Final Verdict
Based on transfers, there have been several high-impact student-athletes that have been instrumental in their team’s success. To name a few: Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Justin Fields.
It is no coincidence that all these players are quarterbacks, as that is the position that can provide the most immediate return on investment, but there are other position groups that provide value as well.
One way to utilize the transfer portal, or transfers in general, is the example of Texas State. For the 2021 signing class, they did not sign any high school prospects during the recruiting cycle, rather they relied strictly on transfers for talent acquisition. But Texas State is just one example; there are several more programs that are adhering to the same philosophy.
On the other hand, traditional powerhouse programs seem to focus on the elite transfer portal prospects that can expedite their chances of winning a national championship. These “can’t miss” players in the transfer portal are rare and seem to choose the universities with the best resources that fit their criteria. For example, wide receiver Jameson Williams was a key cog for the Alabama Crimson Tide last season and will be referenced with the positive outcomes of the transfer portal.
While the transfer portal can be a godsend for some college football programs, it may also be a recycling bin for others. From my perspective, the winners of the transfer portal do an exemplary job of signing recruits out of high school to build the foundation of the program, while utilizing the transfer portal to supplement any holes on the roster.
In the perfect world, your college program will sign the Aaron Donald’s and Stephen Curry’s of the world, while acquiring the Kevin Durant’s and Jameson Williams’ via the transfer portal…
If not, you will probably be looking at transfer portal acquisitions like that underwhelming item you got from that online store, but at least it came quick with 2-day shipping. Right?