By Mark Pszonak
Finding a top transfer tight end can be difficult during the winter, but because of that they can also be expensive. Some are worth the NIL money while others turn out to be busts. Here are five who busted in 2024:
Amari Niblack, Texas (Alabama)
The skinny: For many Texas fans, the underusage of Niblack was one of their biggest frustrations during the 2024 season. Arriving in Austin after beginning to break out during the 2023 season at Alabama with 20 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns, he never came close to reaching his potential with the Longhorns. After totaling only five receptions for 33 yards, Niblack has since transferred to Texas A&M in hopes of rejuvenating his collegiate career.
Benjamin Yurosek, Georgia (Stanford)
The skinny: No one player was ever going to replace Brock Bowers, but the thought was that Yurosek would be able to help fill that void. Instead, he had his least productive season since he was a true freshman. Finishing with only 15 receptions for 185 yards, Yurosek never seemed to find his groove in the Georgia offense.
Jake Johnson, North Carolina (Texas A&M)
The skinny: Coming off a 2023 season when he finished with 24 receptions for 235 yards and four touchdowns, Johnson was expected to be a vital part of the North Carolina offense in 2024. That never worked out though, as he only had two receptions for 21 yards in 12 games with the Tar Heels. Johnson will be back in 2025 with another opportunity to showcase his potential.
Drake Dabney, TCU (Baylor)
The skinny: Dabney’s production improved during each of his four seasons at Baylor, but then took a dip at TCU. Only totaling 19 receptions for 193 yards in 2024, he also failed to reach the end zone after grabbing five scores with the Bears in 2023.
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Holden Staes, Tennessee (Notre Dame)
The skinny: Staes made an impact at Notre Dame in 2023 with 15 receptions for 176 yards and 4 touchdowns but only totaled 15 receptions for 131 yards and one touchdown during his one season with the Volunteers. He eventually lost playing time to another transfer tight end, Miles Kitselman, and was also pushed by redshirt freshman Ethan Davis. After the season Staes hit the portal, finding a new home with Indiana.
