By Mark Pszonak
With the transfer portal quieting down a bit, here is a look at the 10 most important offensive transfers who signed with new schools this winter:
1. QB John Mateer – Oklahoma (Washington State)
All eyes will be on Norman to see if Mateer can bring the magic he had in Pullman to the SEC. Head coach Brent Venables future also likely depends on Mateer’s level of success in 2025.
2. WR Kevin Concepcion – Texas A&M (NC State)
Concepcion may have had a bit of a down sophomore season, but his dynamic playmaking abilities should be on full display next season in College Station.
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3. RB Makhi Hughes – Oregon (Tulane)
Oregon had to reload their offensive playmakers, with Hughes being the biggest addition. Having rushed for 2,779 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons with the Green Wave, he will quickly become a star in the Big Ten.
4. QB Fernando Mendoza – Indiana (Cal)
Everyone will be curious to see if head coach Curt Cignetti can keep the Hoosiers in the upper tier of the Big Ten in 2025. If he does, Mendoza will be a huge part of that.
5. WR Barion Brown – LSU (Kentucky)
Brown was always close to becoming a star in Lexington but it never came together consistently. Will it happen in Baton Rouge with quarterback Garrett Nussmeier?
6. QB Miller Moss – Louisville (USC)
Moss flashed occasional brilliance with the Trojans, but at the end of the day it didn’t work out. The Cardinals hope it does in 2025, because in an open ACC, a top-level Moss performance would lead to a huge season.
7. RB Justice Haynes – Michigan (Alabama)
While Haynes only had 104 rushing attempts in two seasons with Alabama, expect him to be the workhorse the offense needs in 2025 with the Wolverines.
8. WR Zachariah Branch – Georgia (USC)
The Georgia offense was missing dynamic playmakers in the passing game, which Branch should help immediately. Expect the Bulldogs to be creative in how they get him the ball next season.
9. TE Max Klare – Ohio State (Purdue)
The Ohio State offense has consistently produced top-level NFL wide receivers in recent years, but it also does a good job utilizing the tight end. Adding a player of Klare’s ability will improve the passing game even further
10. RB Ahmad Hardy – Missouri (Louisiana-Monroe)
The Tigers did a fantastic job getting Hardy, who slid under some people’s radars having played for Louisiana-Monroe. He rushed for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns as a true freshman this season, and shouldn’t have any problems adjusting to the SEC.
