The end of spring practice across the country heralds the reopening of the college football transfer portal. Many players who have completed offseason training realize that their current roster situation is not to their liking and are looking for a new home. Some may have been told they don't expect to see the field or that their playing time will be reduced this fall.
Some of those looking for new opportunities may be familiar names or heralded recruits who can join the program and make an immediate impact. Who are the best players available this cycle?
Here are some of the best in demand by schools looking to improve their rosters.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Penn State
Lambert Smith considered entering the NFL Draft after amassing 673 receiving yards with the Nittany Lions. His return was seen as a major coup for Penn State, which needs options to make its offense more explosive against top defenses. However, Lambert-Smith will not be joining that group this fall and is looking to make an impact elsewhere.
Damian Martinez, RB, Oregon State University
Running backs who totaled more than 1,000 yards rushing in Power Five leagues last season will likely attract interest from major programs. Martinez made a big splash last year with the Beavers, who stayed on this spring even though the school lost coach Jonathan Smith to Michigan State and the school was in transition as the Pac-12 was reduced to two teams. He is currently on the market and should be in demand.
Kaydon Proctor, OL, Iowa State
After just one season of college football, Proctor has already had a checkered career. He committed to remain at the University of Iowa as one of the top high school recruits in the 2023 class before signing with the University of Alabama. He became an instant starter for the Crimson Tide as a freshman, but decided to transfer to the Hawkeyes following the retirement of Nick Saban. A few months later, Proctor returns to the portal and appears to return to Tuscaloosa.
Damonic Williams, DL, TCU
Williams, a second-year starter for the Horned Frogs, helped the team to the College Football Playoff title game as a freshman and recorded 33 tackles and three sacks in 2023. He is expected to attract attention from many teams looking to compete. Strengthen your defense line.
Colmani McClain, DB, Colorado
McLain was one of the prized high school recruits from head coach Deion Sanders' first recruiting class, and he struggled to make his mark in his one season with the Buffaloes. He appeared in nine games and recorded 13 tackles. McClain, previously committed to Miami, could return to his home state of Florida or be courted elsewhere.
Tacario Davis, DB, Arizona State
Davis is one of many significant losses for the Wildcats after coach Jed Fisch left for Washington. He leads the Pac-12 with 15 pass breakups and would be a valuable addition for a team looking for an immediate starter in the secondary.
Elijah Herring, LB, Tennessee
It's rare to have a leading tackler from an SEC school available in the portal. Herring made the decision to leave Knoxville after starting 11 games and recording 80 tackles, but his playing time is uncertain with the return of Keenan Pilli. Still, his production makes him an attractive option for programs in need on the middle of defense.
Jason Zandamera, OL, Southern California
Zandamera, one of the top players signed by the Trojans last December, left after the first spring practice. While he may not be ready to be a starter right away this fall, this is a potential project within the offensive line that could pay big dividends down the road.
Penny Boone, RB, Louisville
Boone ran for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns for Toledo last season before transferring to Louisville this winter. But after spring practice with the Cardinals, he's back on the move and should have plenty of options. His size (6-1, 242 pounds) is unique to the position.
Jayden Rashada, QB, Arizona State University
For Rashada, it's already been quite the college journey. He signed with Florida in 2023, but left before the season after a disagreement over his contract with the NIL, which the Gators are currently under investigation by the NCAA. He started his first two games for the Sun Devils, but was sidelined with injury until the team's final game against Arizona. Moving forward, he will try to find his footing in another program.
Sam Brown, WR, Houston
The Cougars' leading receiver leaves to catch passes for another school. Brown had 62 catches for 815 total yards in his breakout season. His skills should be appreciated by any team looking for a ready-to-play wide receiver.
Jacoby Matthews, DB, Texas A&M
It's been a transitional offseason for the Aggies as Mike Elko replaces Jimbo Fisher. Matthews is the newest starter from last year's defense to depart for the portal. He recorded 42 tackles in his first season contributing to the majors.
