WR Billy Kemp – Nebraska (Virginia)
The skinny: Kemp finished his time at Virginia with 192 receptions for 1,774 yards and eight touchdowns. While the 2022 season was a bit disappointing for him, which was also true for most of the Virginia offense, he shined in 2020 and 2021 when he totaled 141 receptions for 1,369 yards and seven touchdowns. He also returned 64 punts while with the Cavaliers.
The Huskers realized that they needed to find some receiving talent in the portal and answered the call by adding Kemp. His experience and prior production at the Power 5 level will make him an immediate contributor in Lincoln. Plus he brings the extra impact of being the top punt returner this fall.
WR Dequece Carter – Indiana (Fordham)
The skinny: While not a school that is generally followed by college football fans, Fordham fielded an amazingly potent offense during the last two seasons. One of the top players on the unit was Carter, who totaled 178 receptions for 3,035 yards and 31 touchdowns during his career with the Rams. His most productive season came in 2022 with 56 receptions for 1,166 yards and 13 touchdowns.
With one year of eligibility remaining, he will be expected to become an important part of the Hoosiers’ offense quickly. He has the experience (38 starts), size (6-foot-0 and 195-pounds) and route running ability to establish himself during spring practice, which should lead to a potentially big season in 2023.
RB Sean Tyler – Minnesota (Western Michigan)
The skinny: Tyler’s production during his last two seasons with the Broncos was impressive, with a combined 2,177 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. He also returned three kickoffs for a touchdown during this time.
While Tyler will likely split carries with Trey Potts and Bryce Williams, he brings a new scat-back dimension to the Gophers’ offense which will get him increased playing time. Look for Minnesota to find ways to get him the ball in space, which is where he excels, and to also become a part of the kick return unit.
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OL Rusty Feth – Iowa (Miami-Ohio)
The skinny: Feth started his last two seasons with the Redhawks, at which time he gradually making the transition from guard to center. He was named second-team All-MAC after the 2022 season.
With the Hawkeyes, it is likely that he will make the move back to guard, with Logan Jones having solidified his place at center. Neither guard spot on the line is cemented by a returning player, so look for Feth to make his home there during his one remaining season of eligibility. He is a tough, hard-nosed interior lineman who should help solidify a line that unexpectedly did not play up to their usual level of dominance in 2022.
DL Darian Varner – Wisconsin (Temple)
The skinny: After redshirting in 2020, Varner had two productive seasons with the Owls. This was especially true in 2022 when he totaled 35 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks, which earned him All-AAC honors.
With the versatility to play the interior or on the outside, Varner’s big-play ability will be utilized immediately in Madison. Look for him to start at nose tackle though, where he will be expected to replace Keeanu Benton. Also, he has three years of eligibility remaining, so this addition could prove beneficial in 2023 and beyond.
