With the emergence of the transfer portal in college football and the NFL draft landscape, it’s quite intriguing to think about which players might see their draft stocks rise in new environments. Miami quarterback Camward Scouts has made headlines by being projected as the first overall pick in 2025 after transferring from a revived Washington State to Coral Gables. This year’s defensive rookie of the year, Jared Poetry, also made a leap, moving from Albany to Florida, while offensive rookie of the year Jayden Daniels transitioned from Arizona to Louisiana State University, clinching the Heisman trophy.
This season has seen numerous major transfers during both the winter and spring windows. It raises the question: which players have the best chance to elevate their draft prospects at their new schools?
John Mattia, QB, Oklahoma
Mattia is making a jump to a bigger program after his stint at Washington. He’s aiming to emulate the success of Scouts. While Mattia and Scouts play differently, both exhibit a certain level of fearlessness typical of the high-octane air raid offense. At Oklahoma, it will be interesting to see if Mattia can reign in some of his more reckless plays and utilize his athletic ability to help boost his draft stock.
Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
World presents an intriguing profile, showcasing impressive physical tools. Standing at 6’8″ and weighing 309 pounds, he might resemble a character from fantasy rather than an offensive tackle. His length and agility could make him a standout prospect in Oregon’s offensive scheme, which values athleticism in its linemen. Though he has areas for technical improvement, few players his size can move as fluidly, which could lead to a swift rise in his draft prospects.
David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Bailey has been one of my favorite players to analyze. He plays with intensity and explosiveness, excelling at both power moves and agility around the edge. Texas Tech invested significantly in their athletic department this offseason, and Bailey could be one of the key players benefiting from that. A strong performance in his new environment could catapult him into first-round discussions.
Nic Anderson, WR, LSU
Anderson’s college journey has had its ups and downs. After a promising season with ten touchdowns at Oklahoma in 2023, he entered the transfer portal and faced several injuries before landing at LSU. This year’s wide receiver class is fairly open, providing a good opportunity for someone with Anderson’s size and skills to make a notable impression.
Noah Thomas, WR, Georgia
Thomas is another player who excites me. He’s a big and speedy receiver who is likely to be in the conversation for top receivers in this draft class. He is moving from Texas A&M to Georgia, joining a Bulldog squad that needs reliable hands and separation skills at the position. Thomas has the combination of strong hands and impressive catch radius, making him a valuable asset.
