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The transfer portal has been officially open for a week and hundreds of college football players from all levels have
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1. WR/TE DUCE ROBINSON
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Times are getting tough at USC. Robinson entering the portal comes as a bit of a surprise given how his career had been blossoming this season. The former five-star prospect from the 2023 class hauled in 23 catches for 396 yards and five touchdowns this season. Robinson is expected to take a close look at Arizona State, Florida State (his father’s alma mater), Texas A&M and North Carolina.
2. QB BEAU PRIBULA
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It may not be a complete shock that Pribula is transferring but the timing sure caught a lot of people off guard. Pribula played in almost every game over the past two seasons despite Drew Allar’s strong grip on the starting role. His immediate departure from Penn State eliminates an important dimension of its offense as the Nittany Lions prepare for their playoff game against SMU.
3. DB DILLON THIENEMAN
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Even though he isn’t leaving the Big Ten, Purdue losing Thieneman is a tremendous blow. He is the top-ranked defensive back in the transfer portal rankings right now and should step into a starting role at Oregon next season. Thieneman was named freshman All-American and second-team All-Big Ten in 2023. He was also named the FWAA’s Defensive Freshman of the Year.
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4. WR MAX KLARE
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Purdue’s difficult season may have overshadowed Klare’s impressive year but teams are really excited about his potential now that he is in the transfer portal. In a breakout redshirt sophomore season, Klare posted 51 catches (third most in the Big Ten) for 684 yards (second most in the Big Ten) and four touchdowns (third most in the Big Ten). Texas A&M, Michigan and Louisville are the teams to watch in his recruitment.
5. DL WILL HELDT
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Heldt had a breakout sophomore season and is already one of the more coveted transfer prospects this cycle. He posted 26 quarterback pressures and six sacks this season according to PFF. Purdue is really going to miss his presence on the defensive front next season. So far the teams to watch for him are Clemson, Texas A&M and LSU.
6. DL COLE BREVARD
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Brevard was an immovable object in the middle of Purdue defense this past season and those types of defensive tackles aren’t easy to find. Texas prioritized adding defensive tackles during the transfer portal window and Brevard was a great fit. Replacing Brevard will not be easy for new Purdue head coach Barry Odom and his staff. Expect the Boilermakers to work the transfer portal to try to replace Brevard and their other losses.
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7. LB PRINCEWILL UMANMIELEN
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This one stings for Nebraska. Umanmielen was an important reserve for the Cornhuskers and was likely going to step into a starting role this coming season. Instead, he’ll be replacing his older brother, Princely, at Ole Miss. The Cornhuskers were able to bring in former five-star Williams Nwaneri to help replace what they lost in Umanmielen.
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8. OL JOSH THOMPSON
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Thompson was one of the few bright spots during Northwestern’s difficult season. The former three-star from the 2021 class blossomed into one of the best guards in the Big Ten. Thompson has plenty of options now that he is in the transfer portal. Michigan State, Auburn, Ohio State, Tennessee and South Carolina are just some of the programs in the running to land his commitment.
9. DB THERAN JOHNSON
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Northwestern is really going to feel this loss, especially since Johnson isn’t leaving the Big Ten. Johnson has one year of eligibility remaining but during his time with the Wildcats he became known as one of the best cornerbacks in the Big Ten. The second team All-Big Ten selection had two interceptions and eight pass breakups this season according to PFF. Johnson is expected to play a significant role on Oregon’s defense next season.
10. WR J. MICHAEL STURDIVANT
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UCLA needs to get more explosive on offense but losing a receiver like Sturdivant is not going to help. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver was one of the best options the Bruins had on the outside. Now he is off to the transfer portal, leaving UCLA with few options that can create big plays down the field. Georgia is expected to host Sturdivant this week.
