The transfer portal is open and transfer season is in full swing. The Pac-12 is already in flux, with a host of schools departing for the Big 10 and Big 12, but there are several high-profile players leaving their schools as well.
College Football Network has the Top 10 Transfer Portal Departures from the Pac-12, a quarterback-heavy list full of talent.
Top Transfer Portal Departures from the Pac-12
Notable, these are players that have left the Pac-12 as the Pac-12 was. No longer the Pac-12, we’ve included players leaving programs that will be joining the Big Ten, ACC, or Big 12 next season for the intent of showcasing the kind of talent this conference had in 2023.
10) Jack Velling, TE, Oregon State
Another Oregon State transfer on this list, Velling is one of the top available tight ends in the portal. Just a sophomore this year, Velling caught eight touchdowns, including six in a 3-game span during conference play.
Velling has 45 catches for 715 yards in his first two seasons and is versatile enough to start on the line or in the slot.
9) Raleek Brown, RB/WR, USC
Brown was a highly-recruited receiver out of high school and signed with the Trojans over a host of other schools. As a freshman in 2022, he looked the part, catching 16 of 18 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns while playing primarily as a running back. In 2023, though, he was passed on the depth chart and logged just 24 snaps across two games.
He’ll visit Arizona State and perhaps a few more schools. It’s unknown if he’ll play running back or receiver at his next stop, but either way, his next school is getting a talented athlete.
8) Josh Kelly, WR, Washington State
Ward’s top target this season, Kelly, had 63 catches and nearly 1000 yards. Now, he enters the transfer portal as a highly experienced, highly-coveted wideout.
He visited Notre Dame and Texas Tech and has a visit on the books with Utah as well. At this time, he seems to be trending towards the Red Raiders.
7) Mikey Matthews, WR, Utah
Mikey Matthews was a highly-recruited receiver out of southern California just one year ago. He played in every game last season, catching 29 passes for the Utes and now he enters the portal as one of the top receivers.
All signs point to Matthews signing with Arizona and Jedd Fisch, which would be a huge pickup for the Wildcats.
6) DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Oregon State
A former 5-star recruit, DJ Uiagalelei has drawn the short straw a few times in his career. After losing his starting job to Cade Klubnik at Clemson—who never really outperformed him—Uiagalelei resurrected his career with the Beavers. With the collapse of the Pac-12, however, Uiagalelei finds himself once again in the portal.
Uiagalelei is likely to return east and has a visit on the books with Florida State. Mississippi State, Louisville, and others have also reached out.
5) Akili Arnold, S, Oregon State
Akili Arnold has been with Oregon State since 2019, but with a COVID year, still has eligibility left. He’s racked up 116 tackles and three picks in his time with the Beavers. Now, he’ll enter the portal, looking for a fresh start.
Arnold is from Southern California, and there’s a possibility USC or UCLA could pursue him.
4) Kamari Ramsey, S, UCLA
The best defender on one of the conference’s top defenses hit the portal on December 9. He has three years of eligibility remaining and had a fantastic first full season. He was one of the top tacklers in the country among secondary players and allowed an NFL passer rating of just 46.1 when targeted.
3) Aidan Chiles, QB, Oregon State
Aidan Chiles is the highest-rated quarterback recruit in Oregon State’s history, but when Jonathan Smith left for Michigan State, Chiles entered the portal. He played in nearly every game this season, despite not being the starter for the Beavers and played well in limited action.
Chiles is likely to end up with Smith at Michigan State, but that doesn’t mean that other teams haven’t made attempts to land the former four-star.
2) Dante Moore, QB, UCLA
Dante Moore is the highest-rated quarterback that Chip Kelly has landed in his tenure at UCLA. However, amidst the rumors of Kelly’s potential job insecurity, Moore threw his name into the transfer portal and remains one of the top quarterback options.
Moore was originally thought to be a lock at Michigan. While he may still end up there, it’s much more likely he ends up playing somewhere else next season. He has a visit set to Miami and Michigan State has thrown its hat in the ring.
1) Cam Ward, QB, Washington State
Cam Ward transferred into Washington State two years ago from FCS Incarnate Word and found immediate success with the Cougars. Ward is one of the most physically talented quarterbacks in the country and improved his decision-making.
Florida State had some buzz here, while Miami is the trendy pick for the fifth-year senior. There’s an outside chance that Ward forgoes his final year of eligibility and declares for the NFL Draft.
Miss any action from the top college QB Rankings during the 2023 football season? Want to track all the movement with the college football’s transfer portal? College Football Network has you covered with that and more!