Michigan and Florida State top list of successful portal schools

Which schools have had the most success in the transfer portal to this point?

Author:
Mark Pszonak
Publish date:
Dec 23, 2022

Which schools have had the most success in the transfer portal to this point?

Michigan

The Wolverines were rather quiet during last year’s portal cycle so expectations were similar this year. However, the reality has been much different. Being more aggressive, Michigan has added several pieces which should immediately help them maintain their current high-level of play. Headlining the group is Coastal Carolina defensive end Josaiah Stewart, who chose Michigan over LSU and USC. In two seasons at Coastal, he totaled 79 tackles, 26 tackles for a loss and 16.5 tackles for a loss. The Wolverines further strengthened their defense by adding Nebraska’s Ernest Hausmann, who was one of the top true freshman linebackers in the country this fall with 54 tackles and two tackles for a loss. On offense, the focus was the line, which was quickly bolstered by the additions of Stanford’s Myles Hinton and Drake Nugent and Arizona State’s LaDarius Henderson.

Florida State

Unlike Michigan, the Seminoles were very aggressive in the portal last year and have continued that trend now. Grabbing the tight end duo of Jaheim Bell (South Carolina) and Kyle Morlock (D2 Shorter) was a fantastic recruiting job by the staff. Bell was a known commodity, while Morlock quickly became one of the more wanted players in the portal despite playing Division 2 football. Florida State also had several holes to fill on the offensive line and answered that need by adding Jeremiah Byers (UTEP), Keiondre Jones (Auburn) and Casey Roddick (Colorado) who should all be valuable pieces in 2023. On defense, adding Darrell Jackson (Miami-Florida) was an important get, as the interior lineman is just beginning to reach his potential and should flourish in Tallahassee.

Nov 19, 2022; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jaheim Bell (0) stiff-arms Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Christian Charles (14) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium.
© Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

LSU

The Tigers started rather quietly, but then quickly began to make noise with three defensive line commitments in one afternoon. Paris Shand (Arizona), Bradyn Swinson (Oregon) and Jalen Lee (Florida) will all add depth and talent to the position, which was then further bolstered by adding Jordan Jefferson (West Virginia) on Friday morning. The Tigers also added two commitments from 2022 five-stars. First was wide receiver Aaron Anderson (Alabama), who played his high school football in New Orleans, and then yesterday Denver Harris (Texas A&M) committed. With cornerback still being a position of need, the Tigers also added FCS All-American Zy Alexander (Southeastern Louisiana).

Oregon

The Ducks have already added important talent on both sides of the ball through the portal. Offensively, the line was bolstered with the additions of Junior Angilau (Texas), who had 34 career starts with the Longhorns, and Ajani Cornelius (Rhode Island), who was one of the more sought-after FCS players in the portal. He chose the Ducks over Ohio State, Tennessee, and Nebraska. Wide receiver Traeshon Holden (Alabama) also adds another weapon for the offense. Defensively, linebacker Jestin Jacobs (Iowa) and defensive back Khyree Jackson (Alabama) will bring talent and a veteran presence to the unit.

USC

The Trojans were extremely aggressive in the portal last year and as expected, have continued to do the same during this cycle. The priority has been defense, and the additions will be expected to contribute immediately. Linebackers Mason Cobb (Oklahoma State) and Jamil Muhammad (Georgia State), defensive lineman Kyon Barrs (Arizona) and defensive back Christian Roland-Wallace (Arizona) are all coming off their best collegiate seasons. On offense, Dorian Singer (Arizona) led the PAC-12 in receiving yards, which included 141 yards and three touchdowns against the Trojans this season.

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Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have added several players who were extremely productive at their previous schools. Staying in-state were Tulsa’s linebacker Justin Wright and defensive end Anthony Goodlow, who combined for 145 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks during the 2022 season. On offense, Dalton Cooper (Texas State) was a Sun Belt All-Conference performer, running back Sean Tyler (Western Michigan) rushed for 2,830 yards during his time with the Broncos and wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (Washington State) had 10 touchdown receptions during his two seasons with the Cougars.

Kentucky

The Wildcats were looking for a quarterback to replace Will Levis and responded by adding arguably the top available player at the position with Devin Leary (NC State). That alone would have made their portal experience a success during this cycle, but they have added several other nice pieces. The secondary will happily welcome Jantzen Dunn (Ohio State) and JQ Hardaway (Cincinnati), the offensive line added Tanner Bowles (Alabama) and Marques Cox (Northern Illinois), who should be key contributors in 2023, and running back Re’Mahn Davis (Vanderbilt) brings plenty of experience to the position.

Oct 8, 2022; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary (13) throws a pass during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at Carter-Finley Stadium.
© Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington

The Huskies have efficiently taken care of several needs during the early stages of the portal cycle. Defensively, cornerback Jabbar Muhammad (Oklahoma State) has the potential to be an immediate starter, linebacker Ralen Goforth (USC) and defensive lineman Joe Moore (Arizona State) will add valuable depth while defensive end Zach Durfree from D2 Sioux Falls was one of the more intriguing small school players available. Offensively, the Huskies dove into the FCS ranks to grab one of the top available tight ends, Josh Cuevas (Cal Poly), and then picked up exciting running back Daniyel Ngata (Arizona State), which will bolster the position.

North Carolina

Hoping to add some experience to the secondary, the Tar Heels brought in Armani Chatman (Virginia Tech) and Derrik Allen (Georgia Tech). The two ACC veterans have combined to play 80 games. More help was also brought in with the addition of FCS All-American Alijah Huzzie (East Tennessee State). Offensively, wide receiver Devontez Walker (Kent State) should immediately become a major weapon for quarterback Drake Maye, while offensive lineman Willie Lampkin (Coastal Carolina) is a powerful, talented veteran. North Carolina also brought in a talented kicker with Cincinnati’s Ryan Coe.

Sep 24, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes wide receiver Devontez Walker (81) catches a pass in front of Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Javon Bullard (22) during the second half at Sanford Stadium.
© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma

The Sooners haven’t been abundantly busy to this point, but their additions have been significant. They added Notre Dame transfer defensive lineman Jacob Lacey before the portal officially re-opened, which was an important get at the position. Next, they immediately made linebacker Dasan McCullough (Indiana) a priority when he entered the portal and quickly picked up a commitment after his official visit. McCullough flashed signs of being a future star during his true freshman season with the Hoosiers. They then added defensive back Reggie Pearson (Texas Tech) on Thursday, in what could prove to be a vital addition for the 2023 season. Offensively, they welcomed back tight end Austin Stogner (South Carolina), who enjoyed his best seasons in Norman.