The dust has finally begun to settle on a record-setting college football transfer portal cycle. The unprecedented amount of movement resulted in nearly 3,900 players entering the transfer portal during the winter and spring windows in search of other opportunities. Most of the teams that experienced the highest number of entries were those that underwent a change at head coach following the 2023 season. That trend also holds true when analyzing which college football teams lost the most starters to the portal.
Nineteen of the power conference teams — including Notre Dame — had at least five players that started in at least six games last season transfer out during this most recent 2023-24 cycle. Only eight power conference teams did not lose any starters to the portal.
Most of the college football players from power conferences who enter the portal are backups or reserves seeking more playing time. However, more than 200 power conference players who started in at least six games during the 2023 season still entered the portal this cycle.
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Below is a complete look at which power conference college football teams lost the most starters to the transfer portal during the recent 2023-24 cycle:
Transfer departure starters: Brendan Sorsby (QB), Jaylin Lucas (RB), Cam Camper (WR), Zach Carpenter (C), Matthew Bedford (RG), Kahlil Benson (RT), Philip Blidi (DL), Kobee Minor (CB), Louis Moore (S), Phillip Dunnam (S), Chris Freeman (K)
Indiana will look much different in 2024 than it did last season. Although the Hoosiers return double-digit starters, basically the entire other half departed via the transfer portal. While that allows new head coach Curt Cignetti an opportunity to try and upgrade the talent level at Indiana, it leaves a lot of starting spots to fill. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby spent two seasons with the Hoosiers, making seven starts last season. Three starting offensive linemen also transferred from Bloomington and the defense suffered some key losses as well.
Transfer departure starters: Katin Houser (QB), Maliq Carr (TE), Evan Morris (TE), Kevin Wigenton II (RG), Spencer Brown (RT), Derrick Harmon (DL), Simeon Barrow Jr. (DL), Zion Young (Edge), Jaden Mangham (S)
Michigan State lost six starters to the transfer portal during the winter window with most coming from the offensive side. But in the spring window, it was the Spartans’ defense that took several big blows. Both starting defensive linemen from last season — Simeon Barrow Jr. and Derrick Harmon — exited. As did starting safety Jaden Mangham, who snagged a team-high four interceptions in 2023. Even with those departures, Michigan State still returns six defensive starters for new coordinator Joe Rossi.
Transfer departure starters: Will Rogers (QB), Jo’quavious Marks (RB), Zavion Thomas (WR), Justin Robinson (WR), Ryland Goede (TE), Percy Lewis (LT), Steven Losoya III (RG), DeCarlos Nicholson (CB), Keelan Crimmins (P)
No power conference college football team returns fewer starters from this past season than Mississippi State. Much of the defense exhausted its eligibility, but the Bulldogs’ offense lost most of their top playmakers to the transfer portal. The SEC all-time career completions leader and record-setting Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers left Starkville through the portal alongside six other offensive teammates this cycle. That group of Bulldogs includes top rusher Jo’quavious Marks and receivers Zavion Thomas and Justin Robinson. New head coach Jeff Lebby must start from scratch after the exodus.
Transfer departure starters: AJ Swann (QB), Ken Seals (QB), Patrick Smith (RB), Jayden McGowan (WR), Will Sheppard (WR), Justin Ball (TE), Nate Clifton (Edge), Ethan Barr (LB), De’Rickey Wright (S)
Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea is finding out just how hard it is to build success in Nashville, especially in the transfer portal era where retaining top talent is that much more difficult. The Commodores lost both quarterbacks that started at least six games and each of their top three receivers — two of which were starters last season. Will Sheppard caught eight touchdown passes in 2023 which ranked tied for fourth-most in the SEC. The hits on defense were significant as well with three veteran starters transferring from Vanderbilt.
Transfer departure starters: Samuel Brown (WR), Matthew Golden (WR), Tyler Johnson (LG), Reuben Unije (RT), Jamaree Caldwell (DL), Chidozie Nwankwo (DL), Hakeem Ajijolaiya (DL), Isaiah Hamilton (CB)
Houston has one of the largest incoming transfer classes in college football this cycle, but it also is among the power conference leaders for most departures with eight of those being starters. There is a lot of unfamiliarity for the Cougars under new head coach Willie Fritz. The entire starting defensive line must be replaced with three of those leaving via the transfer portal. Starting cornerback Isaiah Hamilton is also among the departing group after grabbing a team-high four interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, last season.
Transfer departure starters: Richie Leonard IV (LG), Micah Mazzccua (RG), Princely Umanmielen (Edge), Scooby Williams (LB), Jalen Kimber (CB), Jaydon Hill (CB), Miguel Mitchell (S)
Florida lost nine starters from last season with seven of those exiting Gainesville via the transfer portal. Two starting offensive linemen are gone, but most of those departures came from the defensive side with star edge rusher Princely Umanmielen highlighting the list after a team-high seven sacks in 2023. Three starting defensive backs are also left through the portal. Jaydon Hill, Jalen Kimber and Miguel Mitchell combined for 10 pass breakups and an interception for the Gators last season, but will all need to be replaced in the secondary.
Transfer departure starters: Germie Bernard (WR), Nate Kalepo (LG), Parker Brailsford (C), Julius Buelow (RG), Jabbar Muhammad (CB), Asa Turner (S), Mishael Powell (S)
Between top talents leaving for the NFL Draft and an exodus of transfer departures, only a handful of starters are back for reigning national runner-up Washington. The loss of head coach Kalen DeBoer likely resulted in a large number of transfers leaving the Huskies, including seven that were starters last season. No offensive starters return with three linemen exiting as transfers. Three starters in the defensive secondary also left through the portal with cornerback Jabbar Muhammad transferring to rival Oregon after just one season at Washington.
Transfer departure starters: KJ Jefferson (QB), Andrew Chamblee (LT), Jaheim Thomas (LB), Chris Paul Jr. (LB), Lorando Johnson (CB), Max Fletcher (P)
Arkansas faces a critical 2024 season as it looks to stop a recent downward trend with just four SEC wins in the past two years combined. The Razorbacks rank among the power conference programs with the most total transfer portal losses this cycle. Six of those were starters, including quarterback KJ Jefferson, who racked up 7,911 passing yards and 88 touchdowns responsible for during his five years at Arkansas. The two leading individual tacklers for the Razorbacks — linebackers Jaheim Thomas and Chris Paul Jr. — also left through the portal during the winter window.
Transfer departure starters: Dylan Edwards (RB), Gerad Christian-Lichtenhan (LT), Jack Bailey (LG), Van Wells (C), Savion Washington (RT), Omarion Cooper (CB)
Colorado led all power conference college football teams with the most transfer departures and largest incoming transfer haul this cycle. Deion Sanders downplayed the exodus, but the Buffaloes still lost six starters to the portal, including four offensive linemen. Although the biggest transfer loss was undoubtedly running back Dylan Edwards, who flashed as a true freshman in Boulder. The only starter on defense to transfer out was cornerback Omarion Cooper. He allowed a team-high six touchdowns in coverage.
Transfer departure starters: Gerald Mincey (RT), Tyler Baron (Edge), Elijah Herring (LB), Doneiko Slaughter (CB), Tamarion McDonald (S), Wesley Walker (S)
There is a lot of hype surrounding the Tennessee offense in 2024, but that attention has somewhat overshadowed the departures on defense. The Volunteers return just two starters from that unit with five exiting as transfers during this recent cycle. Of the 10 individual leading tacklers from the 2023 Tennessee defense, nine are gone. Linebacker Elijah Herring entered the portal during the spring window after recording a team-high 79 total tackles last season. Edge rusher Tyler Baron had his most productive season at Tennessee with six sacks, but is also among the group of departing starters.
Transfer departure starters: Evan Stewart (WR), Bryce Foster (C), Walter Nolen (DL), Fadil Diggs (Edge), Deuce Harmon (CB), Jacoby Mathews (S)
Texas A&M ranked among the top-10 for transfer departures and most starters lost to the portal from power conference programs this cycle. Six Aggies that started in at least six games last season are gone. That list does not include safety Jardin Gilbert, who missed most of last season due to injury after previously serving as a regular starter in 2022. Each of the losses were significant for Texas A&M, but five-stars Walter Nolen and Evan Stewart highlight the group of departures. Both are among the top-five highest-rated individual transfers for the cycle.
CINCINNATI BEARCATS (5): Payten Singletary (TE), Dorian Jones (LB), Justin Harris (CB), Deshawn Pace (S), Bryon Threats (S)
DUKE BLUE DEVILS (5): Riley Leonard (QB), Jordan Waters (RB), R.J. Oben (Edge), Dorian Mausi (LB), Brandon Johnson (CB)
NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH (5): Rico Flores Jr. (WR), Tobias Merriweather (WR), Holden Staes (TE), Zeke Correll (C), Bryce McFerson (P)
PURDUE BOILMAKERS (5): Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen (WR), Deion Burks (WR), TJ Sheffield (WR), Garrett Miller (TE), Nic Scourton (Edge)
TEXAS TECH RED RAIDERS (5): Myles Price (WR), Jerand Bradley (WR), Monroe Mills (LT), Jacoby Jackson (OL), Jesiah Pierre (LB)
UCLA BRUINS (5): Kam Brown (WR), Carsen Ryan (TE), Bruno Fina (LT), John Humphrey (CB), Kamari Ramsey (S)
UTAH UTES (5): Bryson Barnes (QB), Ja’Quinden Jackson (RB), Mikey Matthews (WR), Kolinu’u Faaiu (C), JaTravis Broughton (CB)
WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS (5): Mitch Griffis (QB), Justice Ellison (RB), Jahmal Banks (WR), Ke’Shawn Williams (WR), DaShawn Jones (CB)
ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE (4): Isaiah Bond (WR), Malik Benson (WR), Seth McLaughlin (C), Caleb Downs (S)
ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS (4): Elijhah Badger (WR), B.J. Green II (Edge), Ed Woods (CB), Jordan Clark (S)
GEORGIA TECH YELLOW JACKETS (4): D’Quan Douse (DL), Kyle Kennard (Edge), Kenan Johnson (CB), K.J. Wallace (CB)
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS (4): Deandre Jules (DL), Dayon Hayes (Edge), Solomon DeShields (LB), Bangally Kamara (LB)
STANFORD CARDINAL (4): Benjamin Yurosek (TE), Jaxson Moi (DL), Lance Keneley (Edge), Alaka’i Gilman (S)
SYRACUSE ORANGE (4): Damien Alford (WR), Isaiah Jones (WR), Kevon Darton (DL), Terry Lockett (Edge)
WISCONSIN BADGERS (4): Chimere Dike (WR), Rodas Johnson (DL), Gio Paez (DL), Jordan Turner (LB)
ARIZONA WILDCATS (3): Bill Norton (DL), Isaiah Ward (Edge), Ephesians Prysock (CB)
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS (3): Jeremiah Hunter (WR), Kaleb Elarms-Orr (LB), Mateen Bhaghani (K)
KANSAS STATE WILDCATS (3): Will Howard (QB), Will Lee III (CB), Kobe Savage (S)
LOUISVILLE CARDINALS (3): Kevin Coleman (WR), Jermayne Lole (DL), Jaylin Alderman (LB)
MIAMI HURRICANES (3): Tyler Van Dyke (QB), Colbie Young (WR), Jared Harrison-Hunte (DL)
NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS (3): Josh Priebe (LG), Rod Heard II (CB), Garnett Hollis Jr. (CB)
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES (3): Kyle McCord (QB), Julian Fleming (WR), Jesse Mirco (P)
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS (3): Mario Anderson (WR), Stone Blanton (LB), Mitch Jeter (K)
UCF KNIGHTS (3): Josh Celiscar (Edge), Corey Thornton (CB), Nikai Martinez (S)
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS (3): Mike Lockhart (DL), Jared Bartlett (Edge), Hershey McLaurin (S)
AUBURN TIGERS (2): Jay Fair (WR), Malcolm Johnson Jr. (WR)
BAYLOR BEARS (2): Blake Shapen (QB), Drake Dabney (TE)
CLEMSON TIGERS (2): Beaux Collins (WR), Andrew Mukuba (CB)
ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI (2): Reggie Love III (RB), Tahveon Nicholson (CB)
IOWA HAWKEYES (2): Deacon Hill (QB), Diante Vines (WR)
MARYLAND TERRAPINS (2): Corey Dyches (TE), Jaishawn Barham (LB)
NC STATE WOLFPACK (2): Julian Gray (WR), C.J. Clark (DL)
NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS (2): Diego Pounds (LT), Tayon Holloway (CB)
OKLAHOMA SOONERS (2): Dillon Gabriel (QB), Key Lawrence (S)
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS (2): KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR), Dante Cephas (WR)
SMU MUSTANGS (2): Marcus Bryant (LT), Branson Hickman (C)
TCU HORNED FROGS (2): Chandler Morris (QB), Damonic Williams (DL)
TEXAS LONGHORNS (2): Terrance Brooks (CB), Jerrin Thompson (S)
USC TROJANS (2): Dorian Singer (WR), Michael Tarquin (RT)
BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES (1): Joseph Griffin Jr. (WR)
IOWA STATE CYCLES (1): Eli Sanders (RB)
KANSAS JAYHAWKS (1): Ar’maj Reed-Adams (LG)
LSU TIGERS (1): Logan Diggs (RB)
MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS (1): Athan Kaliakmanis (QB)
OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS (1): Jaden Bray (WR)
OLE MISS REBELS (1): Quinshon Judkins (RB)
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS (1): Gavin Wimsatt (QB)
VIRGINIA CAVALIERS (1): Dave Herard (S)
VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES (1): Dae’Quan Wright (TE)
BYU COUGARS (0): N/a
FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES (0): N/a
GEORGIA BULLDOGS (0): N/a
KENTUCKY WILDCATS (0): N/a
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (0): N/a
MISSOURI TIGERS (0): N/a
NEBRASKA HUSKERS (0): N/a
OREGON DUCKS (0): N/a
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