QB Cam Ward, Miami (Washington State)
Ward considered entering this year’s draft but eventually landed with the Hurricanes, giving Mario Cristobal’s program a huge boost at a position of dire need after two disappointing seasons. A former Championship Subdivision standout at Incarnate Word, the senior threw for 48 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in two seasons at Washington State and has the athleticism to bring a new flavor to Miami’s underachieving offense.
DL Walter Nolen, Mississippi (Texas A&M)
Nolen finished third on the Aggies in sacks and fourth in tackles for loss in 2023, indicating that he’s close to tapping into his five-star potential.
He’ll stay within the SEC as the biggest star in the Rebels’ star-studded transfer class. The biggest key to his development into an elite edge defender will be consistency: Nolen has had the tendency to disappear for extended stretches of play, though part of that can be attributed to youth and a lack of experience.
CB Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon (Washington)
Drawing in one of the top available defensive backs on the transfer market is great for the Ducks; doing so while hurting your bitter rival is even better. Muhammad spent his first two years at Oklahoma State, developing a name for himself as one of the best young defenders in the conference, before earning allconference honors in his one season for the Huskies, who finished national runners-up.
QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame (Duke)
Leonard becomes Notre Dame’s second quarterback transfer out of the ACC in as many years, following Sam Hartman from Wake Forest. He’ll bring something new to the table as a runner and athlete, allowing the Fighting Irish to blend in a quarterback-run game that has been largely absent the past two seasons. The big question is whether Leonard can remain healthy after missing the final five games of 2023.
RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (Mississippi)
Judkins might seem like an almost unnecessary addition given the Buckeyes brings back leading rusher TreVeyon Henderson (926 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023). Look for Ryan Day to make it work by having both share the work. Judkins ran for 1,158 yards and 15 scores for the Rebels last year, coming on strong down the stretch with six 100yard performances in his final nine games.
WR Isaiah Bond, Texas (Alabama)
Bond is an enormous get for the Longhorns as they look to replace last year’s top three receivers and stay rolling on a course for the national title. He led Alabama in receptions (48) and ranked second in receiving yards (668) last season, playing his best in big wins against Texas A&M, LSU, Tennessee and Georgia. His proven track record in the SEC should quickly make him a favorite target.