1. Sam Hartman (Wake Forest to Notre Dame)
The skinny: It is not very often that a quarterback with Hartman’s accomplishments becomes available in the transfer portal. Leaving Wake as the ACC all-time leader in touchdown passes (110), while also currently being ranked 18th in college football history in passing yards (12,967), Hartman’s arrival in South Bend immediately makes the Irish a threat heading into the 2023 season. Already returning a talented group of wide receivers, along with a strong running attack, the Irish now have a very complete offense that should prosper.
2. Tanner Mordecai (SMU to Wisconsin)
The skinny: Graham Mertz was supposed to be the quarterback answer in Madison, but that did not progress the way many expected. With him transferring to Florida, the Badgers added Mordecai, a veteran signal-caller who has proven his abilities while with the Mustangs. Long considered a power-running team, which they likely still will be with the return of star running back Braelon Allen, Mordecai gives Wisconsin a passing dimension that has not been seen in Madison in years.
3. Devin Leary (NC State to Kentucky)
Skinny: With Will Levis taking his talents to the NFL as a likely top 10 pick, how would Kentucky respond? They did so successfully by adding Leary, one of the top available quarterbacks in this transfer cycle. The Wildcats return an extremely impressive group of young wide receivers, who should continue to prosper with Leary now in control of the offense. Also, adding Leary should keep Kentucky in the upper half of the always challenging SEC.
4. Brennan Armstrong (Virginia to NC State)
Skinny: After losing Leary to Kentucky, NC State rebounded by grabbing Armstrong from Virginia. This addition has a couple of question marks though, as Armstrong’s performance in 2022 left much to be desired. So are the Wolfpack getting the 2021 version of Armstrong who passed for 4,449 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions or the 2022 version who passes for 2,210 yards, seven touchdowns and 12 interceptions? The answer will likely be somewhere in the middle, which could make the Wolfpack a dark horse contender in the ACC this fall.
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5. DJ Uiagalelei (Clemson to Oregon State)
Skinny: Arriving in Death Valley with an extremely high level of expectations, Uiagalelei was never able to sufficiently meet those. However, for Oregon State he might be exactly what they need. The Beavers enjoyed a surprisingly successful 10-3 season in 2022, despite finishing last during PAC-12 conference play in passing yards, passing yards per game and passing touchdowns. Now they return most of their offense and add Uiagalelei, who won’t be expected to be the savior, but can lead the Beavers to another big season in 2023.
