Colorado Buffaloes
Incoming:
- Phillip Houston OT (Florida Intl)
- Yakiri Walker C (Uconn)
- Kahlil Benson OL (Indiana)
- Tyler Johnson OL (Houston)
- Justin Mayers OL (UTEP)
- Anquin Barnes DL (Alabama)
- Quency Wiggins DE (LSU)
- Taurean Carter (DT) (Arkansas)
- Preston Hodge CB (Liberty)
- Samuel Okunlola DE (Pitt)
- Will Shepard WR (Vanderbilt)
- Cordale Russell WR (TCU)
- Terrell Timmons WR (NC State)
Outgoing:
- Xavier Weaver (Draft)
- Anthony Hankerson(Oregon State)
- Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan (Oregon State)
- Van Wells ( Oregon State)
- Michael Harrison (San Diego State)
- Jack Bailey (Northwestern)
- Kyndrich Breedlove (Purdue)
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders is a big reason the national discussion was on the transfer portal. Last year, Sanders turned over his roster with 47 scholarship players. That included former Jackson State stars, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders. This year saw 25 more players added. The focus of this year was players on the offensive line. That is after Shedeur got sacked 52 times and ended his season with a fractured back.
New additions include:
- Phillip Houston
- Yakiri Walker
- Kahlil Benson
- Tyler Johnson
- Justin Mayers
Buffaloes prioritized adding defensive players, including:
- Anquin Barnes
- Quency Wiggins
- Taurean Carter
- Preston Hodge
- Samuel Okunlola
Wide receiver depth, such as Will Shepard, Cordale Russell, and Terrell Timmons, will also give Hunter a rest on offense. This could be a big year for Sanders, with Hunter and Shedeur expected to head for the draft after next season. Will they look like the team that was the surprise of college football early last season? Or the team that collapsed in the second half?
Baylor Bears
Incoming:
- Dequan Finn QB (Toledo)
- Steve Linton DE (Texas Tech)
- Ashtyn Hawkins WR (Texas State)
- Kendrick Simpkins S (Western Kentucky)
- Omar Aigbedion OL (Montana State)
- Jamaal Bell WR (Nevada)
- Kurt Danneker OL (Ohio)
- Cameren Jenkins S (UNLV)
Outgoing:
- Blake Shapen (Mississippi State)
- Jake Roberts (Oklahoma)
Improvement
The Bears should improve next year. They added the country’s most experienced dual-threat quarterback, Dequan Finn. Finn should be an upgrade over Blake Shapen. Despite having solid numbers, he struggled to get the team over the hump. Outside of Shapen, Baylor lost depth pieces. Also, look out for Ashtyn Hawkins as a wide receiver and Steve Linton as a defensive end. Coming into last season, many expected Linton to break out after transferring from Syracuse. Linton did not have the breakout year as expected. Still, he had his best game against Baylor, finishing with three sacks and two forced fumbles. With head coach Dave Aranda on the hot seat, there are high expectations of improvement for the Bears.
Arizona Wildcats
Incoming:
- Ryan Stewart OT (San Jose State)
- Quali Conley RB (San Jose State)
- Tre Smith DE (San Jose State)
- Jordan Shaw CB (Indiana)
- Marquis Groves-Killebrew CB (Louisville)
- Jack Luttrell S (Tennessee)
- Alexander Doost OL ( Northwestern)
- Kevon Darton DL (Syracuse)
- Chubba Ma’ae DL (UC Davis)
Outgoing:
- Ephesians Prysock (Washington)
- Michael Watkins(Washington)
- Russell Davis II (Washington)
- Isaiah Ward (Washington)
- Jonah Coleman (Washington)
- Audric Harris (Washington)
New Addition
The Arizona Wildcats are one of the Big 12’s new additions after the collapse of the Pac 12. Although they lost former coach Jedd Fisch, the Wildcats retained the star quarterback-wide receiver duo of Noah Fifita and Tetairo McMilan.
Key additions include:
- Offensive lineman Ryan Stewart
- Defensive lineman Tre Smith
- Running back Quali Conley
Each followed new coach Brent Brennan from San Jose State. The Wildcats lost nine former players, including Fisch, to Washington. Despite the losses, I expect the Wildcats to be a contender to win the Big 12 after last year’s 10-win season.
Kansas Jayhawks
Incoming:
- Shane Bumgardner OL (Tiffin)
- Javier Derritt DT (North Dakota State)
- Dylan Wudke DE (Youngstown State)
- Devin Dye S (Utah State)
- Darrell Simmons Jr OL (Iowa State)
- DeShawn Hanika TE (Iowa State)
Outgoing:
- Jason Bean (Draft)
- Mason Fairchild (Draft)
- Kenny Logan (Draft)
- Austin Booker (Draft)
- Rich Miller (Draft)
- Kalon Gervin (Draft)
- Gage Keys (Auburn)
- Ar’maj Reed-Adams (Texas A&M)
- Spencer Lovell (Nevada)
Possibilities
Kansas could win the Big 12. This may seem strange. However, head coach Lance Leipold has yet to do anything but defy expectations in the program. Leipold has included top 25 appearances, wins over top programs, and bowl games. Trust me, it has not gone unnoticed. He forged consideration from other programs to stay in Lawrence. The loss of offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki (Penn State) is enormous. Still, Leipold proves to do more with less. He has been without his star quarterback, Jalon Daniels, for most of his success.
Daniels will be back next season with:
- Star running back Neal Brown
- Top pass catchers
- Lawerence Arnold
- Luke Grimm
- Quentin Skinner.
While the Jayhawks only added a few big names in the transfer portal, Leipold is a great talent evaluator. What can’t Leipold do? Next step: winning the Big 12.
Kansas State Wildcats
Incoming:
- Dante Cephas WR (Penn State)
- Quenton Rice CB (BYU)
- Easton Kilty OT (North Dakota)
- Jordan Riley S (Ball State)
- Travis Bates DE (Austin Peay)
Outgoing:
- Will Howard (Ohio State)
- Ben Sinnott (Draft)
- Treshaun Ward (Boston College)
- Kobe Savage (Oregon)
- Phillip Brooks (Draft)
- RJ Garcia II (Bowling Green)
- Will Lee (Texas A&M)
- Jordan Wright (UConn)
The Question
Despite a solid season last year, Kansas State’s offense has many question marks. Will Howard was the significant loss of the off-season.
Losses among the top four in receiving yards are Pass catchers:
- Ben Sinnott
- Phillip Brooks
- Treshaun Ward
Not to mention the loss of ascending offensive coordinator Colin Klein, who went to Texas A&M this offseason. Savage also serves as a big loss on the defense. While these are significant losses, head coach Chris Klieman has been one of the best coaches in the Big 12. Next year, Avery Johnson’s show will be at quarterback. That is after he showed flashes of splitting reps with Howard. On offense, Dante Cephas hopes to bounce back after a down year with Penn State.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
Incoming:
- Da’Wain Lofton WR (Virginia Tech)
- Tyler Foster TE (Ohio)
- Kobe Hylton S (UTEP)
- AJ Green RB (Arkansas)
- Isaia Glass OT (Arizona State)
Outgoing:
- DJ McKinney (Colorado)
- Ricky Lolohea (Utah State)
- Lardarius Webb Jr. (South Alabama)
- Blaine Green (SFA)
- Jaden Bray (West Virginia)
- Gunnar Gundy (Ohio)
Newcomer
Oklahoma State is now in the SEC. They look to follow up last year’s conference title berth into a playoff spot with Texas. With them, they bring back star running back Ollie Gordon and quarterback Alan Bowman. Critical additions on offense include pass catchers Da’Wain Lofton and Tyler Foster. Despite the small portal class, the Cowboys are in the mix for contention.
Arizona State Sun Devils
Incoming:
- Raleek Brown RB (USC)
- Laterrance Welch CB (LSU)
- Markeston Douglas TE (Florida State)
- Jalen Klemm OL (Washington)
- Cole Martin CB (Oregon)
- Roman Pitre DE (Purdue)
- Myles Rowser S (New Mexico State)
- Jeffery Clark DL (Louisville)
- Jacob Kongaika DL (Arizona)
- Josh Atkins OT (Hawaii)
Outgoing:
- Drew Pyne (Missouri)
- Jordan Clarke (Notre Dame)
- Isaia Glass (Oklahoma State)
- BJ Green (Colorado)
- Isaiah Johnson (Marshall)
- James Djonkam (Eastern Michigan)
- Ashley Williams Jr. (Louisiana)
Seeing Improvement
In the second year of head coach Kenny Dillingham, the Sun Devils should be much improved. If Raleek Brown can bounce back from an injury-plagued second, he is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. With Drew Pyne off to Missouri, Jalen Rashada should get the first shot at quarterback. While Arizona is still a few years from contending, they are headed in the right direction.
Houston Cougars
Incoming:
- Zeon Chriss QB (Louisiana)
- Mehki Mews WR (Georgia)
- Corey Platt Jr. LB (Tulane)
- Kentrell Webb S (Tulane)
- Keith Cooper DL (Tulane)
- Jeremiah Wilson CB (Syracuse)
- Kendre Gant LB (Louisiana)
- Maliq Carr TE (Michigan State)
- Quindario Lee DL (Central Michigan)
- Hershey McLaurin S (West Virginia)
Outgoing:
- Patrick Paul (Houston)
- Matthew Golden (Texas)
- Tyler Johnson (Colorado)
- Jamaree Caldwell (Oregon)
- Chidozie Nwankwo (Colorado)
A Strong Start
The Cougars are off to a strong start in the transfer portal thus far in the Willie Fritz era. Zeon Chriss was one of the most sought-after quarterbacks on the portal. This is due to his dual-threat rushing ability.
Following their head coach to Houston:
- Corey Platt Jr. (Tulane)
- Kentrell Webb (Tulane)
- Keith Cooper
While they suffered critical losses at offensive line and receiver, the Cougars could be a dark horse for the Big 12.
Iowa State Cyclones
Incoming:
- Jaylon Jackson RB (Eastern Michigan)
- Dylan Barrett OL (Wisconsin)
- Isaiah Alston WR (Army)
- Kenard Snyder DE (ULM)
- Jalen Travis OT (Princeton)
Outgoing:
- TJ Tampa (Draft)
On offense, Jackson provides a spark as a running back and a return specialist. Dylan Barrertt and Jalen Travis add to their o-line. Isaiah Alston comes in as a receiver. Kennard Syner looks to be a good add-on defense, with 60 tackles and 5.5 sacks last season. We will see if these additions help a Cyclones team that struggled last season.
Cincinnati Bearcats
Incoming:
- Brendan Sorsby QB (Indiana)
- Chance Williams RB (Georgia)
- Darian Varner DL (Wisconsin)
- Jared Bartlett DE (West Virginia)
- Derrick Canteen CB (Virginia Tech)
- Joe Royer TE (Ohio State)
- Evan Pryor RB (Ohio State)
- Kye Stokes S (Ohio State)
- Mikah Coleman DL (Eastern Michigan)
- Josh Minkins S (Louisville)
- Kameron Wilson LB (Louisville)
Outgoing:
- Jawan Briggs (Draft)
- Emory Jones (Draft)
- Taj Ward ( Draft)
- Dee Wiggins (Draft)
- Ryan Montgomery (Draft)
- Malik Vann ( Draft)
- Daniel Grzesiak ( Draft)
- Trevor Radosevich ( Draft)
The Question
The biggest question for the Bearcats will be at quarterback. They added former Indiana quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who looks to replace Emory Jones as the starter. Cincinnati prioritized adding players from local power four schools, including Ohio State, Louisville, and Wisconsin. Look for Cincinnati to improve in their second year under Scott Satterfield.
BYU Cougars
Incoming:
- Gerry Bohanon QB (USF)
- Marque Collins CB (Weber State)
- Darrien “Bleu” Stewart S (Utah)
- Jack Kelly DE (Weber State)
- Treyson Bourguet QB (Western Michigan)
Outgoing:
- Kedon Slovis (Draft)
- Kingsley Suamataia (Draft)
- Issac Rex (Draft), Aiden Robbin
- Eddie Heckard (Draft)
- Ryan Rehkow (Draft)
- Quenton Rice (Kansas State)
- Michael Daley (Rice)
- John Henry Daley (Utah)
- Dylan Rollins (Montana State)
- Sol-Jay Maiava (New Mexico)
Solid Players
BYU’s religious restrictions on the players it can take make it difficult. Still, BYU added solid players via the portal. Gerry Bohanon and Treyson Bourgue will compete as quarterbacks to replace Kedon Slovis. The Cougars added Marque Collins, Darrian Stewart, and Jack Kelly on defense.
TCU Horned Frogs
Incoming:
- Andre Seldon CB (New Mexico)
- Bless Harris OT (Florida State)
- JaTravis Broughton CB (Utah)
- Devean Deal DE (Tulane)
- Cameron Smith S (Memphis)
- Richard Toney S (Nevada)
- Braylon James WR (Notre Dame)
- Remington Strickland OL (Texas A&M)
- Ken Seals QB (Vanderbilt)
- NaNa Osafo-Mensah DL (Notre Dame)
- Eric McAlister WR (Boise State)
Outgoing:
- Chandler Morris (North Texas)
- Mason White (Oregon State)
- Cordale Russell (TCU)
- Jai’Onte’ McMillan (Minnesota)
- DJ Allen (UTSA)
- Javeon Wilcox (Texas Tech)
Interesting Portal Additions
The most exciting portal additions for TCU are:
- Andre Seldon and JaTravis Broughton on defense
- Bless Harris and Ken Seals on offense
Seals will compete with Josh Hoover as quarterback. Will TCU bounce back after a considerable regression last season?
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Incoming:
- Cam Brown QB (West Georgia)
- Josh Kelly WR (NC State)
- Javeon Wilcox S (TCU)
- Caleb Douglas WR (Florida)
- Vinny Sciury OL (Toledo)
- Davion Carter OL (Memphis)
- James Hansen DL (Nevada)
- Sterling Porcher OL (Middle Tennessee)
Outcoming:
- Tyler Shough (Louisville)
- Steve Linton (Baylor)
- Monroe Mills (Louisville)
- Jerand Bradley( Boston College)
- Matt Keeler ( Northwestern)
- JJ Sparkman (UTSA)
- Jesiah Pierre (UCF)
- Blake Burris (SMU)
Trending Direction
Joey Maguire’s team is trending in the right direction as he heads into his third season as head coach. The Red Raiders started the offseason by holding onto their highest-ranked recruit, WR Micah Hudson, who signed with Texas Tech. The Red Raiders added Josh Kelly to complement Hudson as one of the top weapons. Cam Moore is another key addition at quarterback. That is after the loss of Tyler Shough and the injury concerns of Behren Morton.
Utah Utes
Incoming:
- Dorian Singer WR (USC)
- Alaka’i Gilman S (Stanford)
- Cameron Calhoun CB (Michigan)
- Taeshaun Lyons WR (Washington)
- Carsen Ryan TE (UCLA)
- John Henry Daley DE (BYU)
Outgoing:
- Cole Bishop (Draft)
- Sione Vaki (Draft)
- Keaton Bills (Draft)
- Emery Simmons (Draft)
- Thomas Yassmin (Draft)
- Ja’Quinden Jackson (Arkansas)
- Mikey Matthews( Cal)
- JaTravis Broughton (TCU)
- Bryson Barnes (Utah State)
- Nate Johnson (Vanderbilt)
- Justin Medlock (SMU)
- Jadon Pearson (Utah State)
- Jocelyn Malaska (Oklahoma)
- Owen Chambliss (San Diego State)
- Darrien Stewart (BYU)
Newcomer
Utah is another newcomer to the Big 12 after years of being amongst the top teams in the Pac 12. Despite recent success, Utah has lost many of its top players. That is both through the draft and transfer portal. Last season saw losses and inconsistency with their quarterback. But there is hope that the return of quarterback Cameron Rising adds wins. It also helps that they have one of the longest-tenured head coaches, Kyle Whittingham.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Incoming:
- TJ Crandall CB (Colorado State)
- Reid Carrico LB (Ohio State)
- Jaden Bray WR (Oklahoma State)
- T.J. Jackson DL (Troy)
- Jaheem Joseph CB ( Northwestern)
- Garnett Hollis CB Jr. (Northwestern)
Outgoing:
- Zach Frazier (Draft)
- Beanie Bishop (Draft)
- Devin Carter (Draft)
- Noah Massey (Draft)
- Marcis Floyd (Draft)
- Malachi Ruffin (Draft)
- Doug Nester (Draft)
- Davoan Hawkins (Draft)
- James Heard (Syracuse)
- Hershey McLaurin (Houston)
- Lance Dixon (Toledo)
- Mike Lockhart (SMU)
- Jared Bartlett (Cincinnati)
- DJ Cotton Jr. (JMU)
- Cortez Braham Jr. (Nevada)
- Ja’Shaun Poke (San Diego State)
- Andrew Wilson-Lamp (ECU)
The Additions
The Mountaineers have added Jaden Bray from Oklahoma State, which lets them upgrade their deep threat options. Look for Reid Carrico to come in and shine at LB; he had a big high school career in Ohio. The key losses of Mike Lockhart and Jared Bartlett on the DL will be tough, as they had seven sacks combined last season.
UCF Knights
Incoming:
- Goldie Lawrence WR (Florida State)
- Ladarius Tennison S (Ole Miss)
- Deshawn Pace S (Cincinnati)
- Ethan Barr LB (Vanderbilt)
- Wes Dorsey OT (Western Kentucky)
Outgoing:
- John Rhys Plumlee (Draft)
- Javon Baker (Draft)
- Tylan Grable (Draft)
- Corey Thornton (Louisville)
- Jordan McDonald (Boston College)
Replacements
UCF’s offense will look a whole lot different next year. The Knights have to figure out how to replace:
- John Rhys Plumlee at quarterback
- Javon Baker at receiver
Tylan Grable played a considerable part in blocking for the fourth-ranked rushing attack. If anyone can figure out how to replace them, it’s head coach Gus Malzahn. He acquired Plumlee, Baker, and Grable through the portal.
What to Watch
Colorado, Houston, Baylor, and TCU added the most depth from transfer portal classes. We will see if other schools get significant key position upgrades this upcoming season.
Author: Tarohn Finley
