Change remains the name of the game in college football, and the Big 12 is experiencing a ton of it. From new teams arriving to the transfer portal, this conference will look significantly different in 2024. Plenty of talent is leaving too, so let’s take a look at the biggest names departing the Big 12 for other schools.
Top Big 12 Transfer Portal Departures in 2023
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10) Bryon Threats, S, Cincinnati
A multi-year starter for the Cincinnati Bearcats entered the transfer portal, and he’ll have options for future schools. Will he reunite with Luke Fickell at Wisconsin? That seems like the obvious fit, but Threats should have plenty of other options.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
He’s not the biggest player at 5’10” and 180 pounds, but he’s not afraid to throw his weight around on defense. He’s willing to get dirty in the trenches, and he’s shown that he can also make plays on the ball deep in coverage.
9) Drake Dabney, TE, Baylor
Baylor kept waiting for the 6’5″ Drake Dabney to break through, and they finally got that in 2023. After three years of limited production, Dabney had a breakthrough season this year with 33 catches for 552 yards and five touchdowns.
His frame is perfect for the Power 5, and his athleticism could make him one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal. He’s still learning his position at the college level, but last year showed that he can take steps to become a nightmare for opposing defenses.
8) Jalin Conyers, TE, Arizona State
If your tight end plays quarterback frequently, that’s a reason to be concerned. Kenny Dillingham inherited a tough situation at Arizona State, and the quarterback position gave him plenty of trouble. Jalin Conyers afforded Dillingham a creative option with varying success, but now the hybrid playmaker is looking to find a home where he can strictly play tight end.
MORE: 2023 CFN All Transfer Portal Team
The former Oklahoma transfer caught 74 passes for 846 yards and six touchdowns in his career with the Sun Devils, and he’ll be a reliable player for his new school. There’s plenty left in his tank to make big plays too, and it will be fun to potentially see him at a school that isn’t struggling.
7) Mikey Matthews, WR, Utah
Utah’s offense is losing a number of key pieces this offseason, and Mikey Matthews is one of them. He didn’t put up gaudy numbers with the Utes, but it’s easy to see the potential in his game.
From his pass-catching abilities to his work as a returner (20.6 yards per kick return), Matthews will be a big-time player in the transfer portal. He’ll be in his second year of college when he transfers, so his new school gets a player with multiple years left in the collegiate ranks.
6) Chamon Metayer, TE, Cincinnati
Some players don’t have the production, but the potential stands out. Chamon Metayer will keep learning the tight end position, and his raw tools give a new school plenty to develop.
He’s an explosive weapon who’s a nightmare to catch in the open field thanks to his speed, and the right school could be getting a future NFL tight end. The former linebacker made the transition to tight end in college, and it’s easy to see the upside in his game. If he can find consistency, watch out.
5) Tyler Shough, QB, Texas Tech
Next stop: Louisville.
Shough came to Texas Tech from Oregon, and there was plenty of excitement surrounding his arrival. His talent stood out on the field, but injuries hampered his career at both schools. An injury ended his 2023 season, and Shough entered the transfer portal shortly after the season.
With Jack Plummer on his way out, Louisville needed a quarterback. They think they found their guy in Shough, and it’s on the strength and conditioning staff to find a way to keep him on the field. When healthy, he’s extremely talented and fun to watch. If the Cardinals get a full season out of him, they could be contenders in the ACC.
4) Treshaun Ward, RB, Kansas State
When Treshaun Ward transferred from Florida State to Kansas State, the move was considered one of the more unique decisions that a player made last cycle. It turned out to be a good fit, though Ward didn’t get as many touches as he might’ve liked.
Now, he’s looking for a place that will feature him more for his final year of college.
3) Deshawn Pace, LB/DB, Cincinnati
Here’s one of the most slept-on players in the transfer portal. Deshawn Pace, at his peak, is one of the best defenders in the country. After spending his early years as a linebacker with Cincinnati, the staff moved him to defensive back.
So far, he’s made a solid transition, but it will be interesting to see where he lands and how that school will utilize him. At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, he has the frame to play both positions, meaning a hybrid role could be in his future. Either way, he’s a big-time playmaker who brings plenty of energy to the defensive side of the ball.
2) Matthew Golden, WR, Houston
Before Dana Holgorsen was fired, he mentioned that Matthew Golden was receiving “six-figure” offers to transfer to the SEC. Golden tweeted that he would be sticking around Houston to build something great, but then Holgorsen was let go. At that point, it felt inevitable that Golden would head out too.
Golden is a dynamic receiver who’s great after the catch. Throw in his abilities as a returner, and there will be plenty of teams in line to get him. The former four-star has yet to hit his ceiling, but he’ll find his way with the right team.
1) Will Howard, QB, Kansas State
Coming into the 2022 season, no one expected big things from Will Howard. Fast forward two years later, and he’s meeting with USC head coach Lincoln Riley as one of the more coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal. A lot can change, and Howard has put in the work to become a better player.
Kansas State saw their signal-caller take huge steps forward in the past couple of seasons, including a career year with 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns this past season. He entered his name in the transfer portal and has a number of teams looking to sign him.