Big 12: Ten transfers who will make the biggest impact in 2023
The winter transfer portal window for FBS football closed last week. While there will still be some movement between now and when the NCAA transfer portal window reopens on April 15, most impact transfers have already found new homes.
This week, we look at 10 transfers that will we believe will have the biggest impact heading into the 2023 season for teams in the Big 12.
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LB DaSan McCullough - Oklahoma
McCullough tops these rankings because he is probably the most gifted athlete to be entering the Big 12 from the transfer portal this offseason. The former Indiana defender can play all over the field – from edge to even safety – but is best at rushing the quarterback. He should provide head coach Brent Venables with an instant-impact difference-maker in Norman next fall.
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WR Adonai Mitchell - Texas
Mitchell was one of the most high-profile players to enter the portal this cycle. The former four-star recruit emerged as a big-time weapon in the passing game at Georgia. He grabbed a touchdown in all four of the Bulldogs' College Football Playoff games over the past two seasons. Mitchell provides Steve Sarkisian with a much-needed boost out wide alongside Xavier Worthy.
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OT Logan Brown - Kansas
Kansas head coach Lance Leipold has crushed it in the portal since taking over for the Jayhawks. By landing Brown, he has done it again this time around. Brown has the talent to take over left tackle duties next season in Lawrence. Considering talent and positional value, Brown is a huge get for Kansas.
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WR JoJo Earle - TCU
Earle was an electric high school prospect when he flipped from LSU to Alabama in the 2021 recruiting cycle. He flashed some of that ability while in Tuscaloosa, catching 24 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns in two seasons. Earle averages a first down every time that he catches the football and has the ability to be a game-changing talent for the Horned Frogs.
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DL Rondell Bothroyd - Oklahoma
Bothroyd is another defensive transfer coming in for the Sooners after Venables made it a priority to inject more talent on that side of the ball. The former Wake Forest standout certainly fits that bill. He made 93 tackles and 14 sacks over the last two years and will conclude his eligibility in Norman.
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RB Treshaun Ward - Kansas State
Kansas State is coming off a highly-successful season by winning the Big 12 and playing in the Sugar Bowl. The addition of Ward gives head coach Chris Klieman and the Wildcats a boost in the ground game as they look to defend their conference crown. He rushed for 628 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season at Florida State and has two more years of eligibility remaining.
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WR Drae McCray - Texas Tech
McCray became an FCS All-American at Austin Peay before entering his name into the portal and choosing to continue his career in Lubbock. As a receiver, McCray grabbed 76 receptions for 1,021 yards and nine touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. He also adds versatility as a rusher and returner. His presence has the chance to open up Zach Kittley's offense.
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WR De'Zhaun Stribling - Oklahoma State
Stribling has the chance to be the next wide receiver to put up gaudy numbers in Mike Gundy's pass-heavy offense. The former Washington State wideout led the Cougars with 51 catches for 602 yards and five TDs during the 2022 season. He should immediately become a go-to target for the Cowboys as they transition from the Spencer Sanders era behind center.
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RB Dominic Richardson - Baylor
Richardson is a familiar face in the Big 12, as he arrives in Waco after carrying the rock in Stillwater for the Pokes. He rushed for 763 yards and eight touchdowns during his first season as a starter in 2022, and Richardson even scored a touchdown against his new team. The Bears have talent at running back, but Richardson should carve out a meaningful role for Dave Aranda.
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DB Jalen Catalon - Texas
Catalon has the talent to be much higher on this list. He had a dominant freshman season at Arkansas where he earned All-SEC honors and was on his way to being one of the best safeties in college football. Unfortunately, the injury bug has limited the former Razorback the past two years. If he can stay healthy, Catalon has the ability to be a difference-maker for the Longhorns while filling a position of need at the same time.