By Mark Pszonak
In today’s Fact or Fiction – Portal Edition – I look at three more transfer topics and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or FICTION.
1. Clemson will regret not using the transfer portal
Mark’s take: FACT
This has been a popular topic of discussion for college football fans in recent years due to Dabo Swinney’s apparent hatred of the transfer portal. Ok, I’m not sure he hates it, but it sure seems that way. So while every other top program in the country uses the portal excessively or at least to plug a few holes, Clemson sits back and does nothing. Will this tactic come back to bite the Tigers? I believe it will and actually I think it already has. Is it a coincidence that 2023 was the first season since 2010 that the Tigers didn’t win at least 10 games? It’s possible, but another nine-win season or 4-4 record in the ACC will have frustration boiling over in Death Valley. And the first question will be, “Could we have avoided this if we used the transfer portal?”
2. WR Julian Fleming will be a difference maker at Penn State
Mark’s take: FICTION
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Penn State experienced plenty of positives last season, but their passing game was not one of those. To try and remedy this liability, Julian Fleming was brought in from Ohio State. Fleming was productive in Columbus, especially during the last two seasons when he totaled 60 receptions for 803 yards and six touchdowns, but he was generally playing behind a countless supply of wide receivers who are now in the NFL. Now with the opportunity to be a difference maker, will he shine? I don’t see it. In my eyes he is a reliable receiver, who will still be helpful at Penn State, but he won’t provide much of a spark to the passing game. On top of that, quarterback Drew Allar has yet to prove that he can play at an elite level. Expect more of the same passing game in Happy Valley this season.
3. Isaiah Bond, Silas Bolden and Matthew Golden will successfully replace Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington at Texas
Mark’s take: FACT
After a run to the National Semifinals, Texas lost 172 receptions, 2,364 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns from their 2023 roster with Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Jordan Whittington all going to the NFL. They responded by adding Isaiah Bond, Silas Bolden and Matthew Golden through the portal, who combined for 140 receptions, 1,818 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns last season. Will this be enough to replace the star power that departed? Yes, it will be. Bond and Golden impressed immediately when they arrived during the winter while Bolden quickly did the same as a summer arrival. Expect the new receiving corps to thrive while quarterback Quinn Ewers makes a run for the Heisman Trophy.
