Early Portal Recap
The transfer portal window has been anything but tame, with a flurry of activity despite teams still being in the middle of spring practice. By 10:30 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday, 90 scholarship players had already entered the portal, surpassing the total number of players who entered on the opening date of the spring window last year. In fact, the first-day total saw 221 FBS scholarship players enter the portal, including 105 Power 4 transfers and 116 from the Group of 5. Interestingly, more than 20 percent of these entries were repeat transfers, indicating a trend of players seeking new opportunities. Colorado was particularly affected, with nine players entering the portal, including six who had transferred in for Year 1 under Deion Sanders. Overall, the total number of FBS scholarship transfers in this cycle has seen a significant 25 percent increase compared to last year’s total at this time.
Best Available Transfers
One of the notable aspects of the transfer portal is the emergence of several highly sought-after transfers. Max Olson, The Athletic’s portal guru, has ranked the best available transfers and will continue to update the list as news develops. Some early names to watch include Arizona CB Tacario Davis, Texas A&M safety Jacoby Mathews, and Penn State WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Ranked at number one is Oregon State RB Damien Martinez, whose transfer has sparked intrigue.
NIL Drama
Damien Martinez’s transfer from Oregon State is particularly intriguing due to the drama surrounding his decision. Reports surfaced that Martinez planned on entering the portal and had received significant NIL deals worth over $400,000 to remain at Oregon State. This revelation sheds light on the financial aspect of college athletics and the potential influence it can have on a player’s decision-making process. However, conflicting statements have since emerged, with Martinez implying that Oregon State’s collective failed to fulfill promises made to him. This incident highlights the need for transparency in NIL negotiations and raises questions about the future of college sports. Martinez is now considering visits to Miami, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Arizona, leaving his final destination uncertain.
Unlimited Transfers
In a significant move, the NCAA Division I Council has approved a change to transfer rules, granting immediate eligibility to all transfers who meet academic requirements. This rule change puts an end to the days of players having to sit out a year and submit eligibility waivers. It also opens the floodgates for athletes to transfer multiple times throughout their college careers, creating new dynamics in terms of loyalty and alumni support. Many players have expressed mixed feelings about their college loyalties, with factors such as time spent at a school and obtaining a degree playing a significant role. However, questions remain about the impact on relationships, excess gear, and friendships left behind.
Underrated RBs in Draft
Moving to the NFL Draft, three running backs who have overproduced in college but are falling off scouts’ radar are worth paying attention to. Cody Schrader from Missouri led the SEC in rushing yards last season, despite his journey from Division II to becoming a Missouri walk-on. While his age may impact teams’ evaluations, he could surprise teams immediately with his work ethic. Audric Estime from Notre Dame has proven himself as a coachable and tough player, with impressive stats including a program-record 18 rushing touchdowns in 2023. Kimani Vidal from Troy recorded back-to-back 1,000-plus yard seasons and finished 2023 with the second-most rushing yards in the FBS. While concerns about Vidal’s mileage may affect his draft position, he is still seen as a capable backup option.
Quick Snaps
In other news related to college football, there are discussions about how NIL money could potentially act as a loophole in the 85-person scholarship limit. This raises questions about roster management and the potential implications for teams. Additionally, the transfer portal continues to be a hot topic, with arguments for embracing it rather than hating it. The state of Texas, known for its talent-rich football landscape, prompts questions about which coaches are the best recruiters in the area. This topic is explored further in The Athletic’s new recruiting confidential.
Overall, the transfer portal window has seen a significant influx of transfers, shaking up the college football landscape. The emergence of highly sought-after transfers and the controversy surrounding NIL deals adds an extra layer of intrigue. The rule change allowing unlimited transfers brings new dynamics to player loyalty and alumni support. As the NFL Draft approaches, there are underrated running backs worth keeping an eye on, showcasing their potential impact at the professional level.