The Big 12 was heavy with transfer portal movement during the 2022 college football offseason. Fueled by coaching changes and other factors, there are plenty of fresh faces in new homes.
Quarterbacks dominated the portal in this conference. Caleb Williams left Oklahoma for USC, while Quinn Ewers, Dillon Gabriel, JT Daniels and Adrian Martinez all entered the Big 12.
Here is handful of transfers that are off to hot starts within the conference. Ewers would likely be on this list if not for the injury that he suffered in week two versus Alabama.
RELATED: Five SEC transfers off to a hot start in 2022 | Big Ten | ACC | Transfer portal podcast
*****
CLASS OF 2023 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State
TRANSFER PORTAL: Stories/coverage | Message board
*****
DILLON GABRIEL, OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel is one of the most notable transfer additions to the conference this season. The former UCF signal caller has hit the ground running in Norman, helping engineer a Sooners offense that has displayed the ability to hit the home run.
Gabriel has completed 67% of his passes for 759 yards and seven touchdowns. He is averaging 9.7 yards per attempt and has yet to throw an interception through three games. Oklahoma is in position to make another run at a Big 12 title with this kind of quarterback play.
*****
LONNIE PHELPS, KANSAS
Kansas is off to a scorching hot start: The Jayhawks are sitting with a 3-0 record, including a win over Houston on the road. Lance Lepiold has used the portal to rebuild the roster in Lawrence, and it is already paying dividends.
Miami (Ohio) defensive end Lonnie Phelps has made a big impact this season. He has 14 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks through three games. Phelps is second in the Big 12 in sacks and has emerged as a difference-maker in the early stages of the schedule.
Kansas seems to have struck gold.
*****
COLBY REEDER, IOWA STATE
Colby Reeder has fit in perfectly with Matt Campbell at Iowa State. The former Delaware standout has made a big impact with the Cyclones from his linebacker position.
Reeder has 12 tackles, one tackle for loss and has grabbed two interceptions for the Cyclones through three games. He had back-to-back games with a takeaway – including a huge pick against Iowa in the state's rivalry game.
Reeder was recently honored as the Big 12's co-newcomer of the week, and he is emerging as one of the most underrated linebackers nationally.
*****
MCKADE METTAUER, OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma landed a big addition through the portal when McKade Mettauer opted to transfer closer to his home state. Mettauer has earned a starting role with the Sooners and is proving to be a force in the trenches. He plays a physical brand of football, often blocking through the whistle and setting the tone for a team that loves to run the football.
*****
JT DANIELS, WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia quarterback JT Daniels has found a fresh start with the Mountaineers. The former USC and Georgia signal caller has put his arm talent on display in Morgantown, pushing the ball down the field and making difficult throws look easy.
Daniels has not been perfect, but he has had his moments early this season. He has thrown for 956 yards and seven touchdowns and two interceptions, and added a touchdown run.
Daniels has been fun to watch with offensive coordinator Graham Harrell calling the plays.
