The transfer portal was once again flooded with talented names in the winter window. Now that we have had time to digest these players and rely on intel from programs across the country, 247Sports has updated the rankings with players that deserve to be rated higher. We have also identified several players who have created positive buzz since winter workouts or the early parts of spring practice. Here’s a bit more on the process:
In order to render the most accurate rankings possible, we have continued to gather intel and evaluate new film and statistics on each prospect in the transfer portal. Something to keep in mind, as we look at new rankings adjustments, is the criteria we rank each player based on — previous college production, film evaluation, intel, NFL Draft projection and high school ranking.
This marks Year 4 of 247Sports assigning ratings to transfers. Each year, the rating scale — an 80 to 100 — has gotten higher to reflect the impact transfers have had on college football, especially the one-time transfer waiver in place.
In addition to having the most comprehensive transfer rankings in the college football space, 247Sports uses these ratings to create Team Transfer Rankings and also has an algorithm for Overall Team Rankings, which combines transfer prospects and recruits into a total look at a team’s incoming talent.
Let’s take a closer look at the update with some of this spring’s notable risers.
Brock Vandagriff, QB, Georgia to Kentucky (92 to 93)
After a couple years behind some great signal-callers with the Bulldogs, Vandagriff (No. 35 overall) hopes to have a breakout season for the Wildcats in 2024. The sit-and-wait method has worked for plenty of good college quarterbacks, where they learn and develop instead of being thrust into the game before they’re ready. Vandagriff was a five-star in the 2021 class and has some lofty expectations at Kentucky. A mobile player who can get the ball out quickly and make wise decisions, he will get a chance to show that he’s a big-time college quarterback this season.
Brendan Sorsby, QB, Indiana to Cincinnati (89 to 90)
Sorsby (No. 101 overall) had his first real breakout game this past season against Penn State, when he connected on 68% of his passes for three touchdowns. You could tell that Sorsby had something as far as his accuracy, poise and smooth delivery as a passer. He ended the season with 15 touchdowns and five picks. Sorsby transferred to Cincinnati and has already turned heads with his precision as a passer. He could end up being a premiere passer in the Big 12.
Raheim Sanders, RB, Arkansas to South Carolina (91 to 92)
Sanders (No. 51 overall) had a huge year in 2022 with 1,400-plus yards and 10 scores. He averaged 6.5 yards per carry. Last season, he wasn’t fully healthy and only recorded 209 yards on 62 carries. The word out of Columbia is that he’s lost 20 pounds and is fully healthy. He was listed at 242 pounds the last couple seasons, and some said that he was too heavy. But it’s a great sign for his senior season. He could be a impact player once again in college football.
Ja’Quinden Jackson, RB, Utah to Arkansas (90 to 92)
Jackson (No. 56 overall) is a former quarterback turned running back. He started his career at the University of Texas. The 6-foot-2, 228-pounder is a perfect fit in the Arkansas ground game. He had 797 yards on 161 carries in 2023 for Utah. The most impressive thing with Jackson is how fluid and natural he is at that size. He’s still got tremendous upside.
Kris Mitchell, WR, FIU to Notre Dame (89 to 91)
Mitchell (No. 66 overall) had a giant season in 2023, recording 1,000-plus yards receiving and seven scores. He’s got innate qualities as a crafty receiver who can separate or make tough catches. Mitchell transfers to Notre Dame where he will need to be counted on in a big way. Sources in South Bend immediately singled out Mitchell as a standout addition to the team in 2024.
Dorian Singer, WR, Arizona to Utah (89 to 90)
Singer (No. 137 overall), the former USC and Arizona wideout, has received heavy praise since his arrival in Salt Lake City. He was one of the nation’s top receivers in 2022 with 1,105 yards receiving and six touchdowns. He had a down year at USC in 2023 in a very deep receiver room. Singer has the savvy skill set and quickness to be a lead receiver for Utah.
Colbie Young, WR, Miami to Georgia (92 to 93)
Young (No. 31 overall) is a great fit out wide for the Bulldogs with his 6-foot-5 frame. He can minimize the field and brings toughness through the catch. There’s been positive news coming out of Athens for Young, who had 10 touchdowns in two seasons with Miami. He’s ready to be a featured wideout that can overpower smaller defensive backs in the SEC.
Noah Rogers, WR, Ohio State to NC State (92 to 93)
We have seen wide receiver transfers from Ohio State go elsewhere and find success after being buried with the depth at the position in Columbus. Rogers (No. 37 overall) spent his freshman at Ohio State after entering as the nation’s eighth-ranked receiver. Rogers goes back to his home state, where he will get a chance to make an immediate impact at NC State. Rogers was a sub-4.5-second 40-yard-dash prospect in high school who averaged more than 20 yards per catch, and all the intel is very positive coming out of Raleigh.
J.C. Davis, OL, New Mexico to Illinois (89 to 90)
Davis (No. 148 overall) started all 12 games for New Mexico in each of the past two seasons while recording an 87% offensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus. Sources told 247Sports that Davis is reliable and fundamentally sound. He also brings power to the running game and is in a great spot with Bret Bielema‘s reputation with lineman.
Caiden Woullard, EDGE, Miami (Ohio) to Oklahoma (91 to 93)
Woullard (No. 27 overall) jumps off the tape with his length and explosive upfield rushing talent. He brings a great motor to the position and is a player who we believe will have a huge impact in his first season with the Sooners and beyond. Woullard had 9 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles last season with the RedHawks.
Wayne Matthews, LB, Old Dominion to Michigan State (89 to 91)
The intel on Matthews (No. 78 overall) described him as a leader with great desire to make plays. He’s instinctual, tough and quick to the ball. Matthews is also very adept in coverage. As a redshirt sophomore last year, he tallied 135 total tackles (9 1/2 for loss) and three passes defended.
Marcus Harris, CB, Idaho to Cal (91 to 93)
Cal did a nice job finding Harris (No. 34 overall), the former Idaho corner, in the transfer portal. He had three interceptions and 10 pass breakups for the Vandals in 2023. Winter workout intel came back saying that Harris has been spectacular since arriving in Berkley and posted a 4.3-second hand-time 40-yard dash on testing day. Expect a big season from Harris in 2024.
Trey Amos, CB, Alabama to Ole Miss (91 to 92)
Amos (No. 44 overall) has been described as “one of the best players on defense” since the start of the Rebels’ spring practice and deserves a bump in his ranking. Amos brings elite cover skills to the cornerback position at Ole Miss and showed it against elite competition in big games at Alabama. He played in all 14 games last year and had high marks against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. Amos is primed for a breakout season in 2024.
Jardin Gilbert, DB, Texas A&M to LSU (91 to 93)
Gilbert (No. 26 overall) led the Aggies in solo tackles in 2022, and it’s evident on film that his explosive athleticism is truly elite. Gilbert hasn’t had a real breakout season, but there’s a great chance that 2024 could be the year. Gilbert heads to LSU from Texas A&M and will get a chance to play a key role in the secondary as a veteran back-end talent.
Mishael Powell, DB, Washington to Miami (89 to 90)
Powell (No. 100 overall) comes to Miami with three years of experience from a highly successful program in Washington. Powell is a high-IQ safety with size and toughness against the run. There’s a lot of chatter that he’s made his presence felt as soon as he landed in Miami. The Hurricanes need a veteran safety like him to step up with the departures that they’ve had on defense.
Tamarion McDonald, DB, Tennessee to Louisville (88 to 90)
McDonald (No. 144 overall) was a converted slot safety with great size and change of direction at 6-foot-2, 208 pounds. He’s explosive when he triggers downhill in the run game and shows nice recognition in coverage. McDonald could have his best season ahead of him, even though he’s got four solid years of experience in the SEC. He started all 10 games at the STAR position for Tennessee in 2023.
Quick hitters
– Auburn is excited about transfer offensive tackle Percy Lewis (No. and the upside he brings as a 6-foot-8, 345-pounder to go along with the prior experience he has as a starter in the SEC at Mississippi State.
– Texas transfer safety Jerrin Thompson has also stood out at Auburn with his leadership and coverage ability as an instinctual player in the defensive backfield.
– Former five-star LT Overton has played in 23 games for Texas A&M, and Alabama feels like his upside and development could take off in a big way in Tuscaloosa.
– NC State added one of the ACC’s best running backs from Duke in the portal with Jordan Waters. The physical back will be a focal point of the NC State offense and has grabbed a leadership role.
– Marley Cook is a player to watch on the defensive front for Miami. His quickness can consistently create penetration at the line of scrimmage.
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– Jonathan Mendoza, Louisville’s 6-foot-9, 310-pound right tackle, has “shown the coaches a lot,” sources told 247Sports. There’s also been great feedback about wide receivers Caullin Lacy and Ja’Corey Brooks with the Cardinals.
