SEC Spotlight: Programs that won the early transfer window
The early window to enter the transfer portal is officially closed. Barring a five-day extension for playoff teams, players will have to wait until the spring to enter their names in the portal. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the biggest portal winners from the SEC.
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RELATED: Big Ten programs that won the early transfer window | ACC programs that won the early transfer window | Portal standouts zeroing in on decisions
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Ole Miss
The recent loss of star running back Quinshon Judkins stings, but Ole Miss is still the biggest winner of this year’s early transfer cycle. The Rebels came away with an embarrassment of riches, landing seven players in the top 100 of the Rivals Transfer Tracker.
Ole Miss’ haul is highlighted by Walter Nolen, the top player in this year’s cycle. Along with landing the former Texas A&M defensive lineman, the Rebels also bolstered their defensive line by bringing in two other elite pass rushers in Florida’s Princely Umanmielen (No. 11 overall) and Tennessee’s Tyler Baron (No. 69 overall). Behind them will be former Arkansas linebacker Chris Paul Jr. (No. 48 overall) and former Oklahoma defensive back Key Lawrence (No. 37 overall).
Ole Miss also added to its offensive arsenal by bringing in the No. 3 wide receiver in the portal in South Carolina’s Antwane Wells Jr., ranked No. 21 overall.
The Rebels know they have a window for success, and they capitalized on it. They should be legit playoff contenders next year.
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Missouri
Missouri put itself in a position to build off its Cotton Bowl-winning season by making several key additions through the portal. None of those were bigger than offensive lineman Cayden Green, who the Tigers stole from new conference rival Oklahoma.
Green, a Missouri native, started five games at guard during his freshman season with the Sooners. He should also play a big part in the Tigers’ front as they look to protect returning quarterback Brady Cook.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Tigers poached cornerback Toriano Pride from Clemson and linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. from Miami.
Look for Missouri to continue to make noise in the SEC moving forward.
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Georgia
Georgia suffered some notable portal departures, but it was also able to pull in some talent as well.
The Bulldogs' most notable addition is Florida running back Trevor Etienne, who will end up as the No. 2 back in the portal once Judkins officially enters. After sitting in the 700-yard range on the ground the past two years, Etienne should have the ability to take his game to another level in Athens.
Georgia also gave returning quarterback Carson Beck a tall target in 6-foot-5 receiver Colbie Young, who reeled in 47 receptions for 563 yards and five touchdowns last season. He’ll be joined by Vanderbilt transfer London Humphreys, who caught 22 passes for 439 yards and four scores.
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Alabama
Alabama saw a mass exodus through the transfer portal this week following its Rose Bowl loss to Michigan. However, none of the Crimson Tide’s departures should sting too much.
Conversely, Alabama was able to answer two major needs by bringing in Southern California cornerback Domani Jackson (No. 13 overall) and Texas A&M edge rusher LT Overton (No. 24 overall). Both five-star defenders should compete for starting spots in next year’s defense.
The Crimson Tide also added Texas A&M offensive tackle Naquil Betrand. While the 6-foot-6, 340-pounder didn’t see the field for the Aggies during his debut season, he should provide depth to Alabama’s offensive front moving forward.
Alabama might not be done either.
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