In May, the FBS transfer portal reached over 3,800 names for the 2023-2024 cycle — a new record. But with 1,500+ college football players still looking for their next home, who are the top 10 programs should target?
Who Are the Top Remaining Players in the Transfer Portal?
10) Myles Slusher, DB
Injuries have plagued Myles Slusher over the last two seasons, but he has the tools and pedigree that will receive looks in the portal. While he is primarily a slot defender, Slusher has seen time in the box and free safety, adding to his allure.
The former four-star recruit registered 93 total tackles, nine TFLs, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two INTs, and five PBUs during his three-year tenure at Arkansas. Then, in his four games with the Buffaloes last season, he posted 17 tackles (including the game-winning attempt in Week 1 vs. TCU), one sack, and one PBU.
9) Ceyair Wright, CB
After a strong redshirt freshman campaign, Ceyair Wright entered the 2023 season with high expectations. Yet, six games into the year, he was no longer a part of the team, and head coach Lincoln Riley declined to give specifics on the situation.
Assuming Wright’s personal matters are behind him and football is his No. 1 priority, he can be an excellent late-in-the-process snag for a team in need of CB depth.
8) Karmello English, WR
At 5’11” and 190 pounds, Karmello English has the ideal size and movement skills to thrive from the slot. In his true freshman season at Michigan, he caught a four-yard touchdown and won a national championship. Yet, the former four-star recruit entered the portal hoping for more playing time.
Coming out of high school, English held offers from top programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and Florida State, so he should have more than a few suitors on the open market.
7) Nigel Glover, LB
Nigel Glover initially enrolled at Northwestern but transferred to Ohio State before his true freshman season began. He didn’t see a snap for the Buckeyes and was low on the depth chart entering the offseason, sparking his decision to move on.
His frame (6’3″ and 220 pounds) comes equipped with excellent change of direction and athleticism, offering coverage potential. Glover simply needs reps, and hopefully, he’ll find a team willing to give them to him beginning this season.
6) Tony Mitchell, S
Everywhere Tony Mitchell goes, he wins. Thompson High School went 50-5 and won three state titles during his tenure, and Alabama went 12-2 and earned a CFP berth in his true freshman season.
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Mitchell, a former four-star recruit, has the size and movement skills that will draw interest from several top-tier programs.
5) Raymond Cottrell Jr., WR
Former Texas A&M WR Raymond Cottrell Jr. transferred to Kentucky but is now back in the portal. He was reportedly working with the second and third-team offenses with the Wildcats during the spring but has the prototypical frame offensive coordinators love on the outside (6’3″, 210 pounds).
4) Johnny Bowens III, DT
Johnny Bowens didn’t play much for the Ducks last season but was primed for more work with four of Oregon’s top five interior linemen no longer with the program. Yet, the former top-30 DL in the 2023 recruiting class entered the portal in April. He has all the physical gifts to make an impact early on with his next collegiate home.
3) Bryce Foster, OL
Bryce Foster started all 28 games he played in across three seasons for the Aggies, although he missed most of 2022 due to injury. At 6’5″ and 330 pounds, Foster has the size and power to drive defenders off the ball. He’s also athletic enough to mirror and recover as a pass blocker, so landing another starting job shouldn’t be too difficult.
2) Zakhari Franklin, WR
Zakhari Franklin has one more season of eligibility remaining after serving as depth for Ole Miss last year. If you turn back the clock to early in 2023, Franklin was one of the most sought-after pass catchers coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard and 12+ TD campaigns.
Whether as a No. 3 at a power conference or the No. 1 on the Group of Five level, Franklin is still a valuable asset waiting in the wings.
1) Jacoby Mathews, S
Across 21 games (12 starts) at Texas A&M, Jacoby Mathews recorded 67 tackles, one INT, and seven PBUs. Power Four teams will covet his size (6’2″, 215 pounds), length, athleticism, and SEC experience.
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With meaningful reps in the box, in the slot, and at deep safety, Mathews is a plug-and-play defender able to fit a variety of schemes.
Honorable Mentions
- Adam Hopkins, CB, Colorado
- Grant Bingham, OL, Kentucky
- Jalen Berger, RB, Michigan State
- Adam Hopkins, CB, Colorado
- Kemari Munier-Bailey, EDGE, Fresno State
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