Top NCAAF Transfer Portal Highlights: Quarterback Swaps and Homecomings Dominate Spring Moves

Explore the most intriguing NCAAF transfer portal moves this spring, featuring quarterback swaps and notable homecomings.

As the college football offseason continues, the transfer portal has been buzzing with activity, providing fans with plenty of talking points. This spring's portal window, though less active than the end-of-season period, still delivered some fascinating storylines and surprising moves.

Most NFL Trade Deadline-esque Move

Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee to UCLA; Joey Aguilar, UCLA to Tennessee The standout story of the spring portal was Nico Iamaleava's departure from the Tennessee Volunteers. The starting quarterback from the Vols' 10-3 College Football Playoff campaign left in mid-April, eventually landing with the UCLA Bruins. In response, Tennessee secured Joey Aguilar, a former Appalachian State transfer who was UCLA's projected starter before Iamaleava's arrival. This move effectively created a quarterback swap between two Power 4 programs, a rare occurrence in college sports.

Best Homecoming

Micah Hudson, Texas A&M to Texas Tech Micah Hudson's journey came full circle when he announced his return to Texas Tech on April 27. After transferring to Texas A&M in December and stepping away from the program in January, Hudson decided to rejoin the Red Raiders. The former five-star recruit, who was the highest-ranked recruit in Texas Tech program history, expressed his gratitude for the Lubbock community in a statement.

Most Frequent-Flier Mile Friendly Move

Caleb Brown, Hawaii to Virginia Tech Caleb Brown's transfer from Hawaii to Virginia Tech involved a significant journey. Over 7,000 miles separate the two schools, with the quickest travel time exceeding 11 hours and including at least one stop. This move highlights the lengths players are willing to go to find the right fit for their collegiate careers.

From Go Army to Go Dawgs

Elo Modozie, Army to Georgia Elo Modozie's transfer from Army to Georgia marks a significant change in his daily routine. As an outside linebacker, Modozie tallied 6.5 sacks in 2024, helping Army win the American Athletic Conference. Now, he will focus solely on football at Georgia, leaving behind the rigorous schedule of a military academy.

Most Likely to Leave the Team Group Chat

The Cal Running Backs In a span of 72 hours, California's top three leading rushers from the 2024 season entered the transfer portal. Jaivian Thomas, Jaydn Ott, and Kadarius Calloway were joined by fellow running backs Byron Cardwell Jr. and Justin Williams-Thomas, leaving the Golden Bears with a significantly depleted backfield.

Busiest Class Schedule

Breylan Thompson, Yale to Stanford Breylan Thompson's transfer from Yale to Stanford is a rare move that maintains academic rigor. The freshman defensive back, who tallied 31 total tackles and six passes defended in his lone season with the Bulldogs, will now join one of America's other elite universities.

Most Likely to Spice Up a Rivalry

Kennedy Urlacher, Notre Dame to USC Kennedy Urlacher's transfer from Notre Dame to USC adds an intriguing layer to the historic rivalry between the two programs. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher will face his former team next season, aiming to bring the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy to Los Angeles.

Best Two-for-One Deal

Brent Helton and Wade Helton, Iowa State to Arizona State The Arizona State Sun Devils secured a unique package deal with the transfer of twins Brent and Wade Helton from Iowa State. Both offensive linemen redshirted in their freshman year with the Cyclones and will now continue their collegiate careers together in the Grand Canyon State.

What to Read Next

2025 College Football Playoff: Top 32 Teams with the Best Chances to Make the CFP
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Top 32 Teams with the Best Chances to Make the CFP

Heather Dinich breaks down the 32 teams with the best chances to make the 2025 College Football Playoff, using ESPN Analytics and insights from coaches.

2026 College Football Recruiting: Key Summer Moves and What's Next
NCAAF

2026 College Football Recruiting: Key Summer Moves and What's Next

A comprehensive look at the major developments in college football recruiting during the summer of 2025, including key commitments and the impact of revenue sharing.

Top 4 College Football Playoff Bets to Watch in 2025
NCAAF

Top 4 College Football Playoff Bets to Watch in 2025

Explore the top 4 College Football Playoff bets for the 2025 season, including insights on Iowa, Kansas State, South Carolina, and Texas.

2025 NCAAF Schedule Breakdown: Toughest Matchups, Easiest Paths, and Must-See Games
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Schedule Breakdown: Toughest Matchups, Easiest Paths, and Must-See Games

Explore the 2025 NCAAF schedule, highlighting the toughest matchups, easiest paths, and must-see games for the upcoming season.

NCAAF NIL Payments: New Rules and What They Mean for College Sports
NCAAF

NCAAF NIL Payments: New Rules and What They Mean for College Sports

The College Sports Commission has revised its NIL payment rules, impacting how student-athletes and collectives operate in NCAAF.

Keli Zinn Takes the Helm: Rutgers Announces New Athletic Director with LSU Pedigree
NCAAF

Keli Zinn Takes the Helm: Rutgers Announces New Athletic Director with LSU Pedigree

Rutgers University appoints Keli Zinn as the new athletic director, bringing strategic leadership and a robust vision to elevate the Scarlet Knights' athletic programs.

2025 NCAAF Teams Poised for Breakthroughs or Bounce-Backs: Key Predictions
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Teams Poised for Breakthroughs or Bounce-Backs: Key Predictions

Explore which NCAAF teams are set to build on their 2024 success or rebound from disappointing seasons in 2025, with detailed analysis and SP+ projections.

Top 25 Most Memorable Alternate Uniforms in College Football History
NCAAF

Top 25 Most Memorable Alternate Uniforms in College Football History

Explore the most iconic and chaotic alternate uniforms in NCAAF history, from retro designs to bold experiments that left a lasting impact.

Purdue Boilermakers Defend Tahj Ra-El Amid Playbook Leak Allegations
NCAAF

Purdue Boilermakers Defend Tahj Ra-El Amid Playbook Leak Allegations

Purdue Boilermakers address the alleged playbook leak by Tahj Ra-El, calling it a mischaracterization. Learn more about the controversy and its impact.

Top College Football Mascots: A Showcase of Spirit and Tradition
NCAAF

Top College Football Mascots: A Showcase of Spirit and Tradition

Explore the vibrant world of college football mascots, from iconic characters to unique traditions that define the spirit of NCAAF.

Top 25 NCAAF Teams: Critical Games That Will Shape the 2025 Season
NCAAF

Top 25 NCAAF Teams: Critical Games That Will Shape the 2025 Season

Discover the pivotal games for each top 25 NCAAF team that could define their 2025 season. From high-stakes nonconference battles to crucial league matchups, these games are must-watch.

2025 College Football Playoff: Key Questions for 14 Contenders to Win the National Championship
NCAAF

2025 College Football Playoff: Key Questions for 14 Contenders to Win the National Championship

Explore the critical questions and challenges facing the top 14 teams vying for the 2025 College Football Playoff crown. Insights on key players, strategies, and what it takes to win.

Tony Petitti Advocates for Michigan: Sign-Stealing Scandal Penalties Deemed Sufficient
NCAAF

Tony Petitti Advocates for Michigan: Sign-Stealing Scandal Penalties Deemed Sufficient

Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti argues that Michigan football has faced enough penalties in the sign-stealing scandal, urging the NCAA to reconsider further sanctions.

American Conference Rebrands with New Mascot 'Soar' and Modernized Website
NCAAF

American Conference Rebrands with New Mascot 'Soar' and Modernized Website

The American Athletic Conference rebrands as the 'American Conference' with new mascot 'Soar' and a modernized website, aiming for clarity and modern identity.

The Great Debate: SEC vs. Big Ten on NCAAF Playoff Expansion
NCAAF

The Great Debate: SEC vs. Big Ten on NCAAF Playoff Expansion

The SEC and Big Ten clash over the future of the NCAAF playoff format, with debates on expanding to 16 teams and the implications for the sport.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.