The 2024 transfer portal cycle was chaotic. Big-time NIL collectives combined with a few transfer restrictions led to a market explosion. Real difference-makers hit the portal, and free agency was in full swing.
Safety Caleb Downs transferred from Alabama to Ohio State. Defensive tackle Walter Nolen left Texas A&M and landed at Ole Miss. Downs and Nolen headlined an elite group of talent at the top of the class.
We haven’t seen the same level of impact as the player hit the portal in 2024. Downs and Nolen were bonafide stars. Clear NFL talents that were already proven in the SEC.
In the 2025 portal, the top-ranked player is former Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton. According to On3, his transfer rating of 96.29 would have ranked No. 9 on last year’s big board.
Singleton is a good player and has a chance to be one of the best receivers in the country next year, but he’s not a sure thing.
Rounding out the top three in this year’s class are fellow receivers Kevin Concepcion and Micah Hudson. Both players have talent but struggled to produce in 2024. There’s a risk that wasn’t there with Downs or Nolen.
Downs and Nolen both hit the portal after coaching changes. The lack of excitement on the coaching carousel this cycle may be a reason for the tempered portal.
Last year, several big moves were traced back to Nick Saban’s retirement. Downs and QB Julian Sayin transferred. Alabama hired Washington’s Kalen DeBoer, which resulted in cornerback Jabbar Muhammad transferring to Oregon.
Of course, a flood of talented players could enter after the College Football Playoff. If Ryan Day were to be out at Ohio State, another chain reaction could take place.
Without as many clear difference makers available this year, player evaluation could end up playing a big role in who gets the most from their 2025 transfer class.