Spring Transfer Portal: Top 5 Most Interesting LB Moves

Jaheim Thomas (Cincinnati to Arkansas)

The skinny: The Razorbacks hit a homerun in the portal during the last cycle by adding linebacker Drew Sanders from Alabama, and they my have done the same this year at the position with Thomas. Coming off his best collegiate season with 70 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks, Thomas looks poised to take the next step, which should have everyone in Fayetteville excited.

Larry Nixon III (North Texas to Auburn)

The skinny: Having totaled 245 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks during his time with North Texas, Nixon now brings his productive experience to Auburn. He is part of a revamped linebacking group, being the fourth added by the Tigers during this cycle. While Cam Riley and Wesley Steiner are also important returnees at the position, there is plenty of opportunity to earn playing time this fall.

North Texas Mean Green linebacker Larry Nixon III (3) tackles Memphis Tigers running back Asa Martin (28) during a Memphis Tigers game against the North Texas Mean Green on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. Memphis defeated North Texas 44-34.

Jalen McLeod (Appalachian State to Auburn)

The skinny: McLeod arrives at Auburn in a similar situation as the above-mentioned Larry Nixon. Coming off a season when he finished with 7.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks, his production and playmaking ability will be an immediate valuable asset for the Tigers. However, just like Nixon, he will have to battle with several returning players and other transfers for playing time which will make summer camp very interesting at the position.

Prince Kollie (Notre Dame to Vanderbilt)

The skinny: Upon entering the portal, Vanderbilt was immediately considered a likely destination for Kollie. Several factors played into this reasoning, including Vanderbilt’s location for the Tennessee-native and the fact that Commodores’ head coach Clark Lea recruited him to Notre Dame. While he never reached his potential in South Bend, the opportunity in Nashville should be a perfect fit for both Kollie and the Commodores.

Nov 5, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Prince Kollie (10) returns a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Clemson Tigers in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium.

Keith Brown (Oregon to Louisville)

The skinny: Brown flashed plenty of potential during his two seasons with Oregon, including during a start in the 2022 Holiday Bowl when he finished with a career-high seven tackles against North Carolina. While some projected that he was poised for a big 2023 season with the Ducks, now that might happen at Louisville.