and five interceptions in his two seasons.
Stout has been inundated with offers so far, including from Michigan and USC.
8) Quantavious Leslie, OL, Western Kentucky
Quantavious Leslie is one of the most talented offensive linemen in the CUSA and is going underrated in the transfer portal.
A three-year starter with the Hilltoppers, Leslie has proven to be a consistent and constant player on Western Kentucky’s offensive line and has been a major contributor to their success. Constantly keeping the quarterback clean, expect the interior linemen to have a selection of offers from bigger programs.
7) Tyrin Smith, WR, UTEP
After suffering from an injury in 2023, which meant he only played four games, UTEP wide receiver Tyrin Smith has entered the portal.
However, this isn’t Smith’s first experience in the portal. After the 2022 season, he elected to enter the portal and agreed to transfer to Texas A&M. However, he ended up back at UTEP after only lasting a semester at College Station in the spring of 2023. In 2022, Smith had 71 catches, 1,039 yards, and seven touchdowns.
MORE: CFN’s All-Transfer Portal Team
At just 5’7”, Smith is a crafty receiver and has the credentials to join a superior program. After transferring back to UTEP to stay close to his family, we will see how Smith will fare in this year’s portal.
6) Justin Mayers, OL, UTEP
Justin Mayers entered the transfer portal as a former three-star recruit with one year of eligibility remaining.
After a bounty of offers, Mayers has already decided on his location, choosing to join Colorado for the 2024 season. Head coach Deion Sanders is revamping his offensive line that struggled in 2023 and has even managed to land five-star tackle Jordan Seaton.
After starting 24 games over the last two seasons, Mayers offers plenty of experience, but he also offers excellent blocking ability. Shedeur Sanders will be thankful.
5) Marley Cook, DL, Middle Tennessee
Marley Cook is another CUSA player in the transfer portal who has plenty of attention headed his way.
The 6’2”, 298-pound interior defensive lineman had 22 total tackles and a sack in 2023. Cook’s most productive year came in 2022, however, where he had 6.5 sacks.
Cook shared on X, formally known as Twitter, that he had received an offer from Tennessee, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, Ohio State, and Miami (FL).
4) Cyrus Allen, WR, Louisiana Tech
LA Tech’s standout receiver Cyrus Allen is one of the top names in the transfer portal out of the CUSA.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
With two years of eligibility remaining, Allen has reportedly received multiple offers from Power Five schools. Miami (FL) is expected to be the front-runner for Allen’s signature, however, Baylor, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Indiana are all trying to recruit the receiver.
In 2023, Allen had 46 catches for 778 yards and four touchdowns.
3) Kendy Charles, DL, Liberty
Kendy Charles is leaving Liberty after entering the transfer portal and is expected to land with a big-time program.
Charles struggled in 2023. Decimated by injury, he finished with just 24 tackles and three sacks on the season. However, in 2022, Charles showcased his production, ending the season with 59 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.
After four seasons, Charles leaves the Flames with a career total of 106 tackles, 22.5 for a loss, and 13.5 sacks.
2) Jordan Guerad, DL, FIU
After entering the transfer portal, Jordan Guerad has committed to Minnesota for the 2024 season.
With 38 tackles and two sacks, Guerad earned All-Conference USA Honors in 2023 and he was expected to be actively recruited by many Power Five teams.
It is rumored that he also had offers from South Carolina, Kansas State, and Louisville. It isn’t any surprise that Guerad wasn’t short of offers. He showed against Arkansas that he could step up against a higher level of competition.
1) Kris Mitchell, WR, FIU
One of the top wide receivers available in the transfer portal, Mitchell has committed to Notre Dame for his final season of eligibility.
Mitchell had an unbelievable 2023 season, recording 1,118 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. He is now the FIU record holder for the most receiving yards in a season.
It was anticipated that Mitchell might look at turning pro, but he has decided to transfer to Notre Dame. If the Irish can bring in a top-tier quarterback, then Mitchell can enhance his NFL Draft credentials with another mega year in 2024.