This article covers the most important transfer portal additions for each of the teams in the BIG Ten.
Illinois – Luke Altmyer
With the departure of QB Tommy DeVito, the Illini needed another talented quarterback to lead them into the 2023 season. Luke Altmyer is transferring in from Ole Miss, where he was the backup to Jaxson Dart this past season. He was rated as a top 200 prospect in the 2021 cycle (#21 QB). He could bring some versatility to the Illinois offense this season and potentially be an aid in a Big Ten title push.
Indiana – Tayven Jackson
With last year’s starting QB Connor Bazelak heading to Bowling Green, the Hoosiers were in desperate need of a quarterback. They were able to grab Tayven Jackson, a transfer from Tennessee. Jackson was rated as the number 13 QB in the 2022 cycle by the 247 Composite. Jackson has drawn comparisons to Jordan Love and is known for his athleticism and elusiveness in the pocket. We’ll see how he does in a new location under Walt Bell.
Iowa – Cade McNamara
Continuing the quarterback trend, Iowa’s most important transfer in the winter window is former Michigan QB, Cade McNamara. Iowa has had some of the worst QB play in all of P5 football over the past few seasons, so to get a seasoned starter like McNamara is huge for the Hawkeyes. He threw for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns in the 2021 season, where he led Michigan to a Big Ten title and a playoff appearance. He isn’t elite by any means, but he can get the job done, and that’s all that Iowa needs with how elite their defense is.
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Maryland – Ja’quan Sheppard
Maryland had a pretty solid season in 2022, but the defense held them back a bit. With the addition of former Cincinnati defensive back Ja’quan Sheppard, things might just get a bit better. Sheppard tallied 50 tackles and 10 deflections in the 2022 season for the Bearcats. He’s a talented corner that brings experience to a Maryland defense that was pretty mediocre last year. Good pickup for the Terps.
Michigan – Ernest Hausmann
Ernest Hausmann is widely regarded as one of the best portal prospects this cycle. The Nebraska linebacker transfer is rated as the number two overall player in the portal, and for good reason. He racked up 54 tackles and a sack as a true freshman at Nebraska. Now he’s headed to Ann Arbor to play for what was one of the best defensive teams last season. I expect Hausmann to make a big impact with the Wolverines.
Michigan State – Semar Melvin
Michigan State had an extremely disappointing season, largely due to their defense. Their pass defense was especially bad, ranked 87th in passing yards allowed. Semar Melvin could be a big help in turning it around for Michigan State. He has a lot of experience in Wisonsin’s scheme under defensive genius Jim Leonhard. We’ll see if he can finally put it all together on the field at MSU.
Minnesota – Elijah Spencer
Minnesota is coming off of a 9-4 season, and there are plenty of uncertainties for the future. Who will be the quarterback? What will the defense look like? They are losing some important pieces, but they made a great move in getting Charlotte transfer Elijah Spencer. In 2022, Spencer caught 57 passes for 943 yards and nine touchdowns. The Gophers are getting a young pass catcher with plenty of potential, and one that has proved that he can produce. We’ll see if he can do the same at the P5 level.
Nebraska – MJ Sherman
Although MJ Sherman didn’t get much playing time at Georgia, the talent there is undeniable. He was rated as the number 32 overall player in the 2020 class, and he will be entering his senior season. Matt Rhule and Nebraska could desperately use some elite defensive linemen, so we’ll see if Sherman pans out. He has an extremely high ceiling.
Northwestern – Camron Johnson
Northwestern had a rough season last year, with their lone win coming against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in week zero. This was largely due to their lack of offensive firepower. They had number two Ohio State on the ropes in Evanston, but the difference maker was that they couldn’t get the points when they needed them. Camron Johnson, a wide receiver transfer from Arizona State, has an opportunity to come in and give the Wildcats some new life. He hasn’t been extremely productive at Arizona State, but when you consider the coaching carousel that has been going on in Tempe, it starts to make more sense. Johnson could make a difference for the Wildcats in 2023 in his final year of play.
Ohio State – Ja’Had Carter
Ohio State’s defense isn’t quite what it used to be, but Buckeye fans are hoping that Jim Knowles will turn it around. Ja’Had Carter will be a massive part of building up the secondary in Columbus. The ballyhooed safety totaled 35 tackles, three interceptions, as well as three pass deflections for Syracuse this past season. He earned second-team All-ACC honors as well. Carter should be an immediate impact player for Ohio State this coming season.
Penn State – Dante Cephas
Dante Cephas was one of the most coveted receivers in the portal this cycle, and for good reason. In the past two seasons at Kent State, he’s racked up almost 2,000 yards, as well as 12 touchdowns. Cephas will be a large piece in this Penn State offense and will be a great target for whoever ends up starting for the Nittany Lions at quarterback come 2023.
Purdue – Hudson Card
After a career at Texas that never really panned out, QB Hudson Card decided to transfer to Purdue. The former Lake Travis standout threw for 11 touchdowns and two interceptions in his career at Texas. He has a ton of talent, but never really got the opportunity to shine in Austin. A change of scenery should be beneficial for him, especially with Drew Brees coaching him up. Big get for Purdue as they likely got their QB1 of the future.
Rutgers – Michael Dixon
Michael Dixon had a solid year at Minnesota last season, tallying 28 tackles and three deflections at the safety position. He decided to transfer to Rutgers, where I believe he could be an immediate impact player for the Scarlet Knights. They need help all over the field, and Dixon brings a “steady hand” to the secondary so to speak.
Wisconsin – Tanner Mordecai
Luke Fickell needed a quarterback to kickstart his run at Wisconsin. He got a great player in Tanner Mordecai. Mordecai has thrown for over 7,000 yards and 72 touchdowns over the past two years at SMU. In a game against Houston, he managed to rack up over 400 yards and ten total touchdowns to lead the Pony Express to a 77-63 victory. He was rated as the No. 11 Dual Threat QB in the 2018 class. He brings a lot of valuable game experience to the table for the Badgers, and has the talent to get the job done in 2023.
