Transfer losses, like Quinn Ewers and Zach Evans, that were overcome

QB Quinn Ewers (Ohio State to Texas)

The skinny: No coach or fan wants to see their young five-star quarterback enter the portal, but Ohio State was in a position to accept the reality and move on without any repercussions. CJ Stroud was set to be the quarterback during the 2022 season no matter where Ewers was playing and now Kyle McCord is next in line to take over the dynamic Ohio State passing attack. Could Ewers have pushed McCord this season? Possibly, but McCord is a perfect fit for the Buckeyes’ offense which will put Ewers even further in the rearview mirror.

RB Zach Evans (TCU to Ole Miss)

The skinny: TCU won a huge recruiting battle to snag Evans and while he flashed glimpses of his potential, with 1,063 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons, he never reached his peak. However, while there was still disappointment when he decided to take his talents to another destination, his departure opened the door for Kendre Miller to increase his workload. That increase translated to 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while helping the Horned Frogs to their surprising run to the National Championship game. Suddenly there were no hard feelings. 

RB Travis Dye (Oregon to USC)

The skinny: Few transfers are complete surprises nowadays, but Dye’s entry accomplished that. He was the PAC-12’s leader in all-purpose yards during the 2021 season and gave no inclination of a possible transfer. What made matters worse a week later was his transfer destination to conference rival USC. However, the Ducks quickly rebounded by adding Bucky Irving (Minnesota) and Noah Whittington (Western Kentucky). Neither was considered a homerun addition, but they proved to be on the field as they combined for 1,837 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing, plus 53 receptions for 468 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Also important is that both Irving and Whittington return for the 2023 season, while Dye’s collegiate eligibility has expired. 

WR Jaylon Robinson (UCF to Ole Miss)

The skinny: There was disappointment in Orlando when Robinson entered the portal after scoring two touchdowns during the team’s spring game. His performance showed everyone that he was healthy after an injury filled 2021 season and brought hope that he would regain his 2020 form when he had 55 receptions for 979 yards and six touchdowns. However, the Knights had answers. They had already reeled in transfer Kobe Hudson (Auburn) but then added Javon Baker (Alabama) after Robinson’s departure. The two additions combined for 95 receptions, 1,437 yards and 12 touchdowns, to go along with the 73 receptions, 725 yards and five touchdowns that returning receiver Ryan O’Keefe provided.

WR Jermaine Burton (Georgia to Alabama)

The skinny: Burton’s decision to enter the transfer portal came as somewhat of a surprise but might have been more understood if he didn’t end up transferring to the Bulldogs’ bitter SEC rival. However, with Alabama’s recent success at producing NFL wide receivers, the move does make sense. Whatever bitterness some Georgia fans had quickly evaporated as the Bulldogs made another march to a national championship while the Tide failed to make the playoffs. And yes, Burton did enjoy his best collegiate season with the Tide, but with the unexpected emergence of Brock Bowers as a true freshman, his loss was quickly overcome.