Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
The 2024 college football season has wrapped up, and it's time to reflect on the standout transfers across all positions. This comprehensive analysis features top performers who made a switch last year, highlighting their achievements and contributions to their new teams.
Quarterback: Cameron Ward, Miami (FL)
Transferred from: Washington State
Cameron Ward not only emerged as the most outstanding quarterback among transfers but also claimed the title of the best quarterback overall in 2024. He demonstrated exceptional skill, finishing the season with a remarkable PFF grade of 92.9, the highest among FBS quarterbacks. Ward threw an impressive 39 touchdown passes, leading the nation, alongside his total of 4,313 passing yards, securing the second position in the country.
Running Back: Damien Martinez, Miami (FL)
Transferred from: Oregon State
Another standout from Miami, Damien Martinez ranked third among FBS running backs with a stellar 94.3 rushing grade. His ability to gain yards after contact was exceptional, averaging 4.5 yards per attempt, which put him second among Power Four tailbacks.
Wide Receiver: Matthew Golden, Texas
Transferred from: Houston
After a breakout season with the Longhorns, Matthew Golden is now projected as a first-round pick for the 2025 NFL draft. He showcased his talent by becoming the eighth-most-valuable wide receiver nationally, notching nine touchdown receptions and marking significant contributions throughout the season.
Wide Receiver: Josh Kelly, Texas Tech
Transferred from: Washington State
Josh Kelly proved to be a dynamic playmaker in his new role, leading all Power Four receivers with 605 yards gained after the catch. His agility and determination resulted in 26 forced missed tackles, tying him for third place nationally.
Wide Receiver: Coleman Owen, Ohio
Transferred from: Northern Arizona
After spending five years in the FCS, Coleman Owen shined in his final season with Ohio. Being one of the top performers, he earned high marks in value metrics, trailing only Jeremiah Smith for the most valuable receiver title. He recorded 57 receiving first downs or touchdowns, ranking third nationally.
Tight End: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Transferred from: New Mexico State
Stowers, a former four-star quarterback turned tight end, made a remarkable transition, becoming one of the nation’s elite tight ends with Vanderbilt. He concluded 2024 as the fifth-most-valuable tight end in the FBS, racking up 373 yards after the catch.
Left Tackle: Easton Kilty, Kansas State
Transferred from: North Dakota
After his transition to the Big 12, Easton Kilty quickly established himself as a valuable left tackle. His consistent performance earned him a spot among the top 10 tackles in the nation, and he achieved top-25 grades in both pass blocking and run blocking.
Left Guard: Cayden Green, Missouri
Transferred from: Oklahoma
Ranking among the top 15 left guards in FBS, Cayden Green's performance showcased his dual abilities as both a pass and run blocker. His impressively solid 75.8 grade underscored his seamless fitting into his new role.
Center: Trent Holler, Memphis
Transferred from: Marshall
As a critical addition, Holler finished the season as the third-most-valuable center in the country, achieving an impressive PFF grade of 82.5 and displaying top-tier skills as both a pass blocker and run blocker.
Right Guard: Ar’maj Reed-Adams, Texas A&M
Transferred from: Kansas
Reed-Adams concluded his season with an 82.4 grade, placing him as the second-highest-graded Power Four guard. His dominant run-blocking ability distinguished him as he led all Power Four guards with an outstanding 86.1 run-blocking grade.
Right Tackle: Trey Wedig, Indiana
Transferred from: Wisconsin
After joining Indiana, Trey Wedig delivered a career-best performance, achieving an 85.7 grade, which secured him a position among the top FBS tackles. His proficiency in run blocking placed him ninth nationally.
Interior Defender: Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
Transferred from: Texas A&M
Once the top recruit in the 2022 high school class, Walter Nolen demonstrated his prowess in the SEC. His remarkable run-defense grade of 91.6 ranked second among FBS defensive tackles while achieving 35 pressures, tying for eighth in the nation.
Interior Defender: Derrick Harmon, Oregon
Transferred from: Michigan State
After a successful stint with the Spartans, Derek Harmon became a formidable presence in the Ducks' defense. With 55 pressures, he led all defensive tackles nationally and finished as the sixth-most-valuable interior defender.
Edge Defender: Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
Transferred from: Florida
Umanmielen, another incredible asset for the Rebels, concluded his season with a remarkable PFF grade of 91.1, securing a top-five ranking among all edge defenders and showcasing a high 22.8% pass-rush win rate.
Edge Defender: Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Transferred from: James Madison
Kamara was among 13 transfers to follow Coach Curt Cignetti to Indiana and emerged as a key player with the Hoosiers. His impressive 67 pressures led the nation, and his 10 sacks tied for 12th nationally, making him one of the most impactful edge defenders.
Linebacker: Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
Transferred from: Arkansas
Paul showcased his skills on the Rebels' defense, earning an impressive PFF grade of 87.2, ranking seventh among all linebackers. His contributions solidified his place among the nation’s top defensive talents.
Linebacker: Jailin Walker, Indiana
Transferred from: James Madison
Walker was another influential transfer for Indiana, wrapping up a stellar season as one of the top 20 linebackers nationally, highlighted by an 84.5 run-defense grade, showcasing his strong defensive skills.
Cornerback: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Transferred from: Oregon State
McCoy made a significant impact in his first year with the Volunteers, achieving an impressive 89.6 coverage grade that placed him ninth among FBS cornerbacks. His stellar performance positioned him as a top prospect for the NFL draft.
Cornerback: Trey Amos, Ole Miss
Transferred from: Alabama
Yes, another talented defender from Ole Miss! Amos earned an 85.6 coverage grade and exhibited remarkable abilities, contributing to the defense with 13 forced incompletions, ranking him among the best in the nation.
Safety: Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Transferred from: Alabama
Downs not only built on his stellar freshman season but also positioned himself as the leading safety in college football. His dual prowess in coverage and run defense made him one of the most valuable defensive players, projecting him as a top prospect for the 2026 draft.
Safety: Andrew Mukuba, Texas
Transferred from: Clemson
Mukuba transitioned smoothly to Texas, emerging as one of the top safeties in the nation. He finished the season ranked fourth among safeties with remarkable performance metrics and only allowed a 12.1 passer rating in his coverage, showcasing his elite skills on the field.
Flex-D: Jeremiah Wilson, Houston
Transferred from: Syracuse
Wilson had a remarkable season that placed him ninth among all corners nationally. His performance included four interceptions and an impressive completion rate allowed into his coverage, solidifying his status as a top performer.