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Top players in the college football transfer portal: We’re tracking where they land

College football conference championships are wrapped. The College Football Playoff field is set. The final US LBM Coaches Poll of the regular season is out. We know the complete bowl schedule. Now, the college football transfer portal opens, with eyes on some of the top players who might enter and where they may go.

USA TODAY Sports will track the moves of all college football’s top players as they make decisions on where they will play next season. (Need a refresher on how the transfer portal works? We got you covered here.) Follow along.

When does the transfer portal open for football?

In the Football Bowl Subdivision, a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal begins Dec. 4. There is also a spring window from April 15-30. It's worth noting that these windows restrict when an athlete's name can be entered into the portal, not when they actually transfer to a different school.

When does the transfer portal close? 

The transfer portal window closes on Jan. 2, 2024, though players who took part in the College Football Playoff or a New Year's Six bowl game received an extension.

Will Rogers withdraws from portal, staying at Washington

Former Mississippi State football quarterback Will Rogers will withdraw from the transfer portal and remain at Washington.

After originally transferring to Washington, Rogers entered the portal after Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer was preparing to replace the retiring Nick Saban at Alabama.

However, ESPN reported on Tuesday that Rogers informed new Washington coach Jedd Fisch of his decision to remain with the Huskies. — David Eckert, Knoxville News Sentinel

Another Alabama player hits the portal

Alabama quarterback Julian Sayin intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal. Sayin, a freshman, was the top-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2024.

According to reports, Sayin came to Alabama to play for Nick Saban, who retired after the season. A total of nine players have entered the transfer portal since Kalen DeBoer was hired from Washington to replace Saban. ESPN

Pair of Alabama standouts entering transfer portal

Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor plans to enter the transfer portal after starting as a freshman and All-America safety Caleb Downs is joining him, according to multiple reports.

Proctor announced his intentions Wednesday on social media. Downs’ plans to enter the portal were announced on social media by Deuce Recruiting, where his father Gary, a former NFL running back, is national recruiting director. Gary Downs did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press.

If Downs and Proctor decide not to return to the Crimson Tide, it would be the biggest blows yet for new coach Kalen DeBoer. — Associated Press

Diego Pavia transfer portal: Conference USA Player of the Year heading to Vanderbilt

New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia has committed to Vanderbilt football, he announced on social media.

Pavia, the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, joins the Commodores on the heels of Vanderbilt hiring several New Mexico State staffers, including offensive coordinator Tim Beck to the same role and coach Jerry Kill as a special advisor.

In 2023, Pavia completed 221 of his 366 passes for 2,973 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Pavia's backup in 2023, Blaze Berlowitz, also announced that he would transfer to the Commodores. Pavia threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns in an upset win over Auburn. — Aria Gerson, USA TODAY Network

Reports: Gilber Edmond transfers back to South Carolina from Florida State

Florida State defensive lineman Gilber Edmond, who played his first three seasons with South Carolina football, is transferring back to South Carolina, according to multiple reports.

Edmond appeared in all 14 games for the Seminoles and finished the 2023 season with 23 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

The 6-foot-4, 257-pound edge rusher was a key contributor for South Carolina in 2022, tallying 39 total tackles and two sacks. — Austin Curtright

Texas lands Isaiah Bond, coveted Alabama player in transfer portal

Days after entering the transfer portal in the wake of Nick Saban’s retirement, former Alabama receiver Isaiah Bond has committed to Texas.

Bond announced his decision on his social media accounts Sunday morning, and it was welcome news for a Texas receiving corps trying to rebuild after losing its top four pass-catchers.

Bond, who will be a junior, led Alabama with 48 receptions and was second on the squad with 668 receiving yards and four touchdowns. — Thomas Jones, Austin American-Statesman

Former Colorado State QB to transfer to Florida

Clay Millen is headed to the SEC.

The former Colorado State starting quarterback announced on social media on Sunday he would transfer to Florida.

Millen started every game he was healthy for in 2022 as a redshirt freshman after transferring from Nevada to follow Jay Norvell and staff to CSU. He entered the transfer portal in December following the 2023 season.

He set CSU’s single-season completion percentage record (72.2) in 2022 but amassed fewer than 2,000 pass yards.

Millen was QB No. 1 through spring and preseason leading into 2023 and started the opener against Washington State but was removed in the game and replaced before CSU’s second game. — Kevin Lytle, Fort Collins Coloradoan

Cam Ward transfer portal: Ex-Washington State QB says he's heading to Miami

Cam Ward, who finished fourth among all FBS quarterbacks in passing yards per game this past season, announced his commitment to Miami on Saturday night.

Ward is transferring in from Washington State, making that decision almost two weeks after saying he would forgo his final year of eligibility for the NFL Draft. But he visited the Hurricanes last month and they evidently remained on his radar throughout the process.

He threw for 311 yards per game in 2023, behind only Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU in the national rankings. — Associated Press

Will Rogers back in transfer portal after Kalen DeBoer leaves Washington for Alabama

Former Mississippi State football quarterback Will Rogers is in the transfer portal for a second time this offseason, according to multiple reports.

After originally transferring to Washington, Rogers entered the portal again in response to the news that Huskies coach Kalen DeBoer was making the move to replace the retiring Nick Saban at Alabama.

Rogers threw for 12,315 yards over four seasons with the Bulldogs, excelling in Mike Leach's Air Raid system. That yardage total is good for second in SEC history. The native of Brandon, Mississippi, has 94 touchdowns and 28 interceptions on his career ledger. David Eckert, USA TODAY Network

Jayden Maiava heading to USC, not Georgia

Former UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava flipped his decision. Instead of transferring to Georgia, he will attend USC, his father, William Maiava-Pratt, told ESPN on Tuesday night.

Maiava, a redshirt freshman this past season at UNLV, entered the transfer portal on Jan. 2.

Malachi Nelson transfer: Former USC QB heading to Boise State

Malachi Nelson, a five-star quarterback in the 2023 class, has committed to Boise State. Nelson, the No. 12 overall prospect in the 247 Sports Composite rankings and top-ranked player in the ESPN 300 coming out of high school, saw minimal action in his lone season at USC before entering the portal.

Taulia Tagovailoa transfer: Quarterback seeks waiver for extra year

Despite opting out of Maryland's Music City Bowl matchup against Auburn, seemingly in preparation for the 2024 NFL Draft, Terrapins quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa has reportedly entered the transfer portal, per numerous reports.

The former Alabama football quarterback and younger brother of Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa has technically run out of eligibility, playing four seasons in a five-year span, and would need to apply for a waiver for an extra season of eligibility as a graduate transfer.

After a limited role in his freshman year at Alabama, Tagovailoa opted to transfer to Maryland ahead of the 2020 season. He set a Big Ten record in 2023 with 11,356 career passing yards during his career at Maryland and guided the Terrapins to three consecutive bowl game appearances. — Sahil Kurup, USA TODAY Network

Liberty's Kaidon Salter, CJ Daniels enter transfer portal

Liberty’s record-setting 13-1 season didn’t come without a cost. Quarterback Kaidon Salter, who was responsible for a school-record 44 touchdowns, and wide receiver CJ Daniels, whose 55 receptions went for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns, have both entered the transfer portal.

Transfer QB Will Howard commits to Ohio State

Will Howard, an experienced quarterback from Kansas State who has one season of eligibility left, has committed to the Buckeyes following a visit, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Thursday.

The addition will put him in the middle of a competition to replace Kyle McCord as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback after McCord transferred to Syracuse last month.

Howard was among the most sought-after passers in the transfer portal and was also reported to have taken trips to Miami and Southern California.

He made 27 career starts with the Wildcats, including leading them to a win in overtime over TCU in the Big 12 championship game in 2022 that resulted in a berth in the Sugar Bowl. He finished as their all-time leader in passing touchdowns.

Mississippi RB Quinshon Judkins to enter transfer portal

Running back Quinshon Judkins plans to enter the transfer portal, he announced on social media on Thursday.

Judkins, who just finished his sophomore campaign, rushed for 1,158 yards this season to follow up a 1,567-yard freshman season in which he led the SEC in rushing yards.

The native of Pike Road, Alabama, has 31 career rushing touchdowns and has averaged five yards per carry in 26 career games.

Ohio State picks up TE Will Kacmarek in transfer portal

Ohio State has dipped into the transfer portal for the first time since it opened earlier this month.

It picked up a commitment on Sunday from Will Kacmarek, a former Ohio tight end who had entered the portal only two days ago.

“Very excited for this new opportunity!” he wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Thank you friends, family, and coaches helping me get to this position!!!” — Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch

Auburn adds Cal QB Sam Jackson V as receiver in transfer portal

Auburn football has added a transfer quarterback, but he won't be under center next season.

The Tigers announced the signing of former Cal QB Sam Jackson V on Wednesday. Jackson, a four-star recruit in the Class of 2021, will join the Tigers as a receiver. He played in a loss to Auburn on Sept. 9, completing 14 of his 27 passes for 129 yards and two interceptions.

Jackson began his collegiate career at TCU before he entered the portal in January. He spent two seasons with the Horned Frogs and one with the Golden Bears. — Richard Silva, Montgomery Advertiser

Michigan State DT Derrick Harmon, RG Geno VanDeMark withdraw from transfer portal

Two of Michigan State football’s top players in the trenches to enter the portal are staying home.

Right guard Geno VanDeMark withdrew his name from the transfer portal on Wednesday, a program spokesperson confirmed. Later Wednesday, defensive tackle Derrick Harmon announced on social media he is withdrawing his name from the transfer portal to remain with the Spartans in 2024. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

Florida State loses QB Tate Rodemaker to transfer portal

Florida State redshirt junior quarterback Tate Rodemaker won't play in the Orange Bowl Saturday against Georgia and has entered the NCAA transfer portal, multiple outlets reported.

Rodemaker took over starting quarterback duties after Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending left leg injury against North Alabama on Nov. 18.

“This decision to enter the portal was incredibly difficult," a person close to Rodemaker's family told 247Sports.

"However, with the unforgiving nature of the calendar relative to transfer portal players and bowl games and limited opportunities remaining for transfer quarterbacks, the family felt this move was in Tate’s best interest. Florida State has quite publicly recruited multiple quarterbacks in this transfer cycle, so Tate and his family reluctantly came to the decision that now was the time to move on.”

Rodemaker completed 32-of-56 passes for 510 yards and five touchdowns this season. He started in one game, against Florida on Nov. 25 in Gainesville, guiding the Seminoles to a 24-15 win. — Jack Williams, Tallahassee Democrat

Walter Nolen commits to Ole Miss from transfer portal

Former Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen confirmed on social media that he'll be heading to play under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.

Nolen, who was the No. 2 overall recruit in 2022, was considered the top player available in the portal. He played 22 games for the Aggies, compiling 66 tackles, five sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Ex-Florida RB Trevor Etienne to Georgia via transfer portal

Georgia's football team added former Florida running back Trevor Etienne, who should make an impact as a primary ball carrier for the Bulldogsin 2024.

Etienne, the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, rushed for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Florida. Etienne provides SEC experience to a backfield that could be losing its top two rushers and wasn’t deep this past season.

Etienne posted to his Instagram account Sunday that he had committed to Georgia. — Athens Banner-Herald

Former Texas QB Maalik Murphy headed to Duke

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that former Texas QB Maalik Murphy has committed to Duke. Murphy spent the first two years of his college career in Austin before entering the transfer portal earlier this month.

Once a four-star recruit out of California, Murphy redshirted during his first year on the Texas campus. This fall he served as the primary backup to Quinn Ewers. Murphy relieved an injured Ewers in a 31-24 win over Houston on Oct. 21, and then started for the Longhorns in wins over BYU and Kansas State.

Over seven appearances, the 6-foot-5, 238-pound Murphy completed 40 of his 71 passes. He threw for 477 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. — Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman

QB Dante Moore transfers to Oregon from UCLA

Oregon appears to have landed its second high-profile quarterback in the transfer portal with the addition of Dante Moore from UCLA, several outlets reported.

The 6-3, 210-pound Moore appeared in nine games this season for the Bruins and threw for 1,610 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. The five-star recruit in the 2023 class initially committed to the Ducks before flipping to UCLA. He has three years of eligibilty remaining.

Moore joins former Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel, who transfered to Oregon earlier this month.

Michigan States gets two transfers from other Big Ten programs

Linebacker Jordan Turner and wide receiver TJ Sheffield — who entered the transfer portal from Wisconsin and Purdue, respectively — have committed to the Spartans, decisions each player announced Monday night on social media.

Turner, who has two seasons of eligibilty remaining, was an all-Big Ten honorable mention inclusion and the MVP of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in 2022, a season in which he had 68 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. In 2023, the 6-foot-1, 238-pound Turner played in 11 of Wisconsin's 12 games and finished with 61 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and a forced fumble.

The 5-11, 190-pound Sheffield is a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining. He was second on Purdue in receptions (32), receiving yards (381) and touchdown receptions (two). His most accomplished season statistically came in 2022, when he racked up 46 catches for 480 yards and four touchdowns. Over the past three seasons, he has 114 receptions for 1,186 yards and 11 touchdowns. — Craig Meyer, USA TODAY Network

Ivy League DPY Joey Slackman transfers to Florida

Penn defensive tackle Joey Slackman, who was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year for 2023, intends to play for the Florida Gators next season, ESPN reported.

Slackman, who has one year of eligibility remaining, posted 50 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and four sacks this season for the Quakers. The 6-4, 300-pound incoming senior played three seasons for Penn, recording 56 solo tackles (115 total), 11 sacks and 25 tackles for loss in 28 games.

WR Antwane "Juice" Wells transfers to Ole Miss

Former second-team All-SEC wide receiver Antwane "Juice" Wells announced his intent to transfer to Ole Miss from South Carolina via social media Sunday afternoon.

Wells totaled 928 receiving yards with the Gamecocks in 2022, his first season in the SEC after transferring from James Madison, where he posted a 1,250-yard season in 2021.

He missed all but three games this past season after suffering a foot injury in September. — David Eckert, Mississippi Clarion Ledger

QB Kyle McCord transfers to Syracuse

Kyle McCord, the former Ohio State starting quarterback who entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month, is bound for Syracuse.

McCord announced on Sunday that he is committed to join the Orange for his senior season after visiting the school this weekend.

In one season as a starter for the Buckeyes, he threw for 3,170 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions with a 161.64 passer rating that ranked 14th among quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision, helping keep Ohio State unbeaten and in contention for the College Football Playoff until the last weekend of the regular season. — Joey Kaufman, Columbus Dispatch

QB Katin Houser transfers to East Carolina

Former Michigan State quarterback Katin Houser has announced his transfer destination, announcing on social media that he will play for East Carolina.

As a redshirt freshman this past season, Houser got seven starts and appeared in 11 games. He connected on 112 of his 191 passes, accumulating 1,130 yards and six passing touchdowns while throwing five interceptions. Additionally, he added two rushing scores on the ground. — Sahil Kurup, USA TODAY Network

Former Mississippi State QB Will Rogers transferring to Washington

The Washington Huskies were a one-quarterback team this year, with Heisman runner-up Michael Penix Jr. leading the charge. Penix, however, is absconding for the NFL after this season, creating a void at the position for Kalen DeBoer's team.

Entering the competitive fray for the Huskies is former Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers, who told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Friday he will use his one year left of eligibility to play for the Huskies. Washington finished No. 2 in the final College Football Playoff rankings of 2023, one season ahead of an expansion of the playoff field and the Huskies' jump to the Big Ten.

Penix going pro should offer Rogers a chance to start next season, though the Huskies also expect to land three-star prospect Dermaricus Davis from California. Mississippi State has had a bit of a one-way pipeline to Washington in recent years, with star Huskies running back Dillon Johnson joining after last season; current Bulldogs running back Jo'Quavious Marks reportedly visited Washington this week as well. — Kevin Skiver, USA TODAY Network

LSU DB Sage Ryan enters transfer portal

Sage Ryan, 5-11 defensive back, announced on social media Friday that he's entering the transfer portal.

One of the Tigers' most versatile players, Ryan played cornerback, nickelback and safety in his three seasons in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana native appeared in 12 games (nine starts) for LSU in 2023 and finished with 35 total tackles — 4.5 for loss — and three pass deflections.

Ryan has two seasons of elibibilyt remaining. — Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Network

Former Kentucky players Keaton and Destin Wade transfer to Colorado

Twin brothers Destin and Keaten Wade announced on social media that they will transfer from Kentucky to Colorado to play for coach Deion Sanders.

While Keaten Wade, a 6-5, 250-pound linebacker, played all 12 games this season for the Wildcats, finishing with 35 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack, Destin, a 6-3, 223-pound quarterback, didn't see the field. Destin Wade's only action came in Kentucky's 21-0 Music City Bowl loss to Iowa last year. He took over for quarterback Will Levis, who departed Lexington to prepare for the NFL Draft. Destin Wade finished that game 16-for-30 for 98 yards and two interceptions. — George Robinson, Nashville Tennessean

QB Aidan Chiles transfers to Michigan State

Quarterback Aidan Chiles is following his former coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State to Michigan State, ESPN reports.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Chiles played in nine games as a true freshman for the Beavers, with Smith deploying Chiles every third series behind starter DJ Uiagalelei. Uiagalelei, who transferred to Oregon State before the season from Clemson, also entered the portal as a graduate transfer.

Chiles is a dual threat and was 24-for-35 passing (68.6%) for 309 yards and four touchdowns in nine games this season. He ran 17 times for 79 yards and three scores.

Bringing along Chiles now shores up one area of need for Smith, who saw all three of MSU’s scholarship quarterbacks enter the portal after his hiring was announced Nov. 25. True freshman Sam Leavitt on Monday committed to Arizona State. Redshirt junior Noah Kim has transferred to Coastal Carolina. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

Maalik Murphy leaving Texas, elevating Arch Manning

Texas quarterback Maalik Murphy is entering the transfer portal and will not be available for the Longhorns' College Football Playoff semifinal against Washington on Jan. 1.

Murphy served as the primary backup for Quinn Ewers this season and went 2-0 as a starter when Ewers missed two games with an injury. His departure means five-star freshman Arch Manning will back up Ewers against Washington. — Thomas Jones, Austin American-Statesman

Ex-Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall heads to NC State

Quarterback Grayson McCall announced he’ll transfer from Coastal Carolina to North Carolina State following an injury-plagued season in which he appeared in only seven games

McCall, a three-time Sun Belt Conference player of the year, started the Chanticleers’ first seven games this season. He sustained a head injury in the fourth quarter against Arkansas State on Oct. 21 and hasn’t played since.

In 42 career games, McCall has completed 70% of his passes for 10,005 yards with 88 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. — Associated Press

Ex-Duke QB Riley Leonard heads to Notre Dame

Duke quarterback Riley Leonard, who entered the transfer portal on Nov. 29, is South Bend bound, he revealed on his Instagram account Tuesday. The 6-foot-4, 212-pound junior is a dual-threat leader who is equally dangerous as a runner or passer.

In seven games this season, including a 21-14 home loss to Notre Dame on Sept. 30, Leonard, 21, passed for 1,102 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He sat out all of November after suffering a high ankle sprain and separately a toe injury. In his only full season as a starter, Leonard led Duke to a 9-4 record in 2022, passing for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 699 yards and 13 touchdowns

Leonard entered the transfer portal on Nov. 29, two days after Duke coach Mike Elko bolted for Texas A&M. — Mike Berardino, South Bend Tribune

Ex-Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel heads to Oregon

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel says he is going to play for Oregon next season. Gabriel threw for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns this season and will be attending his third school. He started his collegiate career at UCF before moving on to Oklahoma.

Gabriel is expected to compete to replace Heisman Trophy candidate Bo Nix, who spent the last two seasons with the Ducks.

QB Blake Shapen commits to Mississippi State

Blake Shapen told ESPN he's committing to Mississippi State.
Blake Shapen told ESPN he's committing to Mississippi State.

Former Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen told ESPN Friday that he is committing to Mississippi State.

Shapen, a junior, entered the transfer portal following a season during which he threw for 2,188 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Bears' leading passer. He presumably will step into the lineup for new coach Jeff Lebby, the former offensive coordinator at Oklahoma. The Bulldogs saw multi-year starter Will Rogers exit via the portal after their 5-7 campaign came to a close.

Jo'Quavious Marks transfer portal

Running back Jo'Quavious Marks will enter the transfer portal after four seasons as Mississippi State. Marks, a reliable lead back with capable receiving skills, holds the program record for receiving yards by a running back, putting up 1,225 yards through four years.

The 5-10, 210-pound Marks did considerable damage to opposing defenses for the Bulldogs in both the ground game and as a receiver. He rushed for 1,883 yards and 22 touchdowns and added 1,225 receiving yards and five touchdowns over four seasons.

The Atlanta native has participated in 45 games and made 32 starts in four years with the Bulldogs, with only one absence, on Sept. 24, 2022, against Bowling Green. Marks had at least one reception in every game of his collegiate career. — Sahil Kurup, Clarion Ledger

Trevor Etienne transfer portal

Sophomore running back Trevor Etienne, one of the top offensive players for Florida football in 2023, has entered his name into the transfer portal.

The 5-9, 205-pound Etienne finished 2023 with 753 yards and eight TDs rushing on 5.7 carries in splitting carries with Montrell Johnson Jr. for the second consecutive season. He also added 172 yards receiving on 21 carries and returned kickoffs for the Florida Gators, averaging 24.9 yards per return.

Etienne’s combination of speed and field vision made him one of Florida’s most dynamic offense players, but his inability to consistently pick up blitzes landed him in head coach Billy Napier’s doghouse at times. He wound up rushing for 1,472 yards and scoring 15 TDs in two seasons with the Gators. - Kevin Brockway, Gainesville Sun

Raheim Sanders transfer portal

Junior running back Raheim Sanders released a statement saying he has decided to enter the transfer portal.

"After much prayer and reflection, it’s time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life," Sanders wrote. "In order for me to reach further goals, it’s best for me to enter my name in the transfer portal with one year of remaining eligibility."

Sanders rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Razorbacks in 2022, but injuries limited him to six games this season. He rushed for 209 yards and two TDs for Arkansas, which was 4-8 in 2023.

Nyland Green transfer portal

Sophomore defensive back Nyland Green is the latest Bulldogs player to put his name in the transfer portal.

Green registered 13 tackles across three seasons for Georgia, where he was part of the team's 2021 signing class.

Gunnar Gundy transfer portal

Oklahoma State sophomore quarterback Gunnar Gundy, who is also the son of coach Mike Gundy, has entered the transfer portal.

As an graduate transfer, Gundy has up to two years of eligibility remaining. He appeared in three games during the 2023 season, throwing for 202 yards on 21-of-34 passing with one touchdown. He also rushed for 39 yards.

Brock Vandagriff transfer portal

UPDATE: Brock Vandagriff is staying in the SEC. Two days after the former Georgia QB entered the transfer portal, the sophomore committed to Kentucky.

Georgia sophomore quarterback Brock Vandagriff is entering his name in the transfer portal.

Vandagriff was 12 of 18 for 165 yards with two touchdowns in eight appearances for the Bulldogs in 2023

"Dawg Nation, thank you for the unwavering support over the past 3 years," Vandagriff wrote on social media. "I was able to accomplish a huge goal of mine, which is graduating from the University of Georgia. … I will be entering the portal as a graduate transfer with two years of eligibility. I am excited for the opportunities that are ahead of me."

Vandagriff's future team could rest with the decision of Georgia starting QB Carson Beck, who could enter the NFL draft.

Is the transfer portal the same for every sport? 

While football and basketball might get the most media talk (and fan interest), yes, the transfer portal database includes athletes for all sports.

Tyler Shough from transfer portal

Louisville football coach Jeff Brohm's success in the portal continues with the addition of Texas Tech quarterback Tyler Shough, who posted his commitment on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Shough broke his fibula in the Red Raiders’ Big 12 opener against West Virginia on Sept. 23. He applied for a waiver to get an extra year of eligibility due to medical hardship after playing in only four games in each of the 2021 and 2023 seasons. It’s unclear if the waiver has officially been approved yet, but Shough should have no problem winning his case.

Alexis Cubit, Louisville Courier Journal

Andrew Mukuba transfer portal

Safety Andrew Mukuba and defensive end David Ojiegbe on Tuesday became the seventh and eighth Clemson football players, respectively, to enter the transfer portal since season's end.

Mukuba started 10 games this season and finished with a career-low 42 tackles in 578 snaps. He was a Freshman All-American in 2021 and ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Ojiegbe, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound freshman from Largo, Maryland, played 11 snaps in two games this season while redshirting.

Scott Keepfer, Greenville News

Patrick Payton transfer portal

Patrick Payton, a redshirt sophomore defensive end at Florida State, announced his decision to enter the transfer portal on X, formerly Twitter. "Im Sorry Nole Nation I Plan To Enter The Transfer Portal…..," he wrote. Payton started all 13 games for FSU this season, recording 42 tackles, a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss and six sacks.

LT Overton transfer portal

LT Overton, a defensive lineman who was one of the five-star prospects in Texas A&M's top-ranked 2022 recruiting class, told On3 that he plans to enter the transfer portal. Overton, who at one point was the No. 1 prospect in the 2023 class before he reclassified, has two years of eligibility remaining.

Jalen Catalon transfer portal

Texas senior safety Jalen Catalon is back in the transfer portal for a second consecutive year.

After starting four of Texas' first six games, Catalon suffered a leg injury against Oklahoma that caused him to miss the next four games. He finished having played eight games with the Longhorns in 2023.

Catalon transferred to Texas last January after four seasons at Arkansas.

Dequan Finn transfer portal

Toledo's Dequan Finn has become the latest quarterback to express intent to enter into the transfer portal.

Finn, a junior, had the best season of his three years with the Rockets in 2023. He completed 201-of-317 passes for 2,657 yards with 22 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 563 yards and another seven scores.

Toledo (11-2) will play Wyoming in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl on Dec. 30.

Arch Manning transfer portal

Texas freshman quarterback Arch Manning's name started to bubble up as a potential transfer portal candidate, especially following the announcement by Ohio State starting quarterback Kyle McCord.

However, according to 247Sports, Manning is expected to remain in Austin, and current backup QB and fellow freshman Maalik Murphy is the more likely of the two to transfer. Starting QB Quinn Ewers is coming off a highly productive sophomore season, passing for 3,161 yards and 21 touchdowns with just six interceptions.

Manning saw his only action of the season in Texas' 57-7 blowout against Texas Tech. He completed 2-of-5 passes for 30 yards and rushed for 7 yards on three attempts.

Aidan Chiles transfer portal

Oregon State freshman quarterback Aidan Chiles announced on social media Monday that he is entering the transfer portal.

"I am truly grateful that I had the chance to come to Oregon State and to be a Beaver. I appreciate all of the coaches, players, and fans who have supported me throughout my freshman year here in Corvallis," Chiles wrote on X.

Chiles saw limited action in nine games for Oregon State in 2023, working as the primary backup to starting quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.

Tyler Buchner transfer portal

Alabama redshirt sophomore Tyler Buchner entered the transfer portal Monday, and is expected to switch to lacrosse at his next school, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Buchner, who transferred to Alabama after spending 2022 at Notre Dame, made one start at quarterback for the Crimson Tide before Jalen Milroe seized control of the starting gig.

Ohio State football players entering the transfer portal

  • DE Omari Abor

  • RB Deamonte Trayanum

  • S Cam Martinez

  • OL Victor Cutler

  • RB Evan Pryor

  • CB Ryan Turner

  • K Parker Lewis

  • CB Jyaire Brown

  • S Kye Stokes

  • QB Kyle McCord

  • OL Jakob James

  • LB Reid Carrico

  • WR Julian Fleming

Walter Nolen transfer portal

Texas A&M defensive lineman Walter Nolen, who was the No. 2 overall recruit in 2022, announced his intent to enter the transfer portal with an Instagram post on Sunday night.

Nolen played 22 games for the Aggies, compiling 66 tackles, five sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Nolen was a five-star recruit when he signed with Texas A&M. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

Julian Fleming transfer portal

Ohio State senior wide receiver Julian Fleming thanked Ohio State fans with a post on X and said he will enter his name into the transfer portal for his final season.

"It was an amazing four years and I have built relationships that will last a lifetime with so many of my fellow players as well as coaches," Fleming wrote Monday.

Fleming caught 79 passes for 963 yards and seven touchdowns in four seasons with the Buckeyes. His 2022 season was his best, as he hauled in 34 receptions for 533 yards and six touchdowns.

Spencer Petras transfer portal

After recently entering the transfer portal, former Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras has found a new home. Petras is headed to Utah State with his final remaining year of eligibility.

The quarterback served in a coaching role this season as he rehabbed his shoulder following an injury late in the 2022 season that required surgery. Petras is headed back west after spending five years on Iowa’s roster.

Petras joins the Aggies just as they have an opening in their quarterback room due to some rather uncommon circumstances. Utah State quarterback Levi Williams is going to play in the Aggies’ bowl game but then forego his final year of eligibility. Rather than transferring or heading to the NFL, he is going to undertake Navy SEAL training.Hawkeyes Wire

Tyler van Dyke transfer portal 

All Van Dyke could need is a change of scenery. He was a revelation as a redshirt freshman in 2021, tossing at least three touchdowns in each of his final six starts and 25 overall against six interceptions. While that made him a Heisman contender heading into 2022, his career quickly fizzled: Van Dyke has 17 picks across the past two years and has looked uncomfortable and hesitant since coach Mario Cristobal arrived. There will plenty of coaching staffs that look at Van Dyke and see an impactful reclamation project, and they may be right. — Paul Myerberg

Taylen Green transfer portal

Boise State sophomore quarterback Taylen Green announced on X that he will be entering the transfer portal after two seasons with the Broncos.

"I love Boise State University, and I have truly enjoyed my time here," Green wrote. "From the bottom of my heart, it has been an honor competing for this great University, and there is nothing I have taken more pride in than representing all of you when I took the field in the Blue and Orange every week."

Green passed for 3,794 yards, 25 touchdowns and 15 interceptions the past two years. He added more than 1,000 rushing yards and 19 scores on the ground.

Blake Shapen transfer portal

Baylor junior quarterback Blake Shapen has entered the transfer portal following a season during which he threw for 2,188 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Bears' leading passer.

Baylor's quarterback room now consists of junior RJ Martinez, sophomore Sawyer Robertson and freshmen Brayson McHenry and Cade Tessier.

Samuel Okunlola transfer portal

Pittsburgh edge rusher Samuel Okunlola, who led the Panthers in sacks this season, has entered the transfer portal.

Okunlola just completed his freshman season and has three years of eligibility remaining.

South Carolina football players entering transfer portal

  • QB Tanner Bailey

  • DB Kajuan Banks

  • WR O'Mega Blake

  • QB Colten Gauthier

  • DL Felix Hixon

  • WR Kylic Horton

  • PK Mitch Jeter

  • DL D'Andre Martin

  • DL Xzavier McLeod

  • OL JonDarius Morgan

  • DB Isaiah Norris

  • WR Landon Samson

  • WR Zavier Short

  • WR Antwane Wells

  • DL Donovan Westmoreland

Juice Wells transfer portal

South Carolina senior Antwane "Juice" Wells Jr. enters the transfer portal as an intriguing option at wide receiving, and one with two years of eligibility remaining.

Wells went to South Carolina after spending his first two seasons at James Madison. He had 68 receptions for 928 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. He played in just three games in 2023 due to a foot injury he suffered during the preseason.

How has the transfer portal changed college sports? 

It's important to understand that the NCAA transfer portal is merely a tool used by coaches and players to find new schools. What really changed the landscape of college sports, and allowed a sort of free agency frenzy, was the NCAA's rule change on immediate eligibility.

It used to be that if athletes wanted to transfer, they had to sit out a year before suiting up for their new school. But in spring 2021, the NCAA voted to allow athletes to transfer once and become immediately eligible. (Athletes are allowed to transfer a second time without penalty if they've completed their undergraduate degrees and are enrolling in a graduate program.) Since that rule change, hundreds of athletes have entered the portal each offseason, though not all find what they're looking for in their decision to switch schools.

Will Howard transfer portal

After an ugly start to his career upon being thrust into the lineup as a freshman, Howard developed into one of the most prolific and accomplished passers in Kansas State history. But the writing is on the wall: Avery Johnson is ready to take over as the Wildcats' starter, making this a good time for Howard to hit the open market. As a veteran starter with a proven track record and noticeable year-to-year improvement, Howard should draw interest from some of the biggest programs in the country. Though his biggest suitors should come from traditional members Big Ten, Howard will draw interest from Notre Dame and Big Ten newcomers Oregon, Washington, UCLA and Southern California. — Paul Myerberg

Can players choose to stay at their school if they enter the transfer portal? 

Absolutely, though it's somewhat rare in high-level college football. According to NCAA data, only 5% of FBS athletes who entered the transfer portal in 2020 or 2021 later withdrew and are assumed to be back at their original school.

Will Sheppard transfer portal

Vanderbilt senior wide receiver Will Sheppard announced on social media that he is entering the transfer portal.

Sheppard has pulled in 2,067 yards and 21 touchdowns over the past three seasons with the Commodores.

QB transfer portal 2024 

This week, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said the price for a Power Five-caliber starting quarterback is "$1 million to $1.5 million to $2 million right now." That's for a transfer portal class that is currently deep in experience but devoid of a transcendent passer.

But programs in the Bowl Subdivision will pay the cost, and sometimes the investment will pay off. Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels were not seen as game-changing transfers when they joined Oregon and LSU, respectively, and the pair head into Saturday as the overwhelming favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Washington's Michael Penix Jr. is a third former transfer in the mix for postseason hardware.

Coaches are looking at three different types of quarterbacks: one-year rentals looking to cash in a final year of eligibility, plug-and-play starters with more than one season on campus, and high-ceiling but inexperienced players who transfer as redshirt freshmen or sophomores.

Paul Myerberg gives you the full rundown of best available quarterbacks here.

What does entering the transfer portal mean? 

Because the transfer portal is really just an online database, entering it just means that an athlete's name is uploaded to the database. When an athlete decides they want to explore transferring to another school, they have to notify their current school's compliance office. And the compliance office then has two business days to put that athlete's name in the portal.

Dillon Gabriel transfer portal

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel announced Monday that he will be leaving Norman with a social media post that thanked Sooner Nation.

"My time in the palace was a game time experience I will never forget," Gabriel wrote. "Sooner Nation, you held me accountable and I am better for it."

Gabriel is a redshirt senior and could decide to enter the NFL draft, but he also has one more year of eligibility remaining. He played his first three seasons at UCF before transfer to Oklahoma in 2022. He threw for a career-best 3,660 yards with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions last year, and also posted a career-best 172.0 passer rating.

Freshman Jackson Arnold would likely become the front-runner to take over for Gabriel. Arnold was a five-star recruit who got playing time in a handful of games, throwing for 202 yards on 18 of 24 passing with two touchdown passes and another TD on the ground.

Who are the top transfer portal players? 

Here are the best quarterbacks available: Washington State’s Cam Ward, Oregon State’s DJ Uiagalelei, Kansas State’s Will Howard, UCLA’s Dante Moore, Duke’s Riley Leonard, Coastal Carolina’s Grayson McCall, Arizona State’s Drew Pyne, Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke, Texas Tech’s Tyler Shough, Ohio State's Kyle McCord, New Hampshire’s Max Brosmer and Holy Cross’ Matthew Sluka. — Paul Myerberg

How does the transfer portal work? 

The transfer portal is not a shortcut for the rest of the recruiting process. Coaches still have to recruit. Athletes still have to ensure they're eligible to compete at a new school. The portal is simply a way to help the two sides connect more easily, and earlier.

What is a transfer portal in college football? 

A 2019 article on the NCAA's website describes the transfer portal as a "compliance tool to systematically manage the transfer process from start to finish." Put more simply: It's a database. The NCAA made this database in an attempt to simplify the first step in the transfer process. In the pre-portal days, athletes would have to ask their coach for permission to contact other schools, then find ways to get the word out that they were available. Coaches, meanwhile, would have to use their connections and word-of-mouth referrals to identify transferring athletes. Now, it's all just there in one spot.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football transfer portal tracker: Where top players are headed