College football is in a constant state of flux, with players moving between teams in search of better opportunities. The transfer portal has become a crucial part of this process, allowing players to explore their options and teams to fill vacancies. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of the college football transfer portal, tracking the latest news and trends.

The Importance of the Transfer Portal

The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, providing players with a platform to showcase their skills and teams with a way to acquire new talent. It has opened up opportunities for players who may not have been able to transfer in the past, and has also led to increased competition among teams. According to NCAA transfer data, the total number of FBS players who have transferred has more than doubled over the past six years, from 1,561 in 2018-19 to over 3,700 in last year's cycle.

When Does the Transfer Portal Close?

The transfer portal opened on Monday, Dec. 9th and will close on December 28th. This is an important deadline for players who are considering transferring, as they need to make their decisions and submit their transfer requests before the portal closes. Teams also need to be aware of this deadline, as they may need to act quickly to secure the services of potential transfers.

How Many Players Enter the Transfer Portal?

Over the first six years of the portal era, the total number of FBS players who have transferred has more than doubled. In 2018-19, there were 1,561 transfers, but last year's cycle saw over 3,700 transfers. The total number of players among FBS scholarship transfers rose from 1,946 in 2021-22 to 2,303 in 2022-23, and then up to 2,707 in 2023-24. In 2023-24 alone, the total number of NCAA football players across all divisions who entered the portal exceeded 11,000. This shows the growing popularity of the transfer portal and the importance of it in college football.

Big Names Entering the Transfer Portal This Year

Quarterbacks: Beau Pribula from Penn State, John Mateer from Washington State, Miller Moss from USC to Louisville, Billy Edwards from Maryland to Wisconsin, Kaidon Salter from Liberty to Colorado, Conner Weigman from Texas A&M to Houston, Thomas Castellanos from Boston College to Florida State, Devon Dampier from New Mexico to Utah, Ashton Daniels from Stanford to Auburn, Rickie Collins from LSU to Syracuse, Dylan Lonergan from Alabama to Boston College, Walker White from Auburn to Baylor.Running backs: Dante Dowdell from Nebraska, Cameron Cook from TCU, Justice Haynes from Alabama.Pass catchers: Zachariah Branch from USC, Eric Singleton Jr. from Georgia Tech, Kevin Concepcion from NC State, Duce Robinson from USC, Malachi Fields from Virginia, Dane Key from Kentucky, CJ Daniels from LSU to Miami, Micah Hudson from Texas Tech to Texas A&M, Jayden Ballard from Ohio State to Wisconsin, Jamari Johnson from Louisville to Oregon, Chris Long from Rutgers to Syracuse, Nic Anderson from Oklahoma to LSU, Kyron Hudson from USC to Penn State, Barion Brown from Kentucky to LSU.Offensive lineman: Howard Sampson from UNC to Texas Tech, Alex Harkey from Texas State to Oregon, Eugene Brooks from Oklahoma to UCLAXavier Chaplin from Virginia Tech to Auburn.Defensive lineman: Trevon McAlpine from Texas Tech, Omari Abor from SMU, Lee Hunter from UCF to Texas Tech, Aaron Bryant from Texas to Vanderbilt, Jehiem Oatis from Alabama to Colorado.Linebackers: Tony Grimes from UNLV, Jaylin Davies from UCLAGenesis Smith from Arizona, Dillon Thieneman from Purdue to Oregon, Caleb Downs from Alabama to Ohio State, Jayden Bellamy from Syracuse, Derion Gullette from Texas to Mississippi State, Antonio Kite from Auburn to Ole Miss, Leon Lowry from Wisconsin to Illinois, Key Lawrence from Ole Miss to UCLA.Defensive backs: Zion Branch from USC, Princewill Umanmielen from Nebraska to Ole Miss, Williams Nwaneri from Missouri to Nebraska, Jaiden Francois from Utah State, Tarrion Grant from Purdue to Texas Tech, Jacobie Henderson from Marshall to Rutgers, Kelby Collins from Florida to Alabama, James Williams from Nebraska to Florida State, DJ Graham from Utah State to Kansas.Special teams: Jack McCallister from Washington to Nebraska.These are just some of the big names entering the transfer portal this year, and there are sure to be more as the season progresses. Stay tuned for more updates on the college football transfer portal.