Oh boy, transfers galore! Seems like the transfer portal flung its doors wide open on Wednesday and, I swear, it was like a Black Friday rush. Where do we even start unraveling this mess? The parade of players changing jerseys and packing up their lives is just dizzying. Let’s dive in, or at least try!
1. Alright, so Houston’s had a bit of a rough patch. A.J. Haulcy, their All-Big 12 safety, decided he’s ready to see the world. He must’ve thought, “Hey, why not join Jeremiah Wilson in the portal spin cycle?” Honestly, these guys probably have more offers than a free agent at a dessert buffet. Five interceptions? Thirteen pass breakups? No wonder everyone’s buzzing like bees around honey.
2. Over at USC, Lincoln Riley and Chad Bowden are… let’s say hustlin’. They snatched Kennedy Urlacher, pulling some strings, or maybe charms, from Bowden’s Notre Dame connections. Fun fact: Kennedy’s got some serious lineage; his dad’s none other than NFL legend Brian Urlacher. Doesn’t hurt your cause when football greatness runs in the blood, right?
3. Julian Neal, oh boy, this guy’s been on a bit of a journey. Arkansas welcomed him with open arms. It’s like shopping at your favorite store; now they’ve got a whole five new defensive backs. Neal’s had his fair share of moves—Fresno State, a brief stop at Stanford (thanks, Coach Taylor’s exit)—and now, voila, off to Arkansas. Started to think he’s in some high-stakes game of college musical chairs.
4. Harrison Taggart from BYU… man, BYU’s portal exodus is something to write home about. It’s like they’re giving out portal invitations as party favors. Taggart must’ve thought, “Why not add my name to the list?” Who can blame him? With 69 tackles in his pocket, he’s probably not worried about future invites.
5. Oklahoma State’s beefing up their defense, snagging De’Marion Thomas. Seems like the Cowboys are playing the “who can collect the most defensive players” game. Thomas, rocking it at Vanderbilt with those 400 snaps, now has his sights set on Stillwater. Can almost hear the defensive drills echoing already.
6. Louisville’s getting in on the action too with Dacari Collins. This guy bounced from Clemson to N.C. State, and now he’s ready to make some plays for Coach Brohm. 38 catches, four touchdowns—let’s hope the Louisville weather treats him well. Or maybe it’s the food. Everything tastes better after you catch a touchdown, right?
7. Teon Parks just wrapped up his gig at Illinois State, barely letting the ink dry on his stats—one interception, nine breakups—before turning up in Colorado. The Buffs seem pretty stoked, and who doesn’t love a player who allows only 38 percent completions? Dude’s practically got a PHD in defensive coverage.
8. Oh, Missouri fans! Xavier Loyd’s back! It’s like a homecoming show. After detours through Kansas State and Illinois State, he’s finally back to his roots. 909 yards, six touchdowns—those numbers seem like a warm Missouri hug, or maybe that’s just me.
9. Michigan, always on the hunt, added CJ Hester to their backfield. Justice Haynes was a big get, but Hester’s move offers, what’s the word—insurance? Depth? Both? Started at Western Michigan, tackled UMass, and now back in Michigan. Feels like a “everything comes full circle” kinda moment.
10. Finally, Phillip Lee headed to Arkansas. Fresh off a record-setting sack season at Troy, and now he’s added to Arkansas’ growing collection of shiny defense toys. Maybe they’re trying to build a defensive wall, who knows?
There you have it. Players are shuffling like a soap opera on high speed. Can’t help but wonder: do they even have time to unpack?
