Colorado
No discussion regarding this year’s transfer portal cycle can occur without mentioning Colorado. Since new head coach Deion Sanders arrived on campus, the expected gutting of the roster has been swift and vast. Overall, an amazing 59 scholarship players have entered the portal, and with that, the Buffaloes have been equally aggressive adding players.
All eyes will be on Boulder this season to see how this immense roster turnover will play itself out on the field. Aside from well publicized players following Sanders to Colorado from Jackson State, such as quarterback Shadeur Sanders and athlete Travis Hunter, a few of the other notable additions that should make an impact include running back Alton McCaskill (Houston), wide receivers Xavier Weaver and Jimmy Horn Jr. (USF) and defensive linemen Jordan Domineck (Arkansas) and Shane Cokes (Dartmouth).
Will Sanders’ aggressive portal approach prove to have been the correct decision or a mistake? Everyone will know as this season progresses.
USC
Since head coach Lincoln Riley arrived after the 2021 season, the Trojans have been one of the more aggressive portal teams in the country. Last year’s arrivals were vital to the Trojans’ 11-3 season and were obviously highlighted by the addition of Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Caleb Williams (Oklahoma). Will this year’s additions take USC to an even higher level?
This off-season, the Trojans focused on the defense, which experienced their fair share of difficulties in 2022. Bringing in players like defensive linemen Jamil Muhammad (Georgia State), Bear Alexander (USC), Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M) and Kyon Barrs (Arizona) and defensive back Tre’Quon Fegans (Alabama) should go a long way in improving the unit this fall. And with Williams returning for one more season, USC did a great job both adding another major weapon and protection with wide receiver Dorian Singer (Arizona) and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon (Wyoming).
Oregon
Similar to USC, the Ducks realized that they needed to bolster their defensive unit if they hope to make a big move in 2023. They attacked the portal during the winter and spring and proved to be very successful with their additions.
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All three levels of the defense should receive a bolster with defensive end Jordan Burch (South Carolina), linebacker Jestin Jacobs (Iowa) and the defensive back trio of Tysheem Johnson (Ole Miss), Khyree Jackson (Alabama) and Evan Williams (Fresno State). With Bo Nix and a potentially potent offense returning, having an improved defense will go a long way to determining the Ducks’ success this fall.
