Mark Pope speaks to fans and media after being named Kentucky men's NCAA college basketball head coach in Lexington, Ky., Sunday, April 14, 2024. (AP Photo/James Crisp)
College football rankings: The 50 most impactful transfers to shape 2024 season
College football transfer portal recruiting ahead of the 2024 season approaches its close with top classes already established. It was a wild few months of roster changes and player acquisitions. Ranking the 50 most impactful transfers is an exercise centered around projections and how integral pieces fit based on career production, scheme fit and other factors.
Many of the nation’s elite programs replaced exiting talent with immediate help while a few up-and-coming teams who have generated a ton of hype this offseason strengthened their rosters in a big way.
Lane Kiffin, Mike Norvell and Deion Sanders continue to utilize the portal more than any others, completely revamping their respective teams on the free agency market. Whether that leads to nationally-ranked finishes in conference championship contention remains to be seen.
50. Dylan Edwards, RB, Kansas State
A freshman sensation at Colorado, Edwards scored four touchdowns as a versatile threat in his first collegiate start.
49. Julian Fleming, WR, Penn State
The Nittany Lions were in need of a top-end talent at wide receiver and the former Ohio State five-star signee fits the bill.
48. K.J. Jefferson, QB, UCF
One of the most underrated transfers this cycle at quarterback, the former Arkansas star is responsible for 88 touchdowns in his career.
47. Silas Bolden, WR, Texas
A dangerous threat from the slot, Bolden should make up for the loss of Xavier Worthy on the Forty Acres.
46. Ja’Corey Brooks, WR, Louisville
Talented pass-catcher who never found his comfort zone at Alabama, but that’s going to change under Jeff Brohm in the ACC.
45. Will Sheppard, WR Colorado
The Buffaloes took several wide receivers, but Sheppard comes from the SEC with impressive productivity.
44. Jordan Waters, RB, NC State
Waters will be the featured option in a new-look Wolfpack offense primed to build on last season’s success.
43. DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State
The former Clemson and Oregon State signal caller is back in the ACC as the director of the defending league champions.
42. KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Auburn
The Tigers swiped Penn State’s top returning receiver and he’s going to challenge for WR1 on the Plains.
41. Sam Brown WR, Miami
The productive pass-catcher from Houston was a much-needed get for the Hurricanes after losing Colbie Young to Georgia.
