Top 15 College Football Transfers to Watch This Spring
As spring practices commence across college football, teams are keen to evaluate their newly acquired transfer players. The upcoming months will provide coaches with invaluable insights into how these athletes can impact their respective programs. Here’s a look at 15 notable transfers and their anticipated roles this spring.
1. Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, LSU
Previous School: Oklahoma
Malik Nabers stands out as a significant addition for LSU at wide receiver. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 216 pounds, he possesses the unique ability to secure contested catches while also providing deep threat capabilities with a stellar speed profile, evidenced by an impressive average of 21 yards per catch last season. His recovery from an injury sustained in 2024 will be crucial as the Tigers look to enhance their vertical offense during spring.
2. Jaden Arnold, Quarterback, Auburn
Previous School: Oklahoma
Auburn’s quarterback situation becomes more intriguing with the addition of Arnold, a former five-star recruit. Despite a challenging previous season marred by injuries in the wide receiver corps, Arnold’s potential is immense. With a more stable offensive line and receiving options this spring, his performance will be critical in determining Auburn’s success for the upcoming season.
3. Dorian Branch, Wide Receiver, Georgia
Previous School: USC
Dorian Branch’s arrival at Georgia brings hopes of rejuvenating the Bulldogs’ receiving game. Known for his incredible speed and ability to create after the catch, Branch will need to recapture the form he showcased during his freshman year to make a meaningful impact in Athens this season.
4. Miles Dampier, Quarterback, Utah
Previous School: New Mexico
With the end of Cam Rising’s tenure at Utah, Dampier steps in as the new starting quarterback. His dual-threat capabilities were highlighted during his sophomore season where he excelled in both passing and rushing. The upcoming spring practices will shed light on his advancement as a passer within a revamped offensive scheme.
5. Mark Gronowski, Quarterback, Iowa
Previous School: South Dakota State
Gronowski’s transfer into Iowa comes with high expectations following his successful run at the FCS level. The Hawkeyes faced difficulties with their passing game in the past season, so Gronowski’s robust experience and competitive edge will be vital in reigniting Iowa’s offense this spring.
6. Alek Hasz, Tight End, Ole Miss
Previous School: Arkansas
Adding depth to the tight end position, Hasz could emerge as a primary target for Ole Miss with new offensive dynamics under Bobby Petrino. His previous seasons saw fluctuations in usage, making it essential that he establishes stronger connections with the new quarterback this spring.
7. D.J. Heldt, Edge Rusher, Clemson
Previous School: Purdue
D.J. Heldt is among Clemson’s key transfer additions, with significant potential as an edge rusher. His recent performance in the Big Ten indicates he could effectively complement Clemson’s defense, particularly in securing pressure against opposing offenses this forthcoming season.
8. J.J. Keene, Quarterback, Michigan
Previous School: Fresno State
Keene now faces a competitive environment as he aims to retain his starting position against incoming talent. Michigan’s struggles with the passing game last season amplify the importance of Keene’s performance during spring practices to solidify his place as the go-to quarterback.
9. Williams Nwaneri, Edge Rusher, Nebraska
Previous School: Missouri
Nwaneri’s impressive physical attributes make him a noteworthy transfer for Nebraska. As the program seeks to fill gaps in its pass-rushing capabilities, how Nwaneri adapts and develops during the spring will be pivotal to Nebraska’s defensive strategies moving forward.
10. Zechariah Poyser, Safety, Miami
Previous School: Jacksonville State
Poyser’s arrival signals a transformation in Miami’s secondary, which struggled in previous seasons. As one of several strategic additions, his performance in spring training will help determine the new defensive makeup and effectiveness for the Hurricanes in the upcoming year.
11. Beau Pribula, Quarterback, Missouri
Previous School: Penn State
Pribula’s move to Missouri introduces a fresh dynamic at quarterback. Despite limited starting experience, his previous performance indicates he could significantly uplift Missouri’s offensive capabilities amidst a considerable roster overhaul this spring.
12. Keshawn Shaw, Defensive Tackle, Texas
Previous School: North Carolina
Shaw joins Texas amid a dramatic reshuffling of the defensive line. As the coaching staff looks for impactful players in the trenches, Shaw’s development during the spring could be critical in enhancing Texas’s defensive presence this coming season.
13. Spencer Simmons, Offensive Lineman, Oklahoma
Previous School: Western Carolina
In dire need of offensive line improvements, Oklahoma’s acquisition of Simmons is crucial. Ensuring better protection for quarterbacks will be his top priority this spring, as the Sooners aim to rectify their previous season’s struggles on the offensive front.
14. Antonio Wisniewski, Safety, Texas Tech
Previous School: North Dakota State
Wisniewski is poised to become a significant asset for Texas Tech’s defense. His recovery from prior surgery will be closely monitored this spring as he aims to establish himself as a dependable contributor on the back end of the defense.
15. Tyler Yates, Edge Rusher, North Carolina
Previous School: UConn
Yates’s fit within North Carolina’s defensive strategy is expected to be an important storyline this spring. His experience in securing tackles for loss will be under scrutiny as the program looks to bolster its defensive ranks amid an influx of transfers.
The upcoming spring practices will be crucial for these transfers to integrate into their new teams and provide insights into how they might shape the upcoming college football season. Coaches and fans alike will be eagerly watching as these athletes step onto the field.