College football teams with transfer portal needs this spring
As the college football transfer portal spring window prepares to open up, SI takes a look at the teams with the biggest needs in 2024.
Spring has sprung and as the calendar turns to warmer months, so too does college football embark on its spring practices and annual scrimmages, with major questions yet to be answered on rosters looking ahead to what should be a historic 2024 football season marked by conference realignment and an expanded playoff format.
Now, as college football prepares to open up the spring transfer portal window, we're on the cusp of another round of major player movement, as athletes look for a better situation and coaches look to replenish positions of need. What teams could be the most active in this spring's portal?
Michigan
The departure of quarterback J.J. McCarthy leaves a major hole at the most important position, with no obvious answer as to who replaces him. Jack Tuttle, a transfer, and Alex Orji are the likely options to succeed McCarthy; Tuttle has plenty of experience but isn't a game-changer, while Orji is a more promising athlete, but is unproven as a passer. Michigan should keep an eye on any quarterbacks looking to transfer.
Alabama
Amid some notable outgoing transfers, new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer finds himself in need of reinforcements at both linebacker and wide receiver, particularly the latter. Jalen Milroe returns at quarterback, but he's low on options, especially after Isaiah Bond left for Texas. DeBoer needs plenty more experience and depth at receiver.
Penn State
There was already some concern at the wide receiver position for an offense that struggled to move the ball convincingly down the field last season. But that concern grew markedly worse after the loss of top returning pass catcher KeAndre Lambert-Smith into the transfer portal.
Notre Dame
Offensive line and linebacker are areas of needed development for the Fighting Irish after losing two key edge blockers and there are four spots overall that need answers. Jack Kiser returns behind the line defensively, and sophomore Drayk Bowen should get more snaps, but depth here is lacking.
LSU
Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo are gone from the interior defensive line while other options departed via the portal. Two key returners are seniors, leaving LSU with critical depth concerns at the position, so Brian Kelly faces some serious pressure to add as many options as he can right away.
USC
Lincoln Riley is facing a crucial third year with the Trojans after fielding two disastrous defenses and now losing quarterback Caleb Williams. He's taken one big step, replacing Alex Grinch with D'Anton Lynn to call plays, but the unit still lacks for proper depth in the secondary and at the line of scrimmage to make the changes count.
Miami
The Hurricanes scored a major coup by adding transfer quarterback Cameron Ward already this offseason, but they still need quality targets for him to throw to, with spots apparently open at wide receiver, in addition to needed depth at every level of defense, and at tailback after losing Henry Parrish and after Mark Fletcher's injury this offseason.
Washington
After fielding college football's Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line, new coach Jedd Fisch needs to rebuild the unit completely from scratch after a tidal wave of losses. Time is of the essence, as the Huskies brought in transfer quarterback Will Rogers, but he needs protection. And some speedy receiver targets, too.
Oklahoma
The Sooners lost their entire line after last season, and although they brought in four blockers during the winter transfer period, more depth and versatility is still needed. Young quarterback Jackson Arnold needs a secure pocket as Oklahoma embarks on its first SEC schedule, a very tough slate that features opponents who can out-fight OU's current rotation at the line.
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