QB Caleb Williams – USC
The skinny: The most obvious one on the list. As the returning Heisman Trophy winner, all eyes will be on Williams to see if he can improve on his 4,537-yard, 42 touchdown 2022 season.
DE Jared Verse – Florida State
The skinny: His return to Tallahassee came as a surprise to many and will prove a huge boost to the 2023 Seminoles’ defense. With 17 tackles for a loss and nine sacks in his first season at Florida State, he should be an All-American this season.
QB Michael Penix – Washington
The skinny: There were some questions about Penix leading into the 2022 season, but they were quickly answered as he finished with 4,641 yards and 31 passes. Now with raised expectations, will he be able to continue this high level of play?
QB Bo Nix – Oregon
The skinny: Nix’s season was a bit dampened at the conclusion due to an injury, but he still excelled throughout with 3,593 yards and 29 touchdowns passing, plus 510 yards and 14 touchdowns rushing. A healthy Nix immediately makes Oregon a threat in the PAC-12.
LB Laiatu Latu – UCLA
The skinny: Latu’s accomplishments seem to have slid under-the-radar by many, but after finishing the 2022 season with 12.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, he returns as one of the top defensive players in the PAC-12.
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QB Austin Reed – Western Kentucky
The skinny: Reed re-entered the transfer portal after the 2022 season, but then decided that his best option was the return to Western Kentucky. And it is hard to argue with that decision since he passed for 4,746 yards and 40 touchdowns during his first season with the Hilltoppers.
WR Jacob Cowing – Arizona
The skinny: Teaming up with fellow transfer, quarterback Jayden de Laura, Cowing finished his first season at Arizona with 85 receptions for 1,034 yards and seven touchdowns. With both returning, their connection should be even stronger in 2023.
LB Jason Johnson – UCF
The skinny: As with many FCS transfers, expectations were tempered when he arrived in Orlando. However, he quickly proved that he belongs at the FBS level with 126 tackles, four tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.
WR Tory Horton – Colorado State
The skinny: The Rams had a disappointing 3-9 season in 2022, but Horton still shined with 71 receptions for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His accomplishments are even more impressive considering Colorado State finished as the third-worst offensive team in the nation.
RB Bucky Irving – Oregon
The skinny: While he split carries with fellow transfer running back Noah Whittington, Irving still managed to rush for 1,058 yards and five touchdowns last season. He also added 31 receptions for 299 yards and three touchdowns.
