New Teams. New TV Deal. Conference USA has got a whole new feel for the 2023 college football season. As the transfer portal revolutionizes the game, the conference has got a whole new influx of players too. Who are the top transfer portal players heading to Conference USA this fall?
Top Transfer Portal Additions in Conference USA
1) Hank Bachmeier, QB, Louisiana Tech
Toughness. A strong arm. Good field vision. Ability to throw on the run.
When Hank Bachmeier has been able to stay on the field, he’s routinely showcased that he belongs at the highest level of college football.
MORE: Conference USA QB Rankings 2023
However, he often required that toughness too much during his Boise State career, with injury impacting his development and opportunity to showcase the true depth of his talent. His transfer to Louisiana Tech gives the Bulldogs a quarterback capable of weaponizing some talented receivers.
2) A.J. Odums, CB, UTEP
UTEP had the fewest interceptions in Conference USA play last fall but added a playmaker in the transfer portal who can help change that in the 2023 college football season. A.J. Odums was a force in all phases for New Mexico in 2022, registering 48 tackles, one interception, and four pass breakups. He’s a slender, long CB with good instincts and ferocity as a tackler.
3) Myles Heard, S, Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech added so many playmakers from the transfer portal that this list could have been made up almost entirely of Bulldogs. Joining Bachmeier in the top 10 of our transfer portal rankings, however, is safety Myles Heard.
The 5’10”, 195-pound former Stephen F. Austin defensive back was a multiple FCS All-American for the Lumberjacks. He routinely separates man from ball, takes correct angles in run support, and has the instincts, athleticism, and ball skills to disrupt the passing game with regularity..
4) Chike Nwankwo, OLB, Liberty
Another FCS to FBS convert making the top 10 of our Conference USA portal rankings, Chike Nwankwo makes the switch from Abilene Christian to Liberty for the 2023 college football season.
The 6’2″, 230-pound outside linebacker started his college career with Rutgers and had the opportunity to return to the Power Five level with offers from Louisville and Washington State. He’s explosive off the snap and relentless in pursuit, giving the Flames a dangerous presence on the front seven.
5) Jimmy Holliday, WR, Western Kentucky
A former three-star recruit at Tennessee, wide receiver Jimmy Holliday spent more time returning kicks than catching passes for the Vols. However, his transfer to Conference USA play in Western Kentucky’s high-volume passing attack should unlock his true talent. Holliday has the speed to stretch the field and be dangerous after the catch, while boasting decent route-running.
6) Jaiden Credle, RB, Middle Tennessee
MTSU boasts one of the top running backs in Conference USA, but they bolster their RB room even further with the addition of Northern Illinois’ Jaiden Credle.
The 6’1″, 193-pound true sophomore had a breakout game against Western Michigan last fall, showcasing his footwork, vision, strength, and speed on his way to 136 yards and a first career touchdown.
MORE: C-USA RB Rankings 2023
7) Keonte Glinton, CB, New Mexico State
As they transition from independence into Conference USA, New Mexico State added an impact maker in the secondary in the form of Wyoming cornerback Keonte Glinton. The 5’11” cornerback is a menace for wide receivers with his speed, stickiness, physicality, and short-area quickness that allows him to weaponize his football intelligence as a route-jumper.
8) Brandon Buckner, EDGE, Middle Tennessee
The Blue Raiders added multiple Power Five players to their roster in the transfer portal, led by former Oregon four-star Brandon Buckner. Although he didn’t see time in 2022, the former Ducks’ defensive end logged a forced fumble and a tackle for loss as a true freshman in 2021.
He’s an explosive, powerful force off the edge who could cause havoc in Conference USA.
9) Avery Huff, LB, FIU
A four-star recruit in the 2019 cycle, it never really came together for Avery Huff at Miami. However, that doesn’t mean the 6’3″, 205-pound linebacker can’t make an impact in Conference USA play for FIU.
With his speed and burst, Huff can be an explosive presence coming downhill, while also being impactful against the passing game in coverage.
10) Jordan White, OL, Liberty
The Liberty offensive line has seen its share of struggles in recent seasons, and new head coach Jamey Chadwell is hoping to remedy that in the transfer portal. Former WVU o-lineman Jordan White is likely to be the most impactful, projecting as the Flames’ starting center for the upcoming campaign.
He’s a versatile option with Power Five experience at RT, G, and C.
Honorable Mention for Top Conference USA Transfer Portal Additions
- Malik Jackson, RB, Jacksonville State
- Jack Tucker, OT, Liberty
- Xavior Gray, OT, Liberty
- Roderick Roberson, S, Louisiana Tech
- Craig Williams, RB, Louisiana Tech
- Eli Stowers, QB, New Mexico State
- Tyler Devera, TE, New Mexico State
- Rhett Larson, OT, Sam Houston
- Dre Spriggs, WR, UTEP
- Ze’Vion Capers, WR, Western Kentucky
- Nonte Davis, DL, Western Kentucky
