Spring Transfer Portal: Top 5 Under-the-Radar Additions

WR Jyaire Shorter (North Texas to Auburn)

The skinny: Auburn has lacked a big play threat in the receiving game recently, but new head coach Hugh Freeze answered that concern with the addition of Shorter. Having totaled 58 receptions for 1,320 yards and 20 touchdowns during his time with North Texas, he is coming off his best collegiate season in 2022 with 23 receptions for 628 yards and 11 touchdowns. After averaging 27.3 yards per receptions last season, he should become an immediate threat in the Tigers’ offense.

QB Ben Bryant (Cincinnati to Northwestern)

The skinny: Having gone 4-20 over the last two seasons, the Wildcats desperately needed an offensive jolt after their top quarterback, Ryan Hilinski, passed for a combined 2,622 yards during this time. Bryant arrives after passing for 2,732 yards last season, to go along with 21 touchdowns. While there are other concerns with the Wildcats’ offense, having Bryant is one major answer.

Nov 19, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Ben Bryant (6) passes the ball against the Temple Owls during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

LB Daveren Rayner (Northern Illinois to Kentucky)

The skinny: With some lingering questions lingering at the inside linebacker position after the conclusion of spring practice, Kentucky responded by adding Rayner. He will add immediate depth at the position coming off his best collegiate season with 71 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks, while also adding experience after being a multi-season starter at Northern Illinois.

WR Corey Gammage (Marshall to Purdue)

The skinny: With new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell’s air raid offense being installed in West Lafayette, adding an experienced wide receiver like Gammage could go a long way in taking the unit to the next level. Arriving with 178 receptions for 2,239 yards and 13 touchdowns during his career at Marshall, his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame will also give new quarterback Hudson Card a larger target in the red zone.

Sep 10, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Corey Gammage (7) catches a pass in front of Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Clarence Lewis (6) in the second quarter at Notre Dame Stadium.

DB Anthony Wilson (Georgia Southern to West Virginia)

The skinny: Wilson is a big addition for West Virginia, as he adds experience, production and versatility to the secondary. While he was a big part of the Georgia Southern defense during his three seasons, he was especially productive in 2022 with 101 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception and five pass breakups. Expect Wilson to see time at free safety and strong safety this fall.