5 Most Important Portal Additions for the 2023 Season: Big 12

More than 1,000 FBS players have changed schools during this transfer cycle, but which will be the most important during the 2023 season? Here is the answer in the Big 12.

Author:
Mark Pszonak
Publish date:
Mar 29, 2023

More than 1,000 FBS players have changed schools during this transfer cycle, but which will be the most important during the 2023 season? Here is the answer in the Big 12.

LB Dasan McCullough – Oklahoma (Indiana)

The skinny: Defense was once again a liability in Norman, and the Sooners responded by adding one of the top true freshman linebackers available in the transfer portal. McCullough flashed signs of future stardom this fall at Indiana with 49 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks, while being brought along slowly in Bloomington. Expect that tactic to change in Norman, which should lead to a big season this fall.

RB Trey Sanders – TCU (Alabama)

The skinny: While the former five-star’s time in Alabama was disappointing, mostly due to injuries, his arrival in Fort Worth was a huge addition for the Horned Frogs. With both leading rushers from 2022, Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado, moving on, Sanders will be given every opportunity to be a huge part of this season’s offense. While he will have to beat out Emani Bailey and Trent Battle, his performance during the spring has been very positive to this point. Even if he starts the season sharing carries, look for him to lead the pack by the conclusion.

Sep 17, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trey Sanders (6) runs the ball against the UL Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 63-7.
© Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

RB Treshaun Ward – Kansas State (Florida State)

The skinny: The Wildcats knew that they needed to find a replacement for star back Deuce Vaughn, who is on his way to the NFL. While it will be difficult for any single back to replace Vaughn, Ward possesses a skillset that should make the transition a bit smoother. Having rushed for 1,143 yards and 11 touchdowns during his last two seasons at Florida State while splitting carries, the backfield limelight will be solely on him in Manhattan this fall.

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OL Amari Kight – UCF (Alabama)

The skinny: With their anticipated move to the Big 12 only months away, the Knights wanted to strengthen their offensive line. Adding Kight, possibly for two seasons, will go a long way in accomplishing this. Capable of playing either tackle spot, he was a back-up with the Tide, but impressed during his limited time on the field. Now he will be able to showcase all of his skills while being a vital part of the Knights’ offense.

Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Amari Kight (78) against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

WR AD Mitchell – Texas (Georgia

The skinny: Texas was not overly aggressive in the portal, but they did add a few important pieces. The most important of these is Mitchell, who has the chance to become the top receiver in Austin this fall. He has impressed since arriving during the winter and has already established a connection with quarterback Quinn Ewers. Mitchell’s addition is also important with wide receiver Isaiah Neyor recovering from last year’s knee injury. This gives the Longhorns some insurance in case it takes Neyor a bit of time to get back to 100%.