The college football transfer portal has revolutionized the sport, allowing teams to rebuild or retool rosters at the most critical positions. Ahead of spring practices, we take a look at some of the top linebacker transfers that could make an instant impact on their new teams in the 2023 season.
Linebacker Transfers To Have the Most Impact in 2023
Omar Speights, LSU
Oregon State had a top-25 defense in yards and points allowed last season. Part of the reason for that success was the play of Omar Speights.
The now fifth-year linebacker has been a force in all phases for the Beavers, tallying 304 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three interceptions during his four years in Corvallis.
Speights brings to the LSU Tigers sideline-to-sideline speed, an explosive first step and short-area burst, fluid coverage capability, and a high football IQ as one of the top linebacker transfers in this cycle.
Pairing him with one of the top defensive playmakers in the nation — Harold Perkins Jr. — should allow Speights to thrive in Baton Rouge.
David Ugwoegbu, Houston
After the most statistically successful season of his Oklahoma career, David Ugwoegbu became one of the top LB transfers when he entered the portal following the 2022 college football season. Ugwoegbu tallied 109 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks for the Sooners last fall, emerging as a leader of the defense.
MORE: College Football Transfer Portal Tracker
The talented linebacker remains in the Big 12 following his transfer to the new kids on the conference block, Houston. The 6’4″, 248-pound bully should make an immediate impact for the Cougars’ defense that takes pride in their “Sack Avenue” nickname. Ugwoegbu brings leadership and a strong presence against the run game to Dana Holgorsen’s team.
Keenan Pili, Tennessee
After suffering an injury setback in 2021, Keenan Pili returned to BYU last season and showcased why he should be viewed as one of the top LB transfers following his flip to Tennessee. Now in his fifth year, Pili has been a leader — both as a captain and statistically — in his four years in Provo and has the potential to continue the role for the Vols.
Pili is in line to replace the defensive production lost from Jeremy Banks’ departure to the NFL draft. While it’s not an apples-for-apples replacement, the former BYU linebacker has the size (6’3″, 233 pounds), speed, and play recognition to help contribute at a high level in all phases of Tennessee’s defense.
Amari Gainer, North Carolina
With Drake Maye’s emergence as a genuine Heisman Trophy candidate, there will be plenty of focus on North Carolina as a true contender in the ACC. The Tar Heels’ potential for success very much depends on how the defense performs. Landing one of the top linebacker transfers in former FSU standout Amari Gainer is a good way to help elevate that unit this fall.
The 6’3″, 225-pound LB brings a uniquely versatile piece to the Tar Heels’ defense. Gainer has played multiple spots in multiple systems while at FSU and is as comfortable playing inside linebacker as he is wreaking havoc off the edge. A quick processor with excellent play speed and a high motor can impact the game in space and behind the line of scrimmage.
Jestin Jacobs, Oregon
Noah Sewell has headed to the NFL. If Justin Flowe can stay healthy, meanwhile, he has the potential to be one of the top LB transfers following his move to Arizona this offseason.
There’s a significant departure of talent from Eugene, but it isn’t just a one-way street. In Jestin Jacobs, Oregon landed one of the low-key most important players in the portal at his position.
MORE: Top FCS Players in the 2023 College Football Transfer Portal
There’s been a lot of focus on what Jack Campbell has done at Iowa. However, injury deprived Jacobs of what was expected to be a breakout season for the Hawkeyes. The new Oregon linebacker is a size, length, and athleticism triple-threat who is impactful in coverage as he is being a disruptor in the backfield.
Justin Jefferson, Alabama
No, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver hasn’t discovered some remaining eligibility to return to school. There’s a new Justin Jefferson on the college football scene, and he’s about to make an immediate impact for Alabama in 2023.
The former JUCO standout is not just one of the top linebacker transfers, but Jefferson was one of the best JUCO talents available. During two years at Pearl River Community College, Jefferson racked up 139 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
He has the athletic profile to be a versatile presence on the Tide’s defense, able to make plays off the edge or get down and dirty in the box. With several NFL departures, Jefferson projects as the starting weakside linebacker for Alabama in 2023.
BJ Davis, East Carolina
You shouldn’t judge a player’s potential simply off statistics. However, it’s worth taking a second to marvel in the reflective glow of an outstanding 2022 campaign from former South Carolina State linebacker BJ Davis.
Ninety-four tackles. Eight tackles for loss. One forced fumble. Five interceptions. Seven pass breakups. It’s a laundry list of impact-making contributions. Now, Davis is taking his talents to East Carolina as one of the top linebacker transfers.
At 6’2″, 190 pounds, he has a somewhat unique build for the position. However, that gives him the athleticism and versatility to be a Swiss Army Knife for the Pirates’ defense. The HBCU product is a smart football player with play-recognition skills in the passing and run games.
Justin Wright, Oklahoma State
The transfer portal giveth and it taketh away for the Oklahoma State Cowboys ahead of the 2023 CFB season. One of their most productive playmakers, Mason Cobb, is headed to USC, and there are several other Cowboys riding out of Stillwater.
Nevertheless, in landing Tulsa standout Justin Wright, Oklahoma State lands one of the top linebacker transfers as a replacement for Cobb.
Wright topped 100 tackles for the first time in his career last fall. He also contributed double-digit tackles for loss to the Golden Hurricane defense.
The new Cowboys linebacker possesses quickness and fluidity in his sturdy 6’2″, 234-pound frame while boasting impressive football IQ to read the game at a high-level and repeatedly makes big plays.
Antonio Grier, Arkansas
The Arkansas Razorbacks have quietly had an exceptional transfer portal window, landing some of the top transfers at wide receiver and on the defensive line. Sam Pittman’s team also landed one of the top LB transfers in former USF playmaker Antonio Grier.
Injury impacted his 2022 campaign, but Grier has been a certified game wrecker while with the Bulls. During his career, he’s amassed 234 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two interceptions — including one returned for a score, — and five forced fumbles.
MORE: Bowling Green WR Tyrone Broden Transfers to Arkansas
Coverage fluidity, solid hands, and impressive instincts make him a force against the passing game. Meanwhile, Grier has the speed, ferocity, and tackling form to be a danger coming downhill.
Ryan Selig, Minnesota
Minnesota has been home to a succession of LB impacters, including the now-departed Mariano Sori-Marin, who led the team with 88 tackles last fall. Following two impressive seasons at the heart of the Western Michigan defense, former tight end Ryan Selig projects to be the next man up for the Gophers.
Since transitioning to the role, Selig has been getting steadily better, resulting in a career-high 72 tackles last season. His understanding of the passing game as a former tight end helps bolster his coverage capability. The new Minnesota LB also showcases an ability to fight through traffic to locate the ball carrier, as well as having the speed to play off the edge.
