The college football transfer portal officially opens Dec. 9, but the first edition of the 247Sports Transfer Portal Rankings for the 2025 cycle is already live. Nearly 30 players have either declared early or entered the portal as graduate transfers. Although the rankings are subject to change daily, those who have declared their intent to transfer are rated by 247Sports, even if they have not yet officially entered the portal.
The previous 2023-24 transfer portal cycle witnessed a record-setting number of entries with almost 3,900 players opting to explore other opportunities. That number exceeded the previous record by more than 300. As restrictions on transfers continue to be limited, the 2024-25 transfer portal cycle could see an even greater influx of players on the move. The winter window for the college football transfer portal opens Dec. 9 and closes Dec. 28. The spring window is set for 10 days, opening April 16 and closing April 25.
So, who are the top-ranked transfer portal prospects so far in late October?
RELATED (VIP): How Penn State kept QB Beau Pribula from entering transfer portal
Below is a closer look at the way-too-early top-10 transfer portal prospects for the 2024-25 cycle:
10. Key Lawrence, S, Ole Miss
247Sports transfer portal rating: 3-star (85)
Key Lawrence is back in the portal after just six months at Ole Miss. The former Oklahoma transfer appeared in four games this season for the Rebels before opting to redshirt and maintain his final year of eligibility. The 6-foot, 205-pound safety primarily played on special teams at Ole Miss, recording just one tackle. Lawrence appeared in 36 games during his three seasons at Oklahoma. He made 14 starts for the Sooners, including six at safety. Lawrence totaled 149 tackles with three interceptions and 12 passes defended at Oklahoma.
9. Leshon Williams, RB, Iowa
247Sports transfer portal rating: 3-star (85)
Despite being the leading rusher at Iowa last season, running back Leshon Williams found himself behind starter and workhorse Kaleb Johnson in 2024. Williams announced his decision to redshirt in early October after playing in just three games this season, totaling 11 carries for 21 yards. Williams was battling a back injury, but Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said prior to his departure that he returned to practice. Williams led the Hawkeyes with 821 yards and a touchdown on 170 carries last season. He has one year of eligibility remaining.
7. Xavier Townsend, WR, UCF
247Sports transfer portal rating: 3-star (86)
UCF had a handful of players opt out for the remainder of the season and enter the transfer portal in early October, including wide receiver Xavier Townsend, who played in the first four games. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound receiver caught 10 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown this season. During his first two years with the Knights, Townsend caught 56 passes for 452 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 20 carries for 190 yards and another score. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
6. Bangally Kamara, LB, South Carolina
247Sports transfer portal rating: 3-star (86)
Bangally Kamara played in just four games at South Carolina before deciding to enter the transfer portal again. The senior linebacker arrived in Columbia from Pittsburgh this offseason, but opted to maintain his final year of eligibility. Kamara finished with nine tackles, including one for loss. He played a season-high 30 snaps in a defeat against Ole Miss in Week 6. Kamara missed the game against Akron due to injury. He played three seasons at Pittsburgh, totaling 115 tackles, including 11.5 for loss with five sacks in 37 games.
5. Jaden Mickey, CB, Notre Dame
247Sports transfer portal rating: 3-star (87)
Notre Dame finds itself a bit thin at cornerback after Jaden Mickey opted to redshirt and enter the transfer portal. His decision came before the Fighting Irish also lost consensus preseason All-American Benjamin Morrison for the remainder of the season due to injury. Mickey served as a backup in the secondary, playing in four games with a total of 82 snaps this season. He recorded just two tackles and a pass breakup. Mickey played in 28 games during his three seasons at Notre Dame. He has two years of eligibility remaining.
