As the transfer portal becomes an integral part of college football roster construction, we take a look at the top transfer portal rankings at the prospect level in the ACC ahead of the 2023 college football campaign.
Top Transfer Portal Additions in the ACC
1) Ali Jennings III, WR, Virginia Tech
What better way to bolster one of the worst passing offenses in the ACC last fall than by snagging the nation’s leading returning receiver from the transfer portal? Ali Jennings III tallied 106.6 yards per game for Old Dominion in 2022 while averaging 17.76 yards per catch. Jennings is a big, physical, downfield target with reliable hands and the juice to create after the catch.
2) Fentrell Cypress II, CB, FSU
FSU has become an attractive destination for players in the transfer portal, and they’ve tooled up for a run at the ACC title over the spring.
MORE: ACC Season Predictions
Fentrell Cypress II is arguably their biggest difference-maker after arriving from conference compatriot Virginia. He’s a dangerous CB with a combination of size, length, athleticism, and ball-hawking tendencies on the perimeter.
3) Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
Boasting one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Drake Maye, North Carolina dipped into the transfer portal to bring in a pass-catching threat for the 2022 ACC Player of the Year. Devontez Walker made a name for himself at Kent State, using his big-bodied frame and deceptive speed to be a menace for defenses. Look for him to consistently take the top off defenses.
4) Braden Fiske, DL, FSU
Back in Tallahassee, FSU bolstered their defensive front by reeling in versatile Western Michigan defensive lineman Braden Fiske. The 6’5″, 300-pound game-wrecker is coming off the most productive season of his career, registering 12.0 tackles for loss, six sacks, and three forced fumbles. Fiske is an explosive pass rusher while boasting impressive power at the point of attack.
5) Storm Duck, CB, Louisville
Storm Duck has had an eventful journey back to the ACC, transferring from UNC to Penn State before opting to re-enter the transfer portal and landing in Louisville. With 18 pass breakups and five interceptions, Duck has been an impactful coverage defender in the conference while using his 6’0″, 200-pound frame to be a reliable enforcer as a tackler in run support.
6) Brennan Armstrong, QB, NC State
Forget last season, former Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong is just one season removed from a 4,449-yard, 31-touchdown passing campaign where he also added nine rushing scores.
MORE: ACC RB Rankings
The ginger gunslinger takes over from Devin Leary at NC State with the potential to rejuvenate his career. A threat on the ground, he’s been Armstrong by name and nature during his college career.
7) Javion Cohen, G, Miami (FL)
The Miami Hurricanes have been one of the most active ACC teams in the transfer portal, bolstering both sides of the ball. However, Alabama guard Javion Cohen has the most impact potential. A 6’4″, 305-pound athletic roadblock in the run game, he’s also an impressive pass protector. Additionally, Cohen brings versatility to Miami with experience playing at tackle.
8) Kevin Coleman, WR, Louisville
Louisville had success plucking an FCS pass catcher out of the transfer portal a year ago, and they lure another big-time talent to the ACC this time around. Former Jackson State wide receiver Kevin Coleman was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class. His combination of speed, route-running, awareness, and body control makes him a dangerous threat anywhere on the field.
9) Kyle Hergel, G, Boston College
Alongside the return of Matt Applebaum as offensive line coach, the addition of Kyle Hergel from the portal is one of the most important factors in rebuilding the Boston College o-line after a dismal year. Hergel plays bigger than his size, conjuring up violence and nastiness from his 6’2″, 300-pound frame. Power, athleticism, and high football IQ are the hallmarks of his game.
10) Donovan McMillon, S, Pitt
A former four-star recruit for the Florida Gators, Donovan McMillon was a standout on special teams in the SEC before entering the transfer portal and joining the ACC with the Pittsburgh Panthers.
MORE: ACC QB Rankings 2023
McMillon gives Pat Narduzzi’s team an impactful downhill playmaker who hits with ferocity but also possesses the athleticism and length to be coverage savvy.
Honorable Mention for Top ACC Transfer Portal Additions
- Jaheim Bell, TE, FSU
- Ryan O’Keefe, WR, Boston College
- Brayden Narveson, K, NC State
- Alijah Huzzie, CB, North Carolina
- Abdul Janneh, WR, Georgia Tech
- Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
- Kobe Pace, RB, Virginia
- Davonte Brown, CB, Miami (FL)
- Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina
- Myles Jones, CB, Duke
