By Mark Pszonak
With thousands of players transferring during the winter window, it is easy to lose track of all the movement. It is also easy for some of the transfers to slip under-the-radar. Here are five in the Big Ten that should have received more attention and are in line for a big 2025 season:
1. QB Preston Stone – Northwestern (SMU)
While the 2024 season was memorable for SMU, it did not go well for Stone, who lost the starting job to Kevin Jennings. Because of that, it is easy to forget that Stone had an extremely impressive 2023 season at SMU with 3,197 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions. Considering Northwestern’s recent lackluster quarterback play and the Wildcats’ style of offense, Stone has the potential to be the perfect addition in Evanston to try and rejuvenate the passing attack.
2. QB Joey Aguilar – UCLA (Appalachian State)
Aguilar started his collegiate career at a JUCO before playing the last two seasons at Appalachian State where he passed for 6,760 yards, 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions. He also adds some dual-threat ability to the position as demonstrated with the 452 yards and five touchdowns rushing he had with the Mountaineers. While his interception totals are a concern, he is a veteran who will bring some excitement to a Bruins offense that desperately needs a spark.
3. DE Eric O’Neill – Rutgers (James Madison)
Having made two straight bowl games, Rutgers seems to have stabilized itself once again under the leadership of head coach Greg Schiano. However, one glaring weakness has been the pass rush, which is where O’Neill should help. O’Neill started at FCS LIU, before transferring to James Madison, where he dominated during his one season with 52 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. An improved pass rush would go a long way in further solidifying the entire Rutgers defense.
4. WR Omari Kelly – Michigan State (Middle Tennessee State)
The Spartans have returning talent at receiver, especially with Nick Marsh and Alante Brown, but the addition of Kelly further solidifies the position. After starting his collegiate career at Auburn, Kelly excelled during his one season at Middle Tennessee State with 53 receptions for 869 yards and four touchdowns. The goal was to surround quarterback Aidan Chiles with as much talent as possible, with Kelly being an important veteran addition to that plan.
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5. DE Rushawn Lawrence – Minnesota (Stony Brook)
Minnesota has already had their fair share of success with FCS transfers, so the hope is that Lawrence will be next. Just in the last two seasons, defensive backs Jack Henderson (Southeastern Louisiana), Tre’Von Jones (Elon) and Ethan Robinson (Bucknell), and quarterback Max Brosmer (New Hampshire) have been major contributors. Lawrence enjoyed his best collegiate season in 2024, when he finished with 42 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
