College Football’s 6 Most Impactful Transfers In 2023

For college football, the transfer portal has served as a mock free agency similar to the madness in March of the NFL. After a frenzy of additions and subtractions for programs of all levels of prestige, here are six faces in new places that should thrive this fall.

Sam Hartman QB, Notre Dame 

Year two under head coach Marcus Freeman brings a new level of expectations in South Bend, and the success of the Fighting Irish will fall on the shoulders of their battle-tested signal-caller—five years at Wake Forest saw Hartman become one of college football’s most prolific passers. The tandem of Hartman and newly minted offensive coordinator Gerad Parker will remain under the spotlight all campaign long after losing former offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to Alabama this offseason.

Tanner Mordecai QB, Wisconsin

The former Oklahoma Sooner turned SMU Mustang turned Wisconsin Badger can sling it with the best the nation has to offer. Head coach Luke Fickell prioritized solidifying the QB spot in his first spring pressing the buttons, and Mordecai could surprise many in offensive coordinator Phil Longo’s air-raid offense.

Denver Harris CB, LSU

A five-star recruit for Texas A&M, Harris joins an LSU defense loaded with playmakers. A suspension saw him hang up his cleats for the second half of the 2022 college football season, but his physicality, awareness, and ability in man coverage will allow him to succeed against many of the nation’s top pass-catchers.

Dasan McCullough LB, Oklahoma

A dynamic athlete at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, McCullough has already become a popular name in scouting meetings for NFL teams in need of a three-down linebacker. The new Ferrari inside defensive coordinator Brent Venables’ defense, McCullough has played everywhere this spring for the Sooners after coming over from Indiana.

Dont’e Thornton WR, Tennessee

The rise of Jalin Hyatt last fall saw him become a day-two pick for the New York Giants, and Thornton could become the next deep ball threat to skyrocket up draft boards. A big man at 6-foot-5, the Oregon transfer will draw the eyes of both defensive secondaries and quarterback Joe Milton in Knoxville. 

Caden Prieskorn TE, Ole Miss

Prieskorn (Memphis transfer) and teammate Michael Trigg could represent one of college football’s premier duos at tight ends. Behind an NFL-ready frame, Prieskorn can play in-line, flexed in space, and has the size and hands to give smaller defenders fits. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2022 (48/602/7) and many expect his target share to jump within Lane Kiffin’s offense.