By Mark Pszonak
In today’s Fact or Fiction – Portal Edition – I look at three more transfer topics and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or FICTION.
Miami finally hit a home run in the portal
Mark’s take: FACT
Mario Cristobal has never been bashful in the portal, but his success rate has been rather disappointing. However, his additions during the 2023/2024 have changed that pattern. Quarterback Cam Ward’s arrival received the most attention, and has not disappointed, but several other players have shined through two games. Damien Martinez is the leading running back (156 yards, 1 TD), Sam Brown (7 rec, 54 yards) has contributed to an already impressive wide receiver group and Mishael Powell has helped solidify the secondary. Aside from Ward, the most important addition so far has been DE Tyler Baron, who has been dominant with eight tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Optimism is back in Coral Gables.
Florida State transfers will help turn their season around
Mark’s take: FICTION
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Everyone knew that FSU would have to reload after last season, and they partially did so by signing 17 transfers. But those 17 transfers haven’t made much of an impact to this point and I don’t see that changing in the coming weeks. It’s easy to critique QB DJ Uiagalelei, but many others have also disappointed. It’s actually more difficult to find transfers who have impressed through two games. LB Cam Riley has been productive, OL Richie Leonard IV started both games, the WR duo of Malik Benson and Jalen Brown have potential and RB Roydell Williams has contributed on the ground and through the air. RB Jaylin Lucas also flashed in limited time, but it was announced this week that he will miss the remainder of the season with an injury. Not much has worked for the Seminoles through two games and the transfers aren’t helping the situation.
Michigan should have added a transfer quarterback
Mark’s take: FACT
This one is a layup. It is difficult to understand how the Wolverines went into this season with Davis Warren and Alex Orji and felt comfortable. They were in a position to add basically anyone they wanted through the portal after winning a National Championship and instead did nothing. It’s a long season with plenty of games remaining, but I don’t see how the Wolverines won’t be regretting that decision.
