Grayson McCall, Ali Jennings, Austin Reed Lead 10 Best Group of 5 Players in the Transfer Portal

Each year, there are Group of 5 players who make a name for themself and transfers to a better school. Last year, players like Dillon Gabriel and Jacob Cowing made a name for themselves at UCF and UTEP, then moved to Oklahoma and Arizona via the transfer portal while continuing to be great. So, who's next?

(Editor's Note: this article was updated to include Grayson McCall shortly after initial publication once he entered the portal)

1. Grayson McCall

QB, Coastal Carolina

2022 Stats: 2,633 yards, 24 TDs, 2 INTs, 173.1 RTG, 69.1%

Upon entering the transfer portal, McCall immediately became not only the top Group of 5 quarterback available, but arguably the best quarterback available full stop. McCall set the NCAA record for passing efficiency in 2021, and has always taken care of the ball better than anyone. In his career, he has 78 touchdowns to only eight interceptions. He's going to have the pick of the litter for landing spots.

2. Austin Reed 

QB, Western Kentucky

2022 Stats: 4,247 Yards, 36 TDs, 10 INTs, 147.8 RTG, 64.5 COMP%

The 2-time transfer picked up where Bailey Zappe left off last year. While he didn’t break records like Zappe, he still was a great quarterback in the Hilltoppers' air raid scheme. He’s been rumored to Louisville, where he could stay in state and run a similar offense for Jeff Brohm.

3. Ali Jennings III

WR, Old Dominion

2022 Stats: 54 Receptions, 959 Yards, 9 TDs

Jennings had another excellent year for an otherwise bad Old Dominion offense. The 6-2 196-pound receiver started his career at West Virginia before moving to the Monarchs. Now, he’s back in the portal with one year of eligibility to give an elite wide receiver to a team who needs it. Coach Prime and Colorado have jumped out early, but he's very much a hot commodity who will have plenty of options.

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4. Grant DuBose 

WR, Charlotte 

2022 Stats: 64 Receptions, 792 Yards, 9 TDs

Like Jennings, DuBose transferred into a Sun Belt team, had a huge year, and re-entered the portal with one more year of eligibility. DuBose started his career at Miles College, a DII school in Alabama. DuBose has been rumored to go to his home state school Auburn, but he hasn’t committed yet. 

5. Rivaldo Fairweather

TE, FIU

2022 Stats: 28 Receptions, 426 Yards, 3 TDs

While his stats are not eye-opening, he still managed to finish second in receiving yards and touchdowns for the Golden Panthers. He has a solid size and is a good blocker too. He already has interest from schools like Auburn, Maryland, and UCLA. 

6. Jeremiah Byers 

OT , UTEP

2022 Stats: 12 starts, 1 sack allowed in 444 pass blocking snaps

Byers started every game in the last two years for the miners, with more experience in the past. Last year, he was first-team All-CUSA. Byers already has offers from Oregon and Oklahoma, and more will be on the way. 

7. Willie Lampkin 

C , Coastal Carolina

2022 Stats: 12 starts, 1 sack allowed in 424 pass blocking snaps

Willie Lampkin came to Coastal Carolina as a true freshman and immediately started. He was a freshman All-American and second-team All-Sun Belt. He was second-team again in 2021 before becoming a first-team All-Sun Belt in 2022. Lampkin has experience at both center and guard, making him versatile for whatever team he chooses. 

8. Braden Fiske 

DT, Western Michigan

2022 Stats: 59 Tackles, 6 Sacks, 3 PBU, 3 FF, 1 FR

A big, talented defensive tackle would be an excellent run-stuffer for any team. The 2022 first-team All-MAC has plenty of experience and can provide an immediate impact on a team who needs him.

9. Antonio Grier

LB, USF

2022 Stats: 21 Tackles

Grier was expected to be the best player for USF's defense and had a solid start to the season before his season unexpectedly ended. Grier’s father unfortunately died, and he sat out the rest of the year. After entering the portal, Grier hopes to return to his 2021 form, where he tallied 92 tackles with two interceptions. 

10. JQ Hardaway 

DB, Cincinnatti

2022 Stats: 8 Tackles, 1 Sack

It’s rare for a 4-star cornerback from Alabama to leave the south, much less travel to a Group of 5 team from Ohio. However, Cincinnati has developed elite cornerbacks such as Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant; and made the playoff in 2021. Expect him to transfer back to the south and use his elite size for a different school.

Honorable Mention: Tywan Francis

S, Colorado State

2022 Stats: 32 Tackles, 2 PBU

Francis only played in four games in 2022 before leaving his 0-4 Rams to keep his final year of eligibility and transfer. Francis has already played five years of football and will give plenty of experience in the safety position to a team who needs it.