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UCF, Michigan State Lead Surprisingly Strong Portal Classes

UCF and Michigan State, among others are teams with surprisingly strong transfer portal classes

Mike Farrell| May 29, 2024 (Updated: July 24, 2025)
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Sep 30
Sep 30

Surprisingly good portal classes this cycle…


1. UCF

— While Gus Malzahn had his issues here and there recruiting at Auburn, the guy can win some battles as well. It’s a large class, maybe too large, but a top 25 portal class with improved high school recruiting has UCF a team to keep an eye on.

Nov 19, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the second half against the Navy Midshipmen at FBC Mortgage Stadium.

2. Michigan State

— Jonathan Smith is a fish out of water in high school recruiting so that will take some time but his portal class, led by former Oregon State stars QB Aidan Chiles and TE Jack Velling as well as some Big Ten transfers like OL Andrew Dennis have him in good shape.

Oregon State TE Jack Velling gains yardage against the UCLA Bruins.

3. TCU

— Sonny Dykes is having his second straight solid portal cycle. There aren’t any huge names but there is some real quality here from programs like Alabama, Cal, Notre Dame, and others.

Sep 2, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs head coach Sonny Dykes stands on the field before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

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4. Cal

— A top-15 portal class with a nice mix of players from big schools and some Group of Five absolute sleepers. They could surprise some in the ACC.

Nov 19, 2022; Berkeley, California, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox gestures while talking to the referees during the second quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium.

5. South Carolina

— Rocket Sanders leads a solid group and a top-15 class in a huge year for Shane Beamer. The defensive additions are huge but did he fix the OL enough?

Oct 1, 2022; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim
Category: News, PortalTag: Aidan Chiles, Andrew Dennis, Cal Golden Bears, Gus Malzahn, Jack Velling, Mike Farrell, Raheim Sanders, Shane Beamer, Sonny Dykes, South Carolina Gamecocks, TCU horned frogs
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