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Most important newcomer for each Top 25 college football team
It’s been more than a month since the College Football Playoff and a week after national signing day.
With that, along with the transfer portal settling down, most schools know what their rosters look like heading into spring practice. They’ll welcome newcomers in the form of either new transfers or highly recruited high school prospects.
Let’s take a look at which newcomers could be the most important or impactful for each team in Mark Schlabach’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.
1. Georgia Bulldogs
Top newcomer: CB Ellis Robinson IV (No. 1 recruit in the 2024 class)
Georgia brought in quite a few big names through recruiting and the transfer portal, including running back transfer Trevor Etienne, who fills a need, and wide receiver London Humphreys. But Robinson is the No. 1 prospect in this recruiting cycle. He’s a 6-foot-1, 180-pound corner from IMG Academy and should be an instant-impact recruit for the Dawgs. He will help continue the longstanding tradition of excellent secondary players and fits exactly what coach Kirby Smart and his staff want in a corner. — Tom VanHaaren
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
Top newcomer: QB Will Howard (transferred from Kansas State)
Howard should come in and replace Kyle McCord, who transferred to Syracuse. Ohio State’s passing game averaged 269.1 yards per game (30th in the FBS) and its total offense (407.9 YPG) sat 47th nationally during an 11-win season; Howard will be asked to help improve that. He was 7-3 as a starter last season after leading K-State to the Big 12 title the prior season. Howard threw for 2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns while running for 300 yards and seven scores last season. He could be a multidimensional playmaker in new playcaller Chip Kelly’s offense which also features running backs TreVeyon Henderson, Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins and five-star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (No. 7 overall in 2024). — Blake Baumgartner
Can Will Howard jumpstart Ohio State’s offense? Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
3. Oregon Ducks
Top newcomer: QB Dillon Gabriel (transferred from Oklahoma)
Gabriel takes over for Bo Nix as Oregon is making the transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten. Expectations for Gabriel, who threw for 3,660 yards (sixth in the FBS) and 30 touchdowns (eighth nationally), will be sky-high. Last season, the Ducks had the nation’s second-best offense in total yards (531.4 YPG) and the best passing offense (346.9 YPG). Gabriel is a very experienced quarterback, having spent time at both UCF and Oklahoma, and has thrown for 14,865 yards and 125 touchdowns in his five-year career. With one more season left to use, can Gabriel help the Ducks get some of the final inches that eluded them in two losses to Washington amid a 12-win campaign in 2023? — Baumgartner
4. Texas Longhorns
Top newcomer: WR Isaiah Bond (transferred from Alabama)
The Longhorns had a big need at receiver this offseason with leading receivers Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell both off to the NFL. The two combined for 16 of the team’s 25 receiving touchdowns and 1,859 of the team’s 4,047 receiving yards in 2023. Bond already has experience playing in the SEC at Alabama where he had 668 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore this past season. With quarterback Quinn Ewers returning in 2024, Bond should be a primary target and help replace the outgoing talent at the position. — VanHaaren
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Top newcomer: QB Riley Leonard (transferred from Duke)
Sam Hartman transferred to Notre Dame a year ago from Wake Forest with quite a bit of fanfare. Now another import from the ACC will take over for him. Leonard was one of the season’s early surprises in guiding the Blue Devils to a 4-0 start. Leonard, who was limited to seven games because of injury in 2023, threw for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2022. The Fighting Irish’s offense (432.2 YPG) finished 29th in the country on the way to winning at least 10 games for the second time in three seasons. If he can stay healthy, Leonard can keep the Irish offense on track. — Baumgartner
6. Ole Miss Rebels
Top newcomer: DT Walter Nolen (transferred from Texas A&M)
The Ole Miss defense ranked 71st in yards allowed per game, No. 73 in rush yards allowed per game and 75th in pass yards allowed per game. With much of the offensive production returning in 2024, it was the defense that needed to be reworked for the Rebels to take the next step in the SEC West. The coaching staff was able to bring in some outstanding defensive players through the transfer portal, but none bigger than Nolen, who was the No. 1 prospect in the 2022 class. He’s a disruptive force up front, who can help in the pass rush and stop the run. He is a plug-and-play lineman who should be an immediate upgrade for the Rebels’ defense. He was one of the best pickups for any team this offseason. — VanHaaren
7. Missouri Tigers
Top newcomer: DE Williams Nwaneri (No. 5 recruit in the 2024 class)
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Nwaneri is the highest-ranked player ever to sign with Missouri. In 11 games for Lee’s Summit North High School (Missouri) last year, the 6-foot-7, 260-pound Nwaneri recorded 50 tackles (33 solo) with 13 tackles for loss and six sacks. The Tigers allowed 336.1 total yards per game on defense (33rd in the country) and 11 wins in a season for the first time since 2014. Nwaneri might be able to aid a Missouri pass defense that permitted 212.2 YPG, tied for 47th in the FBS, and punished opposing quarterbacks with 35 sacks last fall. Nwaneri will add another piece to Mizzou’s defense. — Baumgartner
8. Penn State Nittany Lions
Top newcomer: OT Cooper Cousins (No. 111 recruit in the 2024 class)
With Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen being joined in the backfield this fall by yet another ESPN 300 running back in Quinton Martin, and Olu Fashanu and Caedan Wallace off to the NFL, Penn State needs someone to help spur a running game that carried the offense for the majority of 2023. That’s where Cousins comes in. Cousins, a product of McDowell High School (Pennsylvania), will help in that regard, and protect quarterback Drew Allar. — Baumgartner
9. Alabama Crimson Tide
Top newcomer: WR Ryan Williams (No. 3 recruit in the 2024 class)
Williams is the No. 1 receiver in this recruiting cycle and had been committed to Alabama before decommitting once Nick Saban retired. He considered offers from Texas A&M, Texas and LSU, but was willing to give the new Alabama staff a chance. It was a huge recruiting win for new Tide coach Kalen DeBoer, considering how important the passing game is to his offense and the outgoing production Alabama had at the position. Alabama lost Bond, Shazz Preston, Malik Benson and Ja’Corey Brooks to the transfer portal and is losing leading receiver Jermaine Burton to the NFL. Williams has an opportunity to start right away for Alabama and could have a big role in the success of the passing game in DeBoer’s first season. — VanHaaren
10. Utah Utes
Top newcomer: WR Dorian Singer (transferred from USC)
Singer transferred from Arizona to USC prior to this past season with much fanfare. He had completed the 2022 season with 1,105 yards and six touchdowns for the Wildcats. Singer wasn’t as successful at USC, where he finished the 2023 season with 289 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Utah needs playmakers at the position, and Singer has an opportunity to reset and try to get back to the numbers he saw in 2022. — VanHaaren
11. Arizona Wildcats
Top newcomer: RB Jordan Washington (No. 244 recruit in the 2024 class)
It was a tumultuous offseason for Arizona with head coach Jedd Fisch going to Washington and taking Jonah Coleman, the Wildcats’ leading rusher in 2023, with him. Washington, the No. 16 running back in the class out of Long Beach, California, will help fill the void. — VanHaaren
12. LSU Tigers
Top newcomer: WR CJ Daniels (transferred from Liberty)
LSU is losing its top two receivers from last season in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., who are both off to the NFL. The two combined for 2,746 of the team’s 4,406 receiving yards and 31 of the team’s 44 receiving touchdowns. That is a lot of production to try to replace this offseason, but Daniels should help. He’s a 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver who led Liberty in receiving yards and touchdowns this past season with 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns. He should be an instant-impact player. — VanHaaren
13. Michigan Wolverines
Top newcomer: QB Jadyn Davis (No. 166 recruit in the 2024 class)
Davis isn’t the highest-ranked recruit in the Wolverines’ class, but he’s coming in at a position of need for new head coach Sherrone Moore and his staff. Starter J.J. McCarthy is off to the NFL and Michigan doesn’t have a clear replacement behind him. The coaches have Alex Orji (who mainly ran the ball in spot duty last season), Jayden Denegal and Davis Warren — none of whom has extensive experience. Davis might not get the starting job in 2024 but adding him to the quarterback room brings more competition and another option to choose from. He fits Michigan’s offense and has some of the better arm talent on the roster. — VanHaaren
14. Oklahoma Sooners
Top newcomer: DT David Stone (No. 6 recruit in the 2024 class)
The Sooners are joining the SEC and you can never have enough athletic, versatile defensive linemen in that league. Oklahoma is still trying to elevate its defense and Stone will help. He’s a 6-foot-4, 280-pound lineman who fits what coach Brent Venables wants up front and can help get after the quarterback or stop the run. He is the No. 1 defensive tackle in the class and was a huge recruiting win for the Sooners’ staff. — VanHaaren
15. Florida State Seminoles
Top newcomer: QB DJ Uiagalelei (transferred from Oregon State)
Uiagalelei isn’t the highest-rated transfer the Seminoles are bringing in, but he fills the biggest need. FSU added Alabama corner Earl Little Jr., linebacker Shawn Murphy, receiver Malik Benson and running back Roydell Williams, as well as Georgia linebacker Marvin Jones Jr. among a handful of other impact transfers. But the staff saw just how important the quarterback position is this past season. Jordan Travis is out of eligibility and Tate Rodemaker, transferred which left the Seminoles without much QB experience. If Uiagalelei can take over for Travis and continue his consistent play, he can help keep Florida State in the College Football Playoff conversation. — VanHaaren
DJ Uiagalelei will be asked to maintain his consistent play and keep FSU in the playoff hunt. Ali Gradischer/Getty Images
16. Tennessee Volunteers
Top newcomer: WR Mike Matthews (No. 23 recruit in the 2024 class)
Matthews, the headliner of a 14th-ranked recruiting class, could very well give quarterback Nico Iamaleava and Tennessee’s offense a tantalizing playmaker because of his versatility on the field. As a senior, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Matthews caught 39 passes for 751 yards and nine touchdowns for Parkview High School (Georgia) and could add to an offense that was 19th in the country at 448.1 YPG. — Baumgartner
17. Oklahoma State Cowboys
Top newcomer: S Kobe Hylton (transferred from UTEP)
Oklahoma State won 10 games in 2023 despite having the worst total defense (441.5 YPG) in the Big 12. Hylton recorded 54 tackles, broke up four passes and forced a pair of fumbles for UTEP last season. Even with Oklahoma and Texas off to the SEC, Mike Gundy’s team needs to get better on defense because Colorado, Utah and Arizona — new members to the conference — have good offenses. That improvement could begin in the back end with an experienced player such as Hylton, who has played at both Louisiana and UTEP. — Baumgartner
18. NC State Wolfpack
Top newcomer: QB Grayson McCall (transferred from Coastal Carolina)
The coaches brought in Brennan Armstrong last offseason to help with the passing game, but he finished with 1,785 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Backup MJ Morris transferred, and McCall is now coming in with a lot of excitement to help elevate the offense. He was the Sun Belt Conference player of the year in 2020, when he threw for 2,488 yards, 26 touchdowns and three interceptions. He combined for 5,573 yards in 2021 and 2022 and is now off to help NC State in 2024. — VanHaaren
19. Clemson Tigers
Top newcomer: WR Bryant Wesco (No. 28 recruit in the 2024 class)
Clemson needs to get more explosive on offense, and a pair of ESPN 300 wide receivers (Wesco and T.J. Moore; No. 50 in 2024) will be counted on in 2024. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound Wesco was a star for Midlothian High School (Texas) and should be given ample opportunities to help jump-start a passing game that averaged only 228.4 YPG. A more explosive offense, courtesy of quarterback Cade Klubnik and a group of improved receivers, can help Clemson get back on top of the ACC. — Baumgartner
20. Kansas State Wildcats
Top newcomer: OT Easton Kilty (transferred from North Dakota)
Kilty started 12 games for North Dakota at right guard during the 2022 season, after starting 11 games at right tackle and left guard in 2021. He then started every game at left tackle in 2023 and was named honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference. He is a versatile lineman who has proved he can have success at most any position. Kilty was one of the best linemen available in the transfer portal this offseason and was a great addition for the staff. — VanHaaren
21. Louisville Cardinals
Top newcomer: DE Tyler Baron (transferred from Tennessee)
This one could have been a number of players as Louisville has one of the best incoming transfer classes this offseason, but getting to the quarterback and adding a pass-rush presence is always valuable. Baron had 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks this past season for the Vols, as well as 16 quarterback hurries. He was one of the top transfers available and will be a huge addition to the defense this coming season. — VanHaaren
22. Kansas Jayhawks
Top newcomer: LB Dakyus Brinkley (No. 248 recruit in the 2024 class)
Brinkley is Kansas’ first ESPN 300 player in 10 years. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Brinkley should fit in with a defense that was sound, if unspectacular, last season, averaging 378.2 YPG. The Jayhawks’ pass defense (216.7 YPG) was the second-best in the Big 12. — Baumgartner
23. Kentucky Wildcats
Top newcomer: LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson (transferred from Georgia)
The Wildcats had a productive offseason in the transfer portal, adding in Georgia quarterback Brock Vandagriff, Ohio State running back Chip Trayanum and Texas A&M receiver Raymond Cottrell, among others. Dumas-Johnson was one of the bigger additions, however, given his past success in the SEC and at the highest level with Georgia. He had 70 tackles, nine tackles for loss and four sacks in the 2022 season, when he was a finalist for the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in FBS. He broke his forearm last season, but he accounted for 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in nine games. — VanHaaren
24. Miami Hurricanes
Top newcomer: QB Cameron Ward (transferred from Washington State)
The Hurricanes lost quarterback Tyler Van Dyke to Wisconsin and were in need of a replacement. They added Reese Poffenbarger from Albany but were then able to also get Ward late in the process. Ward entered the transfer portal with the intention of looking at other schools, while also exploring his NFL draft options. He declared for the draft but wasn’t happy with the grades he received and predictions on where he would be taken. He committed to Miami and now gives the Hurricanes one of the best quarterback transfers this offseason and a legitimate starter for the 2024 season. — VanHaaren
25. Texas A&M Aggies
Top newcomer: ATH Terry Bussey (No. 18 recruit in the 2024 class)
The Aggies have some very good players coming in through the portal, including Alabama corner Dezz Ricks, Purdue edge rusher Nic Scourton and a handful of others, but keeping Bussey in the recruiting class was a huge win for new coach Mike Elko. He’s the No. 1 athlete in the class and can play nearly anywhere on the field. He was recruited by the wide receivers and defensive backs coach and could realistically help out on both sides. — VanHaaren
