The Spring Transfer Portal is closed as players can no longer enter the transfer portal, but the players who are still without a school can continue to take visits and commit to schools. The SEC is always the most active in the first transfer portal window as players aren't allowed to transfer within the conference, which always makes for a hectic winter and a quiet spring.
The transfer portal has heavily shaped which teams win the SEC, make the College Football Playoff, and the National Championship as both National Championship teams this season started transfer quarterbacks. While the players need to prove it on the field, landing an elite talent during the transfer portal is a massive momentum shifter.
Determining what winning and losing the transfer portal isn't an exact science as it's mostly a projection and a guess as to what certain players can do. There are certain things that could make a team a loser especially if they don't capitalize on the chance to make their team a National Championship contender.
With that said, we're ranking how each SEC team did in the transfer portal as several teams launched themselves to contender status while others may wish they did more at the end of the season.
The Florida Gators had arguably the best recruiting chip in the transfer portal in the fact that they have DJ Lagway the quarterback with the most promise heading into the season with two years of eligibility. Instead, the Florida Gators went out and only added 6 players via the transfer portal while losing 20 players.
Among the 6 transfers Florida added this offseason are a backup quarterback to Lagway in Harrison Bailey and Punter Tommy Doman. The biggest addition for Florida and likely the only player who will start is wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant. This season was a down year for Sturdivant but, he's shown he has the ability to be a lead receiver during his time with Cal if the situation around him is right.
The losses the Gators suffered are the more concerning part as a ton of talent pieces transferred out of the program. Edge Rusher Jack Pyburn and Cornerback Ja'Keem Jackson both transferred to LSU where they may start this season. Kelby Collins, TJ Searcy, and Justus Boone all transferred within Conference where they'll be rotational pass rushers at worst.
After making the College Football Playoff the Tennessee Volunteers have taken a massive step back almost certainly ensuring they'll miss the College Football Playoff next season. The decision to let Nico Iamaleava was the right decision once he held out of practice but, the two sides not being able to reach a deal only hurt a team that lost its reading rusher, 3 leading receivers, it's leader in sacks, and interceptions.
The lone 4-star transfer that Tennessee landed was offensive lineman Wendell Moe while the other 6 transfers were all rated 3-star transfers. Joey Aguilar is the Volunteers most important transfer as he'll need to replace Iamaleava but, Aguilar is still a level below Iamaleava talent wise.
Aside from losing Iamaleava, the Volunteers had several players leave as they'll become Power 4 starters elsewhere. The Volunteers do a solid job recruiting so there's talent all over the roster but, the Volunteers lost elite level talent and weren't able to bring in any pieces of that talent level.
As Jeff Lebby looks to make this roster his own, there's going to be a ton of turnover early on but, losing 34 players in one offseason is too much to build any continuity. Following this season, the Bulldogs should be less reliant on the transfer portal as Lebby continues to stack recruiting classes but, it does hurt in the short term.
The two biggest pieces Mississippi State added this offseason are Fluff Bothwell and Luke Kromenhoek. Bothwell will lead the in rushing after an exciting freshman season at South Alabama giving the offense an identity. Kromenhoek was a former top recruit and becomes another option for Jeff Lebby long-term as Blake Shapen is a senior.
The Bulldogs receiving core got decimated by the transfer portal with Kevin Coleman, Mario Craver, Trent Hudson, JJ Harrell, and Creed Whittmore all departing. Michael Van Buren excited fans as a freshman at quarterback but, he'll now backup Garrett Nussmeier with the hopes of starting next season. Brice Pollock will be missed on defense as he was one of the top corners to transfer landing at Texas Tech.
For Arkansas fans, there should be some serious concern over the fact that 39 players left this offseason, as Sam Pittman isn't a new coach and this is a crucial season for him. Josh Braun, T.J. Metcalf, Addison Nichols, and Brad Spence are all incredibly talented players who will start elsewhere for other Power 4 schools. Losing the freshman quarterback you signed Madden Iamaleava isn't Arkansas' fault but, it's less than ideal for the future.
The Razorbacks did make some exciting additions that certainly elevate the ceiling of the team this season. Corey Robinson II has a chance to be an All-SEC level offensive tackle for the Razorbacks and will help keep Taylen Green upright. The coaching staff overhauled the wide receiver room adding key pieces like Jalen Brown and O'Mega Blake who bring big play ability to the offense. On defense, the Razorbacks added transfers at every position bringing competition to the roster.
After a horrible season, Kentucky overhauling the roster may not be a bad thing but, the Wildcats did lose some of their most important pieces. Barion Brown transferring to LSU tells you what level of wide receiver talent he is while Dane Key was one of the most sought-after receivers this winter. Losing Keeshawn Silver, Kendrick Gilbert, and Tyreese Fearby all hurt as the team loses 3 solid players from the defense.
On the opposite end, after Brock Vandagriff struggled all season, Kentucky added former SEC Quarterback Zach Calzada to run the offense. Josh Braun is the team's most talented addition while adding David Gusta and Mi'Quise Humphrey Grace will help fill some of the team's holes on the defensive line.
The Vanderbilt Commodores needed to go out and build this team around Diego Pavia in the transfer portal as he returns for his final season of College Football. The Commodores used the transfer portal the perfect amount as they added a player for each player that was lost as they won't disrupt the core of this team.
As the entire offensive line departed, Isaia Glass, Sterling Porcher, Jordan White, Gunner Givens, and Bryce Henderson all transferred in and could make up an entirely new offensive line. Wide Receiver Trent Hudson reunites with Diego Pavia, bringing chemistry to the team as the two played together at New Mexico State. The additions of Jordan Matthews, Keanu Koht, and CJ Heard give team three impressive new starters which is a big win for Vanderbilt.
The Texas Longhorns didn't need to make many additions after a run to the College Football Playoff semifinal as the Longhorns return a loaded roster. The Longhorns only made 11 additions and lost just 16 players keeping a ton of continuity heading into what could be a National Championship season.
The clear priority was adding depth to the defensive tackle room as Texas added 5 interior defensive linemen. Jack Endries is an elite tight end who helps the Longhorns replace Gunnar Helm who's off to the NFL. Emmett Mosley V transfers in from Stanford and can help the Longhorns replace all of the production they lost at wide receiver. Brad Spence comes in and gets to play alongside Anthony Hill Jr in the middle of the defense and will make an instant impact.
The vast majority of Texas' losses were depth pieces that wouldn't have played this season, as kicker Bert Auburn was the only starter to depart.
After a breakout season, the South Carolina Gamecocks brought a ton of momentum into the offseason. While South Carolina's transfer haul isn't that impressive for this season, the Gamecocks made several additions that will help long term and give this team a plan after LaNorris Sellers if he enters the draft next season.
Former 5-star quarterback Air Noland is the biggest addition in this class even as the Gamecocks hope he spends the entire season on the sidelines. If Rahsul Faison is able to play this season, he's a great replacement to Rocket Sanders at running back. Brandon Cisse was an elite defensive back at NC State and adds another solid player to a defense with a ton of talent. If Shane Beamer and his staff can tap into the talent that made defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy a 5-star recruit it could be their best addition.
As the Alabama Football team enters year two of the Kalen DeBoer era, the Crimson Tide are still loaded talent wise. This transfer class was always going to have a ton of departures as players saw where they stood with the new staff this season. While Alabama could've lost a ton of talent, the Crimson Tide didn't lose any massive pieces.
Justice Haynes is the biggest name to leave Tuscaloosa but as Jam Miller returns and younger backs emerge, it's the right move for both sides. Caleb Odom was a highly ranked recruit who could've been a weapon for Alabama but, he wasn't going to beat out Alabama's wide receivers for playing time. Devonta Smith is the lone starter to leave Tuscaloosa as he leaves for Notre Dame but, Alabama has a few young safeties that could've jumped him in the offseason.
The biggest addition for Alabama is wide receiver Isaiah Horton as he gives the team another weapon alongside Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard. Cam Calhoun, Nikhai Hill-Green, and Kelby Collins all join the team as potential impact players on the defense as they'll be rotational pieces at worst.
Kirby Smart and the Georgia Football program recruit and develop players at such a high level that they hardly need to use the transfer portal. This offseason, the Bulldogs biggest need was wide receivers who can garner a ton of attention and catch the football as Georgia felt the impact of losing Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers.
Kirby Smart landed one of the elite weapons in the Country in Zachariah Branch, who can break a massive play whenever he touches the football. Noah Thomas is the big-bodied receiver Georgia needed on the outside, giving Gunnar Stockton another massive weapon. Running Back Josh Frazier gives the team another high-impact player behind Nate Frazier who had an exciting freshman season.
In 2024, Missouri seemingly missed its chance as everyone penciled the Tigers in as the darkhorse to watch in the SEC. Eli Drinkwitz had a tough task at hand replacing Brady Cook, Nate Noel, Luther Burden III, Theo Wease, and both offensive tackles. Despite the massive holes, Missouri reloaded nicely this offseason.
The Tigers quickly moved to bring in Beau Pribula after he showed a ton of ability as Penn State's gadget quarterback. Pribula is joined in the backfield by ULM running back Ahmad Hardy who rushed for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman. Kevin Coleman will be the key target for Beau Pribula on the outside after an impressive season at Mississippi State.
The defense made massive upgrades which should be just as exciting for Missouri fans heading into 2025. Edge Rusher Damon Wilson and Linebacker Josiah Trotter bring elite ability to the front seven if Wilson pans out as the starter. Jalen Catalon is one of the best under the radar additions by any team as the Tigers get a high impact safety.
Brent Venables sits on a hot seat heading into the 2025 season which made it important for him to have a big offseason using the transfer portal. The Sooners new offensive staff needed to find a way to upgrade the talent level as the defense hasn't been the issue and Oklahoma fans should be excited with the moves the team made.
John Mateer arrives as a Heisman candidate at quarterback for the Sooners after a breakout season at Washington State. In the Spring transfer portal window, Oklahoma got a game-breaking weapon landing running back Jadyn Ott whose speed brings a new element to the offense. On defense, the Sooners land Marvin Jones Jr, who didn't live up to the expectations last season but has immense talent rushing off of the edge.
The Sooners did lose some pieces that they likely wish they had with the offense they built around John Mateer. Bauer Sharp led the team in receiving but, will start at tight end for LSU taking wide receiver Nic Anderson with him who has 1st round ability but, missed the entire 2024 season. The addition of Jadyn Ott did lead to Oklahoma losing two running backs which could be an issue if Ott suffers an injury.
The goal coming into the offseason for Texas A&M was to build the offense around Marcel Reed while on defense they needed to replace defensive line production. As Mike Elko had his first full offseason to build the roster to fit his mold, it was exciting to see how the Aggies would approach the transfer portal after the Jimbo Fisher Era.
The Aggies quickly went out and gave Marcel Reed an aresenal of weapons in Amari Niblack, Kevin Concepcion, Mario Craver, Jonah Wilson, and Micah Hudson who transferred back to Texas Tech this spring. On defense, Texas A&M landed a key pass rusher in TJ Searcy and will roll with most of the talent on the roster already which indicates the staff is confident in the players stepping up.
Aside from losing Micah Hudson before he ever played a game, the biggest loss for the Aggies was losing wide receiver Noah Thomas to Georgia.
If there's ever an award given out to the team that adds the most players in the transfer portal, it'll likely be named after Lane Kiffin. This transfer cycle, the Rebels added an insane number of players, picking up 31 transfers, but they also lost 28 players. As Lane Kiffin is tasked with replacing a ton of NFL-caliber talent he's back to making swings once again.
Lane Kiffin wanted to add experience as he added 9 upperclassmen on defense and another 9 on offense. Tight End Luke Hasz can be the best in the SEC, while Caleb Odom is a former 5-star recruit who can be exciting as a receiver on the outside. The additions of edge rushers Princewell Umanmielen and Da'Shawn Womack bring a ton of upside to the defense, while they added experienced veterans on the back end.
Hugh Freeze is heading into what could be the most crucial season of his tenure at Auburn after back-to-back losing seasons. The 2024 season was defined by struggles on offense mostly because of the terrible play the Tigers got at quarterback. Heading into what could be the most important season for Freeze at Auburn, the Tigers loaded up in the transfer portal.
Jackson Arnold will be the most important addition as he'll be tasked with leading this offense to a productive season. Arnold was already going to have a ton of weapons to work with but, Hugh Freeze went out and landed the top wide receiver and a top 5 player in the transfer portal in Eric Singleton Jr.
The defense was already extremely talented but, Hugh Freeze and his staff went out and added depth at almost every position which will ensure the Tigers can field an elite unit if injuries strike.
After a disappointing season missing the first 12 team College Football Playoff, Brian Kelly went out and quieted the doubters putting up $1 Million of his own money to build a roster capable of winning a National Championship. During the Winter, Brian Kelly brought in the biggest transfer class of his LSU tenure aside from the year he came to LSU as the Tigers added 19 players just because the team needed bodies.
Pick an area of LSU's roster, and the Tigers added talent as they added pieces everywhere except for Linebacker and Running Back, where they already have enough talent. Garrett Nussmeier now adds elite weapons in Nic Anderson and Barion Brown on the outside, as well as tight end Bauer Sharp, after leading Oklahoma in receiving. The offensive line loses 4 starters, so LSU went out and landed an instant starter at Center and Guard in Braelin Moore and Josh Thompson.
The days of watching LSU's opponents light up the scoreboard may be over just based on what LSU brought in this offseason. The Tigers add Patrick Payton, Jack Pyburn, and Jimari Butler off the edge while Bernard Gooden and Sydir Mitchell give LSU power on the inside. LSU fans knew who every player in the secondary was from seeing the back of their jerseys as they were chasing after wide open receivers. That should change as LSU brought in 2 potential starting cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Ja'Keem Jackson, a starting Nickel in Tamarcus Cooley, and one of the best safeties in the Country in AJ Haulcy.
For extra measure, LSU also went out and added a top Freshman punter in Grant Chadwick and a potential quarterback of the future and high upside backup in Michael Van Buren.