Spring Transfer Portal: Top 5 Most Interesting OL Moves

Emmanuel Pregnon (Wyoming to USC)

The skinny: USC has been no stranger to the transfer portal since the arrival of head coach Lincoln Riley. And after the conclusion of the 2022 season, they specifically made the offensive line a priority. That priority was answered with the addition of Pregnon, one of the most coveted players during the spring window. Having started all 11 games as a redshirt freshman at right guard during the 2022 season, he only allowed two sacks. While still raw, he will be immediately plugged into the Trojans’ starting interior offensive line in the hopes of solidifying a unit that needed an overhaul.

Caleb Etienne (Oklahoma State to BYU)

The skinny: Etienne’s entry into the portal was a surprise to many, as was his quick commitment to BYU. He dominated during the 2022 season, while starting all 13 games at left tackle for the Cowboys. During this time, he only allowed one sack while playing more than 1,000 snaps. His addition immediately strengthens a position that had some questions heading into the 2023 season and should prove to be extremely helpful as the Cougars begin their first season in the Big 12.

Sep 4, 2021; Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys offensive lineman Caleb Etienne (76) blocks during the second quarter of the game agains the Missouri State Bears at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma State Cowboys beat Missouri State Bears 23-16.

Josh Simmons (San Diego State to Ohio State)

The skinny: It is not the norm for Ohio State to have concerns with their offensive line, but even after spring practices concluded, there were several questions regarding the unit. The top concern was at right tackle, which was quickly addressed by the addition of Simmons. Having started 13 games as a redshirt freshman at right tackle in 2022, he will be expected to push for the starting job immediately upon his arrival in Columbus.

Eric Miller (Purdue to Louisville)

The skinny: As with any head coaching change, roster turnover was expected at Louisville. It was also expected that new head coach Jeff Brohm might entice some of his former players at Purdue to follow him. One who was enticed was Miller, who brings 29 career starts, including 14 in 2022, to the Cardinals offensive line. A 6-foot-7, 305-pound grad transfer, expect him to immediately become a leader on the unit and help the transition of the new offensive system.

Oct 22, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Purdue Boilermakers offensive linenam Eric Miller (74) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

Troy Everett (Appalachian State to Oklahoma)

The skinny: A freshman All-American during the 2022 season while playing in 10 games, Everett adds depth, talent and versatility to the Sooners’ offensive line. At Appalachian State, Everett saw most of his playing time at center, but in Norman it is more likely that he will compete for the starting right guard spot. While it is far from a foregone conclusion that he will start this fall, with two years of eligibility remaining, it gives Oklahoma some flexibility this season and beyond with how they handle their interior offensive line.