College football has its own free agency, NIL and Transfer Portal have created the wild-wild west. Lets take a look at transfers who will make the most impact as soon as they hit the field
1. QB Dillon Gabriel – Oregon
The top two are very close in my opinion, but I have to give the edge to Dillon Gabriel. The offense in Eugene is perfect for a gun-slinger like Gabriel. We saw Bo Nix thrive last season and ascend into one of the nations top Quarterbacks. I expect the same from the former Oklahoma and UCF signal-caller, who threw for 3,660 yards along with 30 TDs and only 6 INTs. Dan Lanning has another explosive group for Gabriel to work with, I expect them to compete for Big Ten championship and Gabriel being a huge reason why.
2. QB Will Howard – Ohio State
Second on my list is new Ohio State quarterback Will Howard. Ohio State heads into 2024 season as one of the favorites to win the National Championship and Howard has the arm talent and experience to get them there. Coming off a successful season leading Kansas State to an Big 12 Championship and a top 20 AP poll finish last season, Howard threw for over 2,600 yards with 24 TDs and 10 INTs. A clear upgrade over Kyle McCord last season, Howard has proven he can win the big games and even use his legs when needed. McCord’s numbers were better throwing the ball, but you must consider who he was throwing the ball to. Howard will have more weapons to use this season with pieces like Jeremiah Smith, Emeka Egbuka, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins. Howard also ran for over 350 yards last season. Just what the Buckeyes needed in a huge season for Ryan day.
3. S/RB Caleb Downs – Ohio State
Next up is Ohio State DB Caleb Downs. He is transferring in from Alabama where he had 107 tackles and 2 Interceptions and was named SEC freshman of the year. He very well could be the best DB in the Big Ten this season. Downs earned All-American accolades from many publications. He is a freak athlete in the secondary who can handle bigger receivers and is fast enough to cover in the slot. The Georgia native stands 6’0, 205 pounds, he has everything you could want in a defensive back, and possibly as a running back too?
Alabama true freshman Caleb Downs (@caleb_downs2) this season:
– 99 total tackles
– 2 INT
– Forced Fumble
– 3 PDBama has a STUD. Excited to see more of him in the college football playoffs. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Qfm90RcLyt
— College Football Alerts (@CFBAlerts_) December 7, 2023
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4. QB Will Rogers – Washington
Last season was riddled with injuries for Will Rogers, which lead to a career low in passing yards. Coaching turmoil and dysfunction didn’t help matters. With a fresh start in Seattle and new Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch’s exciting offense, Rogers should be right at home. Do not get it twisted on how talented Rogers is. He has thrown for over 11,000 yards over his career, including two seasons over 3,900 yards and 35 TDs (2021 and 2022). Making the national title game is a long shot but staying relevant and inside the top 25 is attainable with Rogers at helm.
5. WR Zakhari Franklin – Illinois
Illinois wide receiver Zakhari Franklin finishes off the hot list. That may come as a surprise to quite a few reading this, but make no mistake, Franklin is an electric-dynamic play maker with the ball. A fun watch, I would highly recommend taking five minutes and watching his highlights from UTSA. Franklin will bring some of the best hands in the country along with someone who cant help but find the end zone.
It's Army week! it was just last year when #UTSA legend Zakhari Franklin went off for 122 yards and 2 TDs! Here's a few highlights from that outstanding performance. #UTSAvsArmy pic.twitter.com/DG91J54YLk
— Paisano Sports (@paisano_sports) September 11, 2023
He played three games for Ole Miss last season and caught four passes due to injury for most of the season. Of course, one of those was a touchdown. His previous two seasons at UTSA, his offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. Lunney has been at Illinois the past 3 seasons. Franklin during 2021 and 2022 caught 174 passes and had over 80 catches in both seasons along with back to back 1,000 receiving yard totals and (15 and 12) TDs. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer needed a major weapon to help replace first team All Big Ten Wide out Isaiah Williams. Franklin is a name many team around the league better game plan for. Major damage incoming with the reuniting duo of Coach Lunney and Franklin.
Honorable Mentions
WR Elijah Surratt – Indiana
- Needs a quarterback who can help him Produce like he did at James Madison. Wideouts only go as far as their Quarterback allows them.
QB Tyler Van Dyke – Wisconsin
- Which version of Van Dyke will show up? Tons of talent but sporadic at best. Will have nice weapons to target in Madison.
RB Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State
- An absolute stud at Ole Miss last season. Won’t be RB1 in Columbus, but with a split backfield he should still make a major impact.
