10. RB Trevor Etienne
Florida RB Trevor Etienne — whose brother Travis plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars — will be sporting new threads next season. Etienne was highly efficient at Florida — 5.9 YPC over two seasons — and is likely to be playing on Sundays soon enough. He could potentially be a huge get for a team in search of a dynamic playmaker that can stress defenses on multiple levels. Additionally, Etienne still has two years of eligibility remaining — making him even more valuable in the portal. The SEC schools will be in a battle for Etienne’s commitment, but we’re leaning toward Georgia winning this one.
Prediction: Etienne signs with Georgia
9. QB Aidan Chiles
When former Oregon State HC Jonathan Smith announced he’d be leaving Corvallis for East Lansing, it was all but certain freshman QB Aidan Chiles would also be on the move. Chiles, a former four-star recruit from California, operated as DJ Uiagalelei’s backup for the 2023 campaign. In limited usage, we saw Chiles complete 24-of-35 pass attempts for 4 TD’s — plus 79 rushing yards for 3 TD’s. He’s an exceptional dual-threat talent who will almost certainly follow Smith to Michigan State.
Prediction: Chiles signs with Michigan State
8. DB Andrew Mukuba
Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba is done with the Tigers following three seasons. The former four-star recruit was named an All-ACC Third-Team defender in ’21, and is arguably the top defensive back available in the portal. Reports indicate that Oregon has already offered Mukuba to rebuild its secondary. Additionally, Florida State has been extremely active during this cycle. However, there are heavy indications that Mukuba will be landing in Austin next year. The Longhorns get the top safety in the pool.
Prediction: Mukuba signs with Texas
7. QB Dante Moore
The Bruins had high hopes for freshman QB Dante Moore. The Detroit native was expected to be a perfect fit in Chip Kelly’s offense but struggled mightily throughout the year. On the year, Moore completed just 53 percent of his passes with 11 TD’s and 9 INT’s. He was benched down the stretch and made just one start in the final month of the season. A change of scenery should benefit the 18-year-old. The Hurricanes have desperately needed a dynamic passer. Tyler Van Dyke regressed immensely during his time at Miami, and perhaps taking a shot on a former top recruit in Moore could lead to some sustained success in the ACC.
Prediction: Moore signs with Miami
6. DL RJ Oben
Grad transfer RJ Oben entered the portal at the beginning of December, and will seemingly take his time before committing. It’s an important decision for Oben who has just one year of eligibility remaining after five seasons at Duke. He’s been a starter for the past three years and collected 14 sacks over that time. Notre Dame is in the running, but Oben has strong familial ties with another program. Oben’s father is Roman Oben — the NFL’s current Vice President of Football Development. Before his 12-year NFL career, the elder Oben played football and competed in track and field at Louisville.
Prediction: Oben signs with Louisville
5. DL LT Overton
Former five-star recruit LT Overton was a late addition to the portal but could be a potential swing player. Overton is highly regarded, and still has two years of eligibility remaining after finishing two seasons at Texas A&M. While his production wasn’t there with the Aggies (1 career sack in 15 career games), Overton has the size, strength, and versatility to be a valuable piece on a defensive line. While he’s a bit of a tweener, we believe Overton’s calling is as an interior defender who can wreak havoc in both the pass and run game. Tennessee tried to get him two years ago. This time, they’ll get Overton to commit to being a Vol for 2024.
Prediction: Overton signs with Tennessee
4. QB Dillon Gabriel
Gabriel is the type of player who can instantly transform an offense. The left-handed gunslinger has no issue pushing the ball downfield and is always looking for the big play. Gabriel has had four 3,000-yard seasons during his career and will be looking for a fifth in 2024. Gabriel is essentially taking a road trip through the country. He started at Central Florida, made his way to Oklahoma, and is now likely to finish his career on the West Coast. USC could be a potential match, but they reportedly have their eyes on a different passer. Gabriel lands in Eugene to take over for the departing Bo Nix.
Prediction: Gabriel signs with Oregon
3. QB Will Howard
Following four years at K-State, QB Will Howard is looking for a change. And, he has plenty of suitors following his best year at the collegiate level. Howard set career highs across the board, and led the Wildcats to a 8-4 record — K-State finished the regular season ranked 25th nationally. A move from the Big 12 to the Big Ten appears to be on the horizon, but which team will end up landing Howard? The best move for him would be to join the most QB-friendly system, and that is undoubtedly USC. Lincoln Riley is excellent at getting the most out of his passers, and reportedly already went to visit Howard in Kansas. This seems like a lock.
Prediction: Howard signs with USC
2. QB Cam Ward
After lighting it up at Washington State, Cam Ward announced he would be entering the transfer portal for his final year of eligibility. Ward was among the most prolific passers in the nation in 2023. The Texas native threw for 3,735 yards and saved some of his best performances for the Cougars’ toughest matchups — 404 yards, 4 TDs vs. Oregon State; 438 yards vs. Oregon; 317 yards, 3 TDs vs. Washington. With the QB carousel in full swing, several potential suitors could find themselves vying for Ward’s services. We see Ohio State as the best fit with Kyle McCord unlikely to return.
Prediction: Ward signs with Ohio State
1. DT Walter Nolen
ESPN’s No. 1 recruit from the 2022 class has entered the portal, and a potential title contender could be landing an elite player. Nolen spent his first two seasons with the Aggies, collecting 5 sacks over 21 games. Perennial powers like Michigan and Georgia will be in the mix. Additionally, Tennessee is a potential team to look out for. Nolen played the last year of his high school career near Knoxville. However, we think he eventually lands in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban’s squad always seems to land defenders of Nolen’s caliber. We believe the Crimson Tide acquire the top transfer in the country.
Prediction: Nolen signs with Alabama
