(Newswire.net — June 12, 2023) — It’s funny how things change. In the olden days, college football players were stuck with the teams they signed up with, for better or worse. The transfer portal has changed all that, giving players the power to take their talents elsewhere if they’re not getting what they need.
It’s ironic that this change has made high-impact transfers a key factor in NFL Draft evaluations. After all, wasn’t college football supposed to be about loyalty and team spirit?
But that’s just the way it is now. The transfer portal has become a game-changer, providing players with new opportunities to upgrade their surroundings and potentially earn money through NIL deals. As a result, the college football landscape has shifted, and the NFL Draft is no exception.
This upcoming year, several transfer prospects are already generating buzz, and they’re hoping this attention leads to a strong performance on the field and a great draft selection coming next April. These players can potentially make a major impact at the next level, and teams are paying attention.
High-Impact Transfers
Already there have been several high-impact transfers who have their eyes on the 2024 NFL Draft, including Adonai Mitchell, Sam Hartman, Fentrell Cypress II, Dominic Lovett, Ajani Cornelius, Dont’e Thornton, LaDarius Henderson, and Jeremiah Byers, who have all taken advantage of the transfer portal to upgrade their surroundings and gain opportunities to earn NIL money.
These transfers can become valuable assets to their new team, boosting their chances for a College Football Playoff berth. The transfer portal has changed college football as we know it, allowing players to find new opportunities and upgrade their situations. Many players in the 2023 NFL Draft class improved their stock through the transfer portal, and it’s expected that the 2024 class will follow suit.
Key Benefits of Transfer Portal
Ironically, the transfer portal, which was initially viewed as a threat to college football teams’ stability, has emerged as a source of empowerment for players looking to improve their situations.
Through the portal, players can upgrade their surroundings by transferring to schools with better facilities, coaching staff, and opportunities for playing time. Additionally, they can potentially earn money through NIL deals, which were previously restricted due to NCAA regulations. It provides players unprecedented control over their careers, allowing them to pursue their dreams and maximize their potential.
Furthermore, the portal has also helped to level the playing field for smaller schools that may have previously struggled to attract top-tier talent. Players are no longer limited to the schools that initially recruited them, thereby opening up opportunities for them to consider other options. Some believe this has led to greater parity in college football, with smaller schools now able to compete with larger, more established programs.
Notable 2023 Transfers
The transfer portal has allowed players to upgrade their surroundings and potentially earn NIL money while providing them with more opportunities to showcase their skills. Several players are upgrading their situations, bringing their respected numbers to more recognized programs in an attempt to not only help their new school win a championship but boost their recognition.
For example, Sam Hartman, who transferred from Wake Forest to Notre Dame, broke the all-time ACC record for most touchdown passes. Hartman had 25 ‘big-time throws’ in 12 games last season, showcasing his ability to make high-quality passes under pressure. Hartman went under the radar a bit at a small school like Wake Forest but will have all the media’s eyes on him at a pristine program like Notre Dame, which has been to the College Football Playoff twice since 2018.
Similarly, Dominic Lovett, who is transferring from Missouri to Georgia, had 56 catches for 828 yards last season, with nearly half of his yards coming after the catch. He has the chance to help rebuild the Bulldogs’ offense as they strive for their third straight national title.
Jalen Catalon, who transferred from Arkansas to Texas, is a formidable presence on the field, demonstrating his prowess with 159 tackles, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles over 18 career games in Fayetteville. His impact on Texas’s defense is highly anticipated.
Adonai Mitchell is going from powerhouse to powerhouse, as he leaves Georgia to go to Texas. Mitchell is a noteworthy wideout who has shown his worth with touchdown catches in each of the last four playoff games, promising to be a potent weapon for Texas.
Transformative Transfers: How the Transfer Portal Boosts NFL Draft Prospects
Joe Burrow’s story is a prime example of the transformative power of the portal. He was initially considered a late-round project and potential NFL third-stringer after a lackluster career at Ohio State, which saw him fall second on the depth chart behind Dwayne Haskins.
However, his transfer to LSU and performance in his senior season drastically improved his draft stock. He rose from a fifth-round afterthought to a No. 1 overall pick, a feat some describe as unprecedented. Indeed, no other player poorly regarded after their junior year has seen such a significant improvement in their draft stock. Burrow’s journey illustrates how a player can improve their position through the portal and change their career for the better. If he had stayed at Ohio State, he might be holding a clipboard somewhere or playing in the USFL or XFL.
Similarly, Justin Fields made a substantial leap in his draft stock through a transfer. Initially starting his college career at the University of Georgia, Fields transferred to Ohio State, where he made a significant impact.
Fields became the Big Ten Championship Offensive Player of the Year twice (2019 and 2020) and finished his college career with 97 touchdowns and 5,701 passing yards. Fields entered the 2021 NFL Draft as a top quarterback prospect with a 6.5 prospect grade (indicating “boom or bust potential”) and was ultimately selected as the 11th overall pick in the draft’s first round. Like Burrow, Fields’ transfer to a new college was key in elevating his performance and improving his draft position.
Conclusion
The transfer portal has revolutionized college football and the NFL Draft evaluation process. High-impact transfers have become a critical factor in team building and success, providing players with new opportunities and potential financial gains through NIL deals. The Arizona Cardinals Super Bowl LVIII odds could well be influenced by such transfers.
The benefits of the portal are clear, and it has become an essential tool for players looking to upgrade their surroundings and enhance their careers. As the saying goes, ‘time waits for no man,’ and in the fast-paced world of college football and the NFL, players must seize every opportunity to improve their chances of success. It provides an avenue for players to do just that, and it has already proven to be a game-changer for many athletes.