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The 2025 college football season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, thanks largely to a loaded transfer portal that has completely reshaped rosters across the country. With spring football underway, all eyes are on top transfers who could immediately impact their new teams.
From quarterbacks looking to revitalize their careers to dominant defenders seeking a bigger stage, here are 15 transfers to watch in spring football 2025.
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Previous school: Kansas State
The Buckeyes’ quarterback battle will be one of the most closely watched storylines of spring football. With Kyle McCord transferring to Syracuse, Ohio State brought in Will Howard, a seasoned veteran from Kansas State. Howard led the Wildcats to a Big 12 title in 2022 and brings experience and leadership to an Ohio State team stacked with offensive talent.
If he can quickly build chemistry with receivers like Emeka Egbuka and Carnell Tate, Howard could solidify himself as the next great Buckeyes quarterback. However, he’ll have to beat out five-star freshman Julian Sayin in what promises to be one of the most competitive position battles in the country.
Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
Previous school: Oklahoma
After a stellar season at Oklahoma, where he threw for over 3,600 yards and 30 touchdowns, Dillon Gabriel is heading to Oregon to replace Bo Nix. Gabriel’s ability to make quick reads and extend plays with his legs makes him an ideal fit for Oregon’s up-tempo offense.
This spring, he’ll need to establish a strong connection with the Ducks’ talented wide receiver corps, including Tez Johnson and Traeshon Holden. With Oregon making the jump to the Big Ten, Gabriel’s transition will be closely watched as the Ducks aim for a College Football Playoff berth.
Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
Previous school: Texas A&M
Oregon didn’t just land a top quarterback in the portal; they also bolstered their receiving corps with Evan Stewart, one of the best wideouts in the transfer cycle. A former five-star recruit, Stewart was Texas A&M’s most explosive playmaker, but the Aggies’ offensive struggles limited his production.
Now in Eugene, Stewart will be expected to be Oregon’s No. 1 target and give Gabriel a dynamic, deep threat. His development in spring ball will be key to determining just how lethal Oregon’s passing game can be in 2025.
Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss
Previous school: Texas A&M
One of the biggest defensive names in the portal, Walter Nolen, was a former No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class. After two solid seasons at Texas A&M, Nolen decided to take his talents to Ole Miss, where he’ll anchor a defense looking to take the next step in the SEC West.
Spring football will be a critical period for Nolen to adjust to Pete Golding’s defensive scheme and prove he can be the dominant force many expect him to be.
Dante Moore, QB, Michigan
Previous school: UCLA
After a rocky freshman year at UCLA, former five-star recruit Dante Moore is getting a fresh start at Michigan. The Wolverines just won a national championship, but with J.J. McCarthy off to the NFL, the starting job is wide open.
Moore will battle Alex Orji and Jayden Denegal this spring, and if he can grasp Michigan’s pro-style offense quickly, he could position himself as the Wolverines’ next QB1.
Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
Previous school: Florida
Another huge addition for Ole Miss, Umanmielen, was one of the top edge rushers in the portal. With 10 sacks over the last two seasons at Florida, he brings much-needed pass-rushing ability to the Rebels’ defense.
His spring performance will help determine whether he can be an instant impact starter in the SEC.
Juice Wells, WR, Ole Miss
Previous school: South Carolina
Ole Miss didn’t just load up on defense—they also made a splash on offense by adding Juice Wells, a talented receiver from South Carolina. Injuries slowed him in 2024, but when he’s healthy, he’s a game-changing playmaker.
If he can stay on the field and develop chemistry with Jaxson Dart, the Rebels could have one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC.
Jaden Davis, CB, Miami
Previous school: Oklahoma
Miami needed help in the secondary, and they got it with Jaden Davis, a physical cornerback from Oklahoma. He was a reliable starter for the Sooners and will be expected to lock down No. 1 receivers in the ACC.
His battle with Miami’s other DBs in spring practice will determine whether he can secure a starting role.
Riley Leonard, QB, Notre Dame
Previous school: Duke
After an injury-shortened 2024 season at Duke, Riley Leonard is looking for a fresh start at Notre Dame. The Irish were inconsistent at QB last year, and Leonard’s dual-threat ability could make him a perfect fit in their system.
Spring practice will be crucial in his competition with Steve Angeli for the starting job.
DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Florida State
Previous school: Oregon State
Former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had a solid season at Oregon State, but now he’s taking over at Florida State, where expectations are sky-high.
With Jordan Travis gone, Uiagalelei will battle for the starting role, and how he adapts to Mike Norvell’s offense this spring will be key.
Hudson Card, QB, Louisville
Previous school: Purdue
Hudson Card had moments of brilliance at Purdue, and now he’s at Louisville, where he could thrive in Jeff Brohm’s offense. His accuracy and decision-making in spring practice will determine if he wins the starting job.
Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Previous school: USC
A former five-star recruit, Domani Jackson never quite lived up to expectations at USC, but he has the athleticism to be a lockdown corner for Alabama.
Spring football will be huge for Jackson to prove he belongs in the Tide’s starting lineup.
Malik Benson, WR, Florida
Previous school: Alabama
Malik Benson didn’t see much action at Alabama, but his speed makes him a dangerous weapon for Florida. If he can develop a strong connection with Graham Mertz, he could be a breakout star.
Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon
Previous school: South Carolina
Jordan Burch is a former five-star edge rusher who flashed potential at South Carolina. Now at Oregon, he’s expected to be a key part of the Ducks’ defensive line.
Derek Simmons, OT, Oklahoma
Previous school: Western Carolina
Oklahoma’s offensive line was a major problem in 2024, and Derek Simmons could help fix that. The 6’6, 315-pound tackle was a standout at Western Carolina, and his transition to the SEC will be crucial for the Sooners.
Conclusion
With spring football in full swing, these 15 transfers will be under the microscope as they look to make an immediate impact. Their performances in spring practice could shape the 2025 college football season in a big way.
