Five sleeper transfers in the Pac-12
There are plenty of high-profile transfers that have relocated within the Pac-12 this offseason, but now it's time for Rivals.com to take a look at "sleepers" who are poised to make an immediate impact in 2023.
MORE IN THIS SERIES: SEC | Big Ten | ACC | Big 12
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FIVE KEY POSITION BATTLES: ACC | Big Ten | SEC | Big 12 | Pac-12
BEST AVAILABLE: QB | RB | WR | OL | DT | DE | LB | DB
BIGGEST IMPACT TRANSFERS: ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | SEC | Pac-12
TRANSFER SUPERLATIVES: SEC | Big 12 | Big Ten | Pac-12
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Cameron Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Skattebo had a breakout 2022 campaign for Sacramento State, winning Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,373 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 7 yards per carry.
After helping lead the Hornets to the FCS quarterfinal round this past season, Skattebo could be a key cog in helping lead a resurgence in Arizona State football this fall.
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Nohl Williams, CB, Cal
Williams was a big defensive pickup for Cal this offseason. He was UNLV's best defensive player, earning Second-Team Mountain West Conference honors after recording 40 tackles, three interceptions, five pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The Bears finished dead last in the Pac-12 in total passing yards allowed per game with 279.3, so Williams should definitely help in that department.
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Gaethan Bernadel, LB, Stanford
Bernadel is coming off a big 2022 season with FIU, leading the Panthers with 103 tackles to go along with eight tackles for loss while earning C-USA Honorable Mention.
Stanford's roster was depleted this offseason via the transfer portal, particularly at linebacker with the departures of Levani Damuni and Jacob Magnum-Farrar. Bernadel should make an instant impact for new Cardinal head coach Troy Taylor as he looks to put Stanford back on the map.
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Josh Kelly, WR, Washington State
Kelly is coming off an injury-riddled 2022 season with Fresno State, where he tallied just 12 catches for 207 yards in six games. However, he did have a breakout 2021 campaign with the Bulldogs in which he recorded 52 catches for 778 yards and three scores.
When healthy, Kelly has proven to be a playmaker throughout his collegiate career. In 26 games, he's collected 87 catches for 1,305 yards and four scores. Kelly could be a very productive weapon in the Cougars offense in 2023.
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Khadere Kounta, OL, UCLA
UCLA's left tackle from last season, Raiqwon O'Neal, is now focused on getting drafted in the NFL. Enter former Old Dominion product Khadere Kounta, who could potentially be a plug-and-play left tackle for the Bruins entering the 2023 season after starting 27 games for the Monarchs in his collegiate career.
The Bruins are replacing three of their five starters along the offensive line this offseason, so expect Kounta to be a fixture up front.