The transfer portal has really shaken up college football. Teams are changing fast, and the whole competitive landscape looks different than it did even a year ago.
Now that we’re past the midway point of the 2025 season, it’s a good moment to take stock. Who’s winning the transfer game, and who’s, well, not?
This breakdown digs into some of the most important moves among Power 4 teams—both the big wins and the tough misses. If you want the full deep dive, you can check out the article here.
Winners of the Transfer Portal
Some teams have really nailed it in the portal this year. They’ve patched up holes and, honestly, looked way better on the field because of it.
BYU Cougars
BYU took a hit when quarterback Jake Retzlaff left this summer. But Bear Bachmeier, who came over from Stanford in May, has stepped in and done a solid job.
Four of BYU’s 14 transfers are now full-time starters. That includes:
- Carsen Ryan (Tight End, Utah)
- Andrew Gentry (Right Tackle, Michigan)
- Keanu Tanuvasa (Defensive Lineman, Utah)
Six more transfers are rotating in regularly. Their contributions are a big reason BYU remains undefeated.
Bearcats
Brendan Sorsby’s growth at quarterback has totally changed the Bearcats’ trajectory. Last year they finished 5-7, but now they’re 7-1 and sitting at 17th in the AP poll.
Scott Satterfield worked the portal hard. Eleven of the 20 transfers he brought in have started multiple games. Some names you’ll keep hearing:
- Joe Cotton (Left Tackle, South Dakota)
- Taran Tyo (Right Guard, Ball State)
- Cyrus Allen (Receiver, Louisiana Tech)
- Christian Harrison (Safety, Tennessee)
These guys have shored up both sides of the ball. The team just looks tougher, plain and simple.
Notable Performers
Some transfers have made a real splash, putting up big numbers and making their presence felt right away.
Willie Fritz’s Transfers
Honestly, no Power 4 coach is squeezing more out of his transfer class than Willie Fritz. His group features:
- Conner Weigman (Quarterback, Texas A&M)
- Tanner Koziol (Tight End, Ball State)
- Dean Connors (Running Back, Rice)
- Amare Thomas (Receiver, UAB)
- Eddie Walls III (Defensive End, FIU)
These players don’t just fill gaps—they’re among the best in the Big 12 in several stats. It’s impressive.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt’s 18-man transfer class, ranked 36th by 247Sports, has been all over the place. But three offensive linemen have made a huge difference:
- Jordan White (Center, Liberty)
- Isaia Glass (Tackle, Oklahoma State)
- Bryce Henderson (Tackle, South Dakota)
The Commodores went from dead last in SEC rushing to leading the league in yards per carry. Honestly, who saw that coming?
Losers of the Transfer Portal
Not everyone has found gold in the portal. Some teams just haven’t gotten what they needed, and it shows on the field.
LSU Tigers
LSU’s portal class looked great on paper—eighth in the 247Sports rankings. But the results? Pretty rough.
- Jackson Arnold (Quarterback, Oklahoma) is dead last in SEC passing efficiency.
- The offense has slipped in rushing yards per attempt and explosive plays.
- Only one defensive transfer, linebacker Xavier Atkins, has locked down a starting spot.
All of this played a part in Brian Kelly getting let go as head coach.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State started the season ranked No. 2. Now, they’re the biggest disappointment of the year.
- The three new receivers—Kyron Hudson (USC), Trebor Pena (Syracuse), and Devonte Ross (Troy)—just haven’t delivered.
- The defense never found solid replacements for departed stars.
It’s got people openly questioning whether the staff can spot and develop talent in the portal. Not a great look.
Special Mentions
A few players are already generating serious buzz for the next transfer cycle. Power 4 coaches are watching closely.
Colton Joseph (Old Dominion)
Colton Joseph, a third-year sophomore from California, has thrown for 2,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. He’s also picked up 548 yards and six scores on the ground.
He’s had some turnover problems lately, but he’ll be one of the top portal options this offseason. No doubt about it.
Noah McKinney (Oklahoma State)
Noah McKinney, a fourth-year junior who landed at Oklahoma State in 2023, is in high demand. He’s got visits set at North Carolina, Kentucky, and TCU.
McKinney is a perfect example of why quality offensive linemen are always hot commodities in the portal.
Conclusion
The transfer portal keeps shaking up college football. Teams use it to patch up weak spots or just grab some fresh talent fast.
Some programs seem to have cracked the code, picking up the right players at the right time. Others? They’re still searching for that perfect fit.
It’ll be interesting to see how these transfers play out as the season unfolds. If you’re curious about which teams came out ahead—or fell behind—check out the full article here.
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