Only two of the top 100 transfers in 2024 are still on the market.
Brad Crawford
College football transfer portal recruiting is winding down for 2024 in May as most of the best-available players are now off the board. With Cormani McClain transferring to Florida as a preferred walk-on, all of the top-50 playersare now committed ahead of the 2024 season.
The Gators also grabbed former Arizona Statewideout Elijhah Badger, reinforcing their talent in that personnel room. Billy Napier and Florida signed a top-fiveportal class with the additions., headlined by the recent signingof former USC offensive lineman Jason Zandamela, the top-rated player available.
At this point with the players who remain, teams are doing extra homework on proper fits this summer and how they tackle the scholarship situation by adding a new athlete to the mix.
RELATED: Projecting the 50 most impactful transfers in 2024
Here arethe best available players in the college football transfer portalapproaching the end of May:
1. Jacoby Mathews, S, Texas A&M
Transfer grade:92
Transferranking:No. 65 overall
Jacoby Mathews appeared in 21 games with 12 startsover two years in College Station while recording a combined 67 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception and eight passes defended. He took over in the thirdgame of the 2023 season forJardin Gilbertwho underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Gilbert transferred to LSU this offseason. Overall, Mathews tallied 42 tackles, 0.5 tackles for a loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception and five passes defended. Pro Football Focus graded him at 80.8 in coverage.
2. Tyler Baron, Edge, Louisville
Transfer grade:92
Transferranking:No.72 overall
Tyler Baron played at Tennessee last season before transferring to Louisville in the winter and re-entering the portal recently. This is new-age college football recruiting in a nutshell when it comes to the portal. Miami is considered one of the leaders, here. Baron played 1,565 defensive snaps over the last four seasons. In 2023, Baron had his most productive season at the college level, generating 28 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks. Pro Football Focus credited Baron with 41 quarterback pressures.
3. Ceyair Wright, CB, USC
Transfer grade: 90
Transfer ranking: No. 191 overall
Ceyair Wright began the 2023 season as a starter but was not part of the team during the final stretch of the season. USC coach Lincoln Riley recently declined to give specifics other than that Wright was away from the program for a personal matter. Riley was asked twice about Wright's status this offseason but declined to offer anything more than Wright was still away from the team. The Los Angeles native did not participate in spring camp and was not on the roster.
4. Johnny Bowens III, DL, Oregon
Transfer grade: 89
Transferranking:No. 306 overall
During the 2023 season, Johnny Bowens saw limited time, playing only 11 total snaps over three games, finishing with two tackles. Bowens saw time against Portland State, Hawaii, and California. Per Jared Mack,Bowens'role was likely to increase heading into the 2024 season, as the Ducks lost four of their top five interior defensive line options from a season ago. Bowens played more defensive end than nose tackle and was seemingly a backup option for Jordan Burch at the position.
5. Raymond Cottrell Jr., WR, Kentucky
Transfer grade:88
Transferranking:No.475 overall
After transferring from Texas A&M for the spring, Raymond Cottrell Jr. is back in the portal.Cottrell committed to Kentucky beforeLiam Coenopted to leave to take the offensive coordinator job with theTampa Bay Buccaneers, leaving Stoops to hireBush Hamdanas his replacement. He was getting second-team and third-team receiver reps during spring practice. At this point, Cottrell is likely a depth option for a program in need.
6. Bryce Foster, OL, Texas A&M
Transfer grade: 88
Transferranking:No. 481 overall
Per GigEm247, in three seasons at A&M (2021-23), the 6-foot-5, 330-pounder started at center in all 28 games that he played. Bryce Foster also played for the Aggie track and field team, throwing the shot put. He was with the track and field team this spring and missed all 15 football practices. A&M seemed ready to replace Foster, landing a verbal commitment fromUtahcenter transferKolinu'u Faaiurecently. Redshirt sophom*oreMark Nabou Jr.also made a push for the starting job this spring.
7. Khalil Jacobs, LB, South Alabama
Transfer grade: 88
Transferranking:No.482 overall
Khalil Jacobs has taken recruiting visits to Auburn and Ole Miss this month, but remains undecided on his next stop. Jacobs, who has two years of eligibility remaining,played in all 13 of South Alabama's games last season, recording 56 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks. He also had an interception. He played sparingly as a freshman in 2022, but made appearances in 11 contests.
8. Tony Mitchell, S, Alabama
Transfer grade: 88
Transferranking:No.489 overall
A late April addition to the transfer portal in Tuscaloosa,this formerfour-star prospect in the 2023 class from Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson High School ranked No. 195. Tony Mitchell appeared in seven games last season, mostly on special teams. His role was uncertain in Alabama's new defense, and was not part of the second-team safety group in practices viewed by reporters this spring, per Bama247. He did not play in the team's spring game.
