40. OT Drew Azzopardi
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The 6’7 OL played at SDSU this past year before deciding to jump into the portal. A true right tackle, he prepped in the Bay Area at one of the better high schools in the state. The likes of Arizona, UCLA, and Washington are said to be in the driver’s seat. Reportedly, he’ll visit both UCLA and Washington before making a decision.
Prediction: Azzopardi signs with UCLA
UPDATE: Azzopardi commits to Washington
39. WR Tobias Merriweather
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The big receiver originally out of the Pacific Northwest is garnering plenty of interest from schools. Merriweather is leaving Notre Dame after accruing 15 passes for 325 yards and 3 TDs over two seasons. Coming out of high school, he was a big-time recruit with offers from all over the country. The early look of his recruitment since entering the portal involves Washington, Oregon, and UCLA. With Rome Odunze and a few other WRs leaving after the year ends, it sets up Merriweather to play for the flagship school in his home state.
Prediction: Merriweather signs with Washington
38. DB Akili Arnold
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Arnold was one of the more dependable defensive backs at Oregon State over the last few years. He’s a fifth-year senior with plenty of experience against high-level competition. Arnold is also a sure tackler, too. He’s collected offers from many schools across the country. Being a native of Orange County, USC is considered to be an obvious fit. However, he and his brother – former Oregon State LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold – are visiting Texas A&M together. Arkansas could be involved, too.
Prediction: Arnold signs with USC
UPDATE: Arnold commits to USC
37. DL Fadil Diggs
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Diggs is another talented defensive lineman leaving College Station. An athletic defender with some impressive pass-rushing skills, Diggs notched 11 TFL and 4.0 sacks this past season. Surely he’ll be looking to go to a school where he can get consistent playing time in addition to a possible showcase for the NFL. Former Texas A&M coach Elijah Robinson was recently named as the new DC at Syracuse. While LSU and Penn State would love to land the New Jersey native, it looks like he could be heading back to the Northeast.
Prediction: Diggs signs with Syracuse
36. QB Tyler Van Dyke
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A 3-year starter at Miami, Van Dyke is moving on in search of another stop. His time in Coral Cables wasn’t a complete disaster. He threw for 7,469 yards and 54 TDs to only 23 INTs. A team in search of a veteran signal-caller could do a whole lot worse than with Van Dyke. Duke could be an option with former Miami coach Manny Diaz now in Durham. Van Dyke reportedly visited Wisconsin as well. Also, keep an eye out on UCLA should Ethan Garbers leave.
Prediction: Van Dyke signs with Duke
UPDATE: Van Dyke commits to Wisconsin
35. RB Ja’Corey Brooks
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Brooks was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school. Many presumed he’d be the next great Alabama receiver, following in the footsteps of Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, DeVonta Smith, and others. However, the Miami native was just ‘okay’ during his three-year stint in Tuscaloosa. He combined to catch 57 passes for 896 yards and 10 TDs over this span. His big year came in 2022 – where he had 8 TD catches and 674 yards receiving. A shoulder issue limited his time this year. Assuming he can get fully healthy, there’s a lot of talent to work with. All three schools seem like good fits. However, with Johnny Wilson and Keon Coleman headed for the NFL, the Seminoles have plenty of playing time available.
Prediction: Brooks signs with Florida State
UPDATE: Brooks commits to Louisville
34. TE Holden Staes
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Many consider Staes to be one of the better tight-end prospects in the portal. He wasn’t able to break through a deep group at Notre Dame, and as such he’s looking for more of an opportunity elsewhere. Staes is slated to visit all three of the schools above. Being a native of Atlanta – coupled with Josh Heupel’s penchant for throwing the rock – Tennessee is a fit that makes a lot of sense. Staes is not only a solid athlete, but he’s also considered to be a good blocker for the position.
Prediction: Staes signs with Tennessee
UPDATE: Staes commits to Tennessee
33. DE Trey Moore
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Landing elite pass rushers is the goal of every major college football program. In this case, the Longhorns look to be in the driver’s seat for UTSA redshirt sophomore Trey Moore. The talented athlete was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year after accruing 17.5 TFL and a whopping 14.0 sacks. A versatile defender, Moore can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up in space. He’s slated to visit Texas on the weekend of Dec. 9. Surely, Steve Sarkisian would love to get his recruitment wrapped up.
Prediction: Moore signs with Texas
32. OL Fernando Carmona
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UCLA needs OL help in the worst way possible – especially at the tackle spots. Carmona, a former tight end, put together a very nice year for SJSU a year ago. Manning the left tackle spot, he arguably is one of the best edge protectors coming from a non Power 5 school. A native of Las Vegas, he’s already picked up a number of offers from big-time programs. He’s reportedly visiting UCLA on the weekend of Dec. 9. If he were to commit to Chip Kelly and the Bruins, you’d be able to pencil him into a starting spot immediately.
Prediction: Carmona signs with UCLA
UPDATE: Carmona commits to Arkansas
31. TE Jalin Conyers
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Conyers had an interesting year for the Sun Devils in 2023. While only catching 30 passes for 362 yards, he was utilized in several different ways. At 270 pounds, ASU used Conyers at times in their wildcat package as a rusher. He’s a fantastic athlete and probably would be more productive in a scheme that accentuates the TE position at a higher level. Utah and OU look like the two battling for his services. While the Utes do use tight ends exceptionally well, Oklahoma is a stone’s throw away from Conyers’s native state of Texas.
Prediction: Conyers signs with Oklahoma
UPDATE: Conyers commits to Texas Tech
30. RB Raheim Sanders
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Sanders had an up and down career in Fayetteville. On one hand, the bruising back was highly productive. He ranks fourth all-time in Arkansas history for rushing yards in a single season (1,443 in 2022). He had seven games where he eclipsed the 100-yard mark that year as well. However in 2023, injuries piled up and he didn’t seem like the same player. He had only 209 yards on 62 carries. Being a Florida native, he could opt to head closer to home and play for the Gamecocks. This fit makes sense especially due to the fact South Carolina lost Mario Anderson to the portal already.
Prediction: Sanders signs with South Carolina
UPDATE: Sanders commits to South Carolina
29. WR Juice Wells
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The Virginia native only participated in a handful of games this year due to a broken bone in his foot. Still, there’s no shortage of interest considering his past production. The Virginia native was a stud at James Madison before coming over to South Carolina last year as a junior With the Gamecocks, he became a first-team All-SEC member – hauling in 68 grabs for 928 yards and six touchdowns. Assuming Wells is back fully healthy, he’s the type of guy who can help replace the mass exodus of receivers leaving Texas due to graduation. Wells will immediately come in and be one of UT’s best pass-catching threats.
Prediction: Wells signs with Texas
UPDATE: Wells commits to Ole Miss
28. OL Chase Bisontis
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Bisontis is a real player. As a true freshman, he started every game for the Aggies at RT. In the process, he graded out as arguably the team’s best offensive lineman. At 6’6” and north of 315 pounds, Bisontis is a mountain of a main. Despite having SEC ties, he also hails from the state of New Jersey. A host of schools will be after him. We could see this coming down to an Alabama-Ohio State battle, with the Buckeyes winning out in the end.
Prediction: Bisontis signs with Ohio State
27. DL Princely Umanmielen
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When you’re an All-SEC defensive lineman, interest will come from a host of major programs. Umanmielen originally is from the state of Texas. LSU would be a natural fit, and Lane Kiffin surely will aim to bring him to Oxford. The ace-in-the-hole in this recruitment comes via a family member. Umanmielen’s brother, Princewill, currently plays for Nebraska. Matt Rhule is a good recruiter, and Nebraska needs to continue to upgrade its defensive line if it’s to be competitive in the Big Ten.
Prediction: Umanmielen signs with Nebraska
UPDATE: Umanmielen commits to Ole Miss
26. DB Nyland Green
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Despite being a very highly-touted defensive back out of high school, Green never really gained his proverbial footing in Athens. He was pretty much buried on the depth chart as a reserve option and never someone who seriously was in line to become a starter. Being a former 5-star prospect, there won’t be a shortage of programs wanting to come in and revive his career. Look for Arkansas as a nice landing spot, where Green can stay in the SEC and garner immediate playing time.
Prediction: Green signs with Arkansas
25. WR Josh Kelly
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Kelly exploded as a redshirt junior. While he might not be a big name nationally, those in the Pac-12 are all too familiar with the Fresno native. Kelly accrued 61 receptions, 923 receiving yards, and 8 TDs. Reports indicate that he’s already slated to visit Notre Dame. With a host of receivers leaving Washington, the Huskies may look to lure him away from Pullman and to Seattle.
Prediction: Kelly signs with Notre Dame
UPDATE: Kelly signs with Texas Tech
24. WR Will Sheppard
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Sheppard led Vanderbilt in receiving each of the past two years. A host of schools would love to land him. Sheppard has a big frame with sticky hands and garners good separation downfield. A Louisiana native, he could head back home to play in a prolific Tulane offense.
Prediction: Sheppard signs with Tulane
UPDATE: Sheppard commits to Colorado
23. TE Jake Johnson
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Johnson was a big-time recruit out of Georgia. He signed with A&M as a part of their vaunted 2022 class. As a sophomore this year, he caught a modest 24 passes for 235 yards and 4 TDs. You can bet that a host of SEC and ACC programs will be after him. He’s the son of former NFL QB Brad Johnson and the brother of QB Max Johnson (who’s also transferring from Texas A&M). We’ll say Johnson signs with his dad’s alma mater in Tallahassee. Brother Max has decided to play at North Carolina.
Prediction: Johnson signs with Florida State
UPDATE: Johnson commits to North Carolina
22. QB Dequan Finn
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Finn is another quarterback looking to take a leap up in level. He’s played in parts of the last five seasons for Toledo. Over the last three, he’s been one of the best players in the MAC. A true dual-threat QB, he’s rushed for 25 TDs and thrown for 63 more over the course of his career. Luke Fickell, an Ohio native, has seen plenty of Finn. Wisconsin needs some stability at quarterback, and Finn appears to be a good fit for Fickell’s offensive scheme. He is slated to visit Madison according to various reports.
Prediction: Finn signs with Wisconsin
UPDATE: Finn commits to Baylor
21. WR Mikey Matthews
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Mikey Matthews was a highly-routed slot receiver out of Orange County. Utah did use him quite a bit as a true freshman, and he had the look of someone who could be a fixture in Kyle Whittingham’s offense moving forward. Surprisingly, he opted to transfer from the program. Teams immediately flooded in wanting to garner his services. Keep an eye on Oklahoma and Arizona. OU has the pedigree of a winner, and is headed to the SEC. Arizona is an up-and-coming program with some real promise. Head coach Jedd Fisch isn’t bashful when it comes to throwing the football. Plus, Matthews reportedly has a number of old youth football teammates on the roster (including QB Noah Fifita).
Prediction: Matthews signs with Arizona
20. QB Grayson McCall
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McCall was one of the best quarterbacks in the country coming from a non-Power 5 school. At Coastal Carolina, he was an exquisite passer of the football. Not only was he accurate and highly productive, but McCall is also a tremendous leader. His gritty, confident style of play is ready for a leap up in competition. He’s recently visited NC State, and the Wolfpack seems like a good fit.
Prediction: McCall signs with NC State
UPDATE: McCall commits to NC State
19. QB Will Rogers
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Rogers is one of the better gunslingers on the market. In 2021-22 (under Mike Leach), Rogers combined to throw 71 TDs to only 17 INTs. His ability to throw the football to all parts of the field is something would click beautifully well with Washington’s offense. As we’ve seen with Michael Penix this year, Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb are masterminds in getting the ball downfield with efficiency and regularity. The Huskies and Rogers seem like a match made in Heaven.
Prediction: Rogers signs with Washington
UPDATE: Rogers commits to Washington
18. WR Julian Fleming
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Fleming was a former big-time prospect coming out of Pennsylvania. Many expected him to be the next great receiver for Ohio State. Unfortunately for Fleming, things didn’t exactly go to plan. He was sparingly used in 2023, and as such he opted to move on. Nebraska looks like a nice landing spot, where he can get more snaps and play with his quarterback from last year.
Prediction: Fleming signs with Nebraska
17. QB Kyle McCord
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McCord never seemed to be fully appreciated by the fan base in Columbus. After winning the job in the preseason, McCord was quite solid — throwing for 3,170 yards and 24 TDs (to only 6 INTs). Losing to Michigan was a big blow for both McCord and the program. On the other hand, Nebraska seems like a perfect fit. Matt Rhule can mold him into an NFL quarterback, while McCord gives Nebraska a quality thrower of the football.
Prediction: McCord signs with Nebraska
UPDATE: McCord commits to Syracuse
16. RB Raleek Brown
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Brown was an electric prospect coming out of Southern California. USC initially had him slated to be a running back. They then moved him to receiver, and Brown never seemed comfortable. Oregon has long been rumored with him, but we like Utah to pull the upset. He’d immediately be a fixture within Utah’s offense. He’ll get to play with Cam Rising coming back for what seems like his 18th year in college. At Oregon, Brown would probably be used as more of a luxury player.
Prediction: Brown signs with Utah
UPDATE: Brown signs with Arizona State
15. DB Kamari Ramsey
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The casual college football fan might not know his name. However, Kamari Ramsey is a baller. He started this past year as a redshirt freshman for UCLA. He was by far the team’s best secondary member. Ramsey diagnosed plays exceptionally well, and he hits like a truck. It wouldn’t be shocking to see him follow DC D’Anton Lynn over to USC. Ramsey would be a difference-maker for the Trojans right away.
Prediction: Ramsey signs with USC
14. QB Riley Leonard
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Speaking of long-rumored, Duke QB Riley Leonard has been associated with Notre Dame since entering the portal. He did have an injury-ridden 2023 season. However, in 2022, he demonstrated why many peg him as a future NFL QB. He threw for 2,967 yards and 20 TDs. He also rushed for 699 yards and 13 more touchdowns. Assuming he gets fully healthy, Notre Dame is getting a tough competitor at the quarterback spot.
Prediction: Leonard signs with Notre Dame
UPDATE: Leonard commits to Notre Dame
13. WR London Humphreys
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The freshman receiver out of Nashville decided to leave Vanderbilt after a single season. The 6’3″ playmaker has widely been assumed to be a lock for Georgia. Humphreys caught 22 passes for 439 yards and 4 TDs this past year. Against the Bulldogs, he caught 2 passes for 51 yards — including a 49-yard TD grab. Surely this caught the attention of Kirby Smart and the staff.
Prediction: Humphreys signs with Georgia
12. QB DJ Uiagalelei
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One man’s misfortune is another man’s opportunity to shine. With Jonathan Smith headed to East Lansing, the guy they call DJ U decided to leave Corvallis in favor of another spot. Florida State seems like the perfect place. Mike Norvell is a QB whisperer of sorts, Uiagalelei has experience playing in the ACC, and the Seminoles need a signal-caller after losing Jordan Travis to a gruesome leg injury.
Prediction: Uiagalelei signs with Florida State
11. WR Deion Burks
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Burks was one of the more underrated receivers in the Big Ten. He racked up 47 catches for 629 yards and 7 TDs. The thought is that the speedster will perform even better with enhanced skill talent around him. At Texas, he’ll most likely be catching passes from 2024 Heisman Preseason favorite Quinn Ewers (assuming Ewers stays in school). Burks has track speed and can help mitigate the eventual loss of Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jordan Whittington.
Prediction: Burks signs with Texas
UPDATE: Burks commits to Oklahoma
10. RB Trevor Etienne
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Florida RB Trevor Etienne — whose brother Travis plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars — will be sporting new threads next season. Etienne was highly efficient at Florida — 5.9 YPC over two seasons — and is likely to be playing on Sundays soon enough. He could potentially be a huge get for a team in search of a dynamic playmaker that can stress defenses on multiple levels. Additionally, Etienne still has two years of eligibility remaining — making him even more valuable in the portal. The SEC schools will be in a battle for Etienne’s commitment, but we’re leaning toward Georgia winning this one.
Prediction: Etienne signs with Georgia
9. QB Aidan Chiles
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When former Oregon State HC Jonathan Smith announced he’d be leaving Corvallis for East Lansing, it was all but certain freshman QB Aidan Chiles would also be on the move. Chiles, a former four-star recruit from California, operated as DJ Uiagalelei’s backup for the 2023 campaign. In limited usage, we saw Chiles complete 24-of-35 pass attempts for 4 TD’s — plus 79 rushing yards for 3 TD’s. He’s an exceptional dual-threat talent who will almost certainly follow Smith to Michigan State.
Prediction: Chiles signs with Michigan State
UPDATE: Chiles commits to Michigan State
8. DB Andrew Mukuba
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Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba is done with the Tigers following three seasons. The former four-star recruit was named an All-ACC Third-Team defender in ’21, and is arguably the top defensive back available in the portal. Reports indicate that Oregon has already offered Mukuba to rebuild its secondary. Additionally, Florida State has been extremely active during this cycle. However, there are heavy indications that Mukuba will be landing in Austin next year. The Longhorns get the top safety in the pool.
Prediction: Mukuba signs with Texas
UPDATE: Mukuba commits to Texas
7. QB Dante Moore
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The Bruins had high hopes for freshman QB Dante Moore. The Detroit native was expected to be a perfect fit in Chip Kelly’s offense but struggled mightily throughout the year. On the year, Moore completed just 53 percent of his passes with 11 TD’s and 9 INT’s. He was benched down the stretch and made just one start in the final month of the season. A change of scenery should benefit the 18-year-old. The Hurricanes have desperately needed a dynamic passer. Tyler Van Dyke regressed immensely during his time at Miami, and perhaps taking a shot on a former top recruit in Moore could lead to some sustained success in the ACC.
Prediction: Moore signs with Miami
6. DL RJ Oben
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Grad transfer RJ Oben entered the portal at the beginning of December, and will seemingly take his time before committing. It’s an important decision for Oben who has just one year of eligibility remaining after five seasons at Duke. He’s been a starter for the past three years and collected 14 sacks over that time. Notre Dame is in the running, but Oben has strong familial ties with another program. Oben’s father is Roman Oben — the NFL’s current Vice President of Football Development. Before his 12-year NFL career, the elder Oben played football and competed in track and field at Louisville.
Prediction: Oben signs with Louisville
UPDATE: Oben commits to Notre Dame
5. DL LT Overton
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Former five-star recruit LT Overton was a late addition to the portal but could be a potential swing player. Overton is highly regarded, and still has two years of eligibility remaining after finishing two seasons at Texas A&M. While his production wasn’t there with the Aggies (1 career sack in 15 career games), Overton has the size, strength, and versatility to be a valuable piece on a defensive line. While he’s a bit of a tweener, we believe Overton’s calling is as an interior defender who can wreak havoc in both the pass and run game. Tennessee tried to get him two years ago. This time, they’ll get Overton to commit to being a Vol for 2024.
Prediction: Overton signs with Tennessee
UPDATE: Overton commits to Alabama
4. QB Dillon Gabriel
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Gabriel is the type of player who can instantly transform an offense. The left-handed gunslinger has no issue pushing the ball downfield and is always looking for the big play. Gabriel has had four 3,000-yard seasons during his career and will be looking for a fifth in 2024. Gabriel is essentially taking a road trip through the country. He started at Central Florida, made his way to Oklahoma, and is now likely to finish his career on the West Coast. USC could be a potential match, but they reportedly have their eyes on a different passer. Gabriel lands in Eugene to take over for the departing Bo Nix.
Prediction: Gabriel signs with Oregon
UPDATE: Gabriel commits to Oregon
3. QB Will Howard
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Following four years at K-State, QB Will Howard is looking for a change. And, he has plenty of suitors following his best year at the collegiate level. Howard set career highs across the board, and led the Wildcats to a 8-4 record — K-State finished the regular season ranked 25th nationally. A move from the Big 12 to the Big Ten appears to be on the horizon, but which team will end up landing Howard? The best move for him would be to join the most QB-friendly system, and that is undoubtedly USC. Lincoln Riley is excellent at getting the most out of his passers, and reportedly already went to visit Howard in Kansas. This seems like a lock.
Prediction: Howard signs with USC
2. QB Cam Ward
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After lighting it up at Washington State, Cam Ward announced he would be entering the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility. Ward was among the most prolific passers in the nation in 2023. The Texas native threw for 3,735 yards and saved some of his best performances for the Cougars’ toughest matchups — 404 yards, 4 TDs vs. Oregon State; 438 yards vs. Oregon; 317 yards, 3 TDs vs. Washington. With the QB carousel in full swing, several potential suitors could find themselves vying for Ward’s services. We see Ohio State as the best fit with Kyle McCord unlikely to return.
Prediction: Ward signs with Ohio State
1. DT Walter Nolen
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ESPN’s No. 1 recruit from the 2022 class has entered the portal, and a potential title contender could be landing an elite player. Nolen spent his first two seasons with the Aggies, collecting 5 sacks over 21 games. Perennial powers like Michigan and Georgia will be in the mix. Additionally, Tennessee is a potential team to look out for. Nolen played the last year of his high school career near Knoxville. However, we think he eventually lands in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban’s squad always seems to land defenders of Nolen’s caliber. We believe the Crimson Tide acquire the top transfer in the country.
Prediction: Nolen signs with Alabama