It feels like yesterday when the winter transfer portal was opening, but now the spring transfer portal has also closed. This means that no more players can enter their names, and they must stick it out with their respective programs. Players who are still in the portal can commit to new teams. The SEC has been highly active as arguably the strongest and deepest conference in college football.
Recruiting is still a huge part of college football, but the transfer portal has changed how programs build a roster. Adding players with experience in big games and conferences can be the difference between making the playoff run or just missing out.
Predicting how teams rank regarding the transfer portal is not easy, as it is all projection-based. Even some of the best players can be added to the team, and it may not work out. Ole Miss said a whole bunch of talent for the 2024 season, and despite having a relatively good season, it was not enough to make the playoffs.
We had a good go at ranking how the SEC teams did during both transfer portals heading into fall camp. Several teams look in a good spot to challenge for the SEC title.
The Tennessee team looked in decent shape until the departure of starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava in the spring portal. He headed to UCLA, with Joey Aguilar heading the other way after only transferring to the Bruins in the winter portal. Aguilar is a step down from Iamaleava, but maybe Josh Heupel can get more out of him. Aside from that, the Volunteers did not add much else, with mainly three-star players.
Florida did not add much from the transfer portal, just six additions, while losing some key names. Defensive end Jack Pyburn and Cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson transferred to LSU, causing significant losses for the team. However, the Gators will bring in freshmen and sophomores, being a team that makes significant additions via recruiting. J. Michael Sturdivant is an experienced wide receiver and Florida's best pickup in the portal.
The Bulldogs have lost a ton, meaning Jeff Lebby had to bring in over 30 new faces from the transfer portal. They brought in quarterback Luke Kromenhoek and running back Fluff Bothwell on the offense, adding defensive tackle Redd Hibbler from NC State to bolster the trenches. However, they don't look like the additions have made them better for the 2025 season.
Kentucky lost its two best wide receivers, Baron Brown and Dane Key, but the Wildcats did not get the best out of them during their time there. However, they have brought in some at receiver and other positions. Alabama wide receiver Kendrick Law and Washington State defensive lineman David Gusta were two of seven four-star transfers. Mark Stoops has done a good job bringing in a good portal class.
After a mixed bag in 2024, Arkansas saw a huge chunk of its top players hit the portal, with many of them transferring to Ole Miss, including starting tight end Luke Hasz. They might have lost more than they have gained, but they did bring in some exciting players. Corneback Julian Neal, wide receiver O'Mega Blake, and tight end Jaden Platt all offer playmaking ability for the Razorbacks.
Heading into his second season, Kalen DeBoer continues to focus more on recruiting, but did bring in some solid portal players. Isaiah Horton, Nikhai Hill-Green, and Kelby Collins add something to the roster for 2025. They lost several players, including Caleb Odom and Justice Haynes, but none as significant as safety Devonta Smith, who transferred to Notre Dame.
Vanderbilt has done some good work for a team with restrictions when bringing in recruits and transfer portal players. Alabama edge Keanu Koht is a considerable addition, with Vandy beating out several top schools for his signing. They strengthened their offensive line, headlined by Liberty transfer Jordan White.
The SEC Championship game losers did not have to do too much to strengthen their roster, but the areas that needed addressing have been addressed. Losing tight end Gunnar Helm to the NFL, they grabbed a solid replacement in Jack Endries, a Cal transfer. Emmett Mosley V, Cole Brevard, and Hero Kanu bring upside for the Longhorns.
South Carolina is another SEC team that focuses more on recruiting, but does bring in some good transfer players when the opportunity arises. NC State transfer cornerback Brandon Cisse is the most significant player who will start next season. They also brought in former five-star quarterback Air Noland, but he is for the future when LaNorris Sellers departs.
The Missouri Tigers did not hit their lofty goals last season, and work building the roster for the 2025 season began early, losing several top playmakers on the offense, including quarterback Brady Cook, and wide receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease. Penn State quarterback Beau Pribula looks to be his replacement, but his lack of experience means he could be anything. Ahmad Hardy is an exciting running back and wide receiver Keon Coleman has SEC experience with Mississippi State.
Kirby Smart did some excellent work despite bringing in just ten transfers. Zachariah Branch from USC was the standout, one of the most exciting wide receivers in the nation, and a dynamic kick returner. Army edge, Elo Modozie gets his shot in a big conference, and Noah Thomas, a solid addition to the receiver room for quarterback Gunnar Stockton.
The Aggies' first season under Mike Elko was a step in the right direction, and they hope to improve that in 2025. The one significant loss was tight end Noah Thomas to Georgia, but Elko did well to bring in 14 additions. Wide receivers Mario Craver and Kevin Concepcion should help drastically, and the defensive additions are impressive, headed by cornerback Julian Humphrey from Georgia.
Oklahoma lost quarterback Jackson Arnold, but added one of the best transfer quarterbacks in John Mateer, who had an excellent 2024 season at Washington State. They also added one of the best transfers from the spring portal in California, running back Jadyn Ott. Bauer Sharp and Nic Anderson were top players, with the latter having an injury-riddled 2024 season, but both are now at LSU.
Ole Miss has been the portal king over the last few years, but has had to give up their crown this time. However, Lane Kiffin has still brought in some excellent players after losing double-digit players to the NFL. The wide receiver room looks strong with the additions of Caleb Odom, Harrison Wallace III, and De'Zhaun Stribling. The defense also got playmakers such as Princewill Umanmielen and Jaylon Braxton.
Auburn Tigers managed to grab their potential starting quarterback for next year in Jackson Arnold, adding one of the best playmakers in the country, wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr., and a four-star transfer, Mason Murphy, who will help protect Arnold. The defense also got additions and will fight for starting places or add rotation.
You can probably see that LSU had one of the best portal classes, with the amount of SEC talent it took from other teams. Jack Pyburn and Ja'Keem Jackson came in from Florida, while Bauer Sharp and Nic Anderson came in from Oklahoma. Edge Patrick Payton from Florida State and cornerback Mansoor Delane are standout additions. Looking at the 18 additions Brian Kelly brought in, it's hard not to be excited if you are an LSU fan.