By Mark Pszonak
Many new transfers will have impressive seasons in 2025, but only a few will truly be impactful. Here are five that will make a big impact during the upcoming season.
1. S Dillon Thieneman – Oregon (Purdue)
Even after two dominant seasons at Purdue, it still seems as though Thieneman’s accomplishments have been under-appreciated. This is mostly due to Purdue’s poor seasons, which shouldn’t have overshadowed Thieneman totaling 210 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions and nine passes defended. In the national spotlight at Oregon, he will improve, continue to flourish and will end the season as an All-American.
2. CB Mansoor Delane – LSU (Virginia Tech)
Delane is a productive veteran who will seamlessly slide into the LSU secondary in 2025. He totaled 146 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six interceptions and 16 passes defended in three seasons with the Hokies and now will become one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC. There is no reason that he can’t become one of the next great Tigers’ defensive backs.
3. DE Will Heldt – Clemson (Purdue)
It has been much publicized that Clemson has been relatively inactive in the transfer portal, but that may be changing after the Tigers showed some life during the winter window. The addition of Heldt was a big one. His 2024 season slid under most people’s radars, likely for the same reason that Thieneman did (see above), but he finished with 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five sacks for a defensive unit that struggled overall. Heldt can be even better surrounded by the talent that Clemson will be fielding this season on their defensive unit.
4. LB Kendal Daniels – Oklahoma (Oklahoma State)
While the Oklahoma State defense was a disaster during recent seasons, it wasn’t because of Daniels, who totaled 240 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, five interceptions and 13 passes defended during his time with the Cowboys. This included being named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year after the 2022 season. He is big, strong, athletic and instinctual, which should lead him to a big season in the SEC.
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5. S Zechariah Poyser – Miami (Jacksonville State)
Poyser enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with 75 tackles, three tackles for loss, three interceptions and eight passes defended before transferring to Miami where he is a likely starter at safety. Other Canes’ transfers received more buzz during the winter, but at the end it very well may be Poyser who proves to be the most productive.
