Ranking the 10 biggest portal announcements from Friday
The transfer portal opened on Monday with a flurry of activity. Here are the biggest transfer announcements from day five of the 2025 transfer portal cycle.
1. RB JUSTICE HAYNES
Haynes is the latest Alabama player to enter the transfer portal. The top ranked running back from the 2023 class chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia, his father’s alma mater. Haynes rushed 79 times for 448 yards and seven touchdowns, and caught 17 passes for 99 yards for the Crimson Tide. The Bulldogs will certainly be a contender to land him from the transfer portal but Michigan and Ohio State expected to be heavily involved as well.
2. DL SAMUEL M’PEMBA
M’Pemba’s lack of involvement at Georgia was puzzling given the talent he showed at the high school level. He still has three years of eligibility remaining so there is plenty of time for a fresh start. M’Pemba’s will be a sought-after transfer prospect. Missouri is one program to watch for him. The Tigers just lost Williams Nwaneri to Nebraska via the transfer portal and they’ll be looking to replace him with another talented defensive end.
3. LB TROY BOWLES
Bowles seemed like a great fit at Georgia when he signed with the Bulldogs in the 2023 class and his career in Athens got off to a good start. He played in five games as a true freshman but this year he only got to play in two. It’s more likely than not that Bowles ends up transferring to an ACC or Big 12 program, possibly in the state of Florida.
4. OL PATRICK KUTAS
Arkansas is already taking heavy losses during the transfer portal window but losing Kutas to conference foe Ole Miss stings ever more. Kutas was an important part of the Arkansas offensive line when he was on the field but injuries over the last season and half have hampered his ability to contribute. Now Ole Miss is hoping he can stay healthy and continue to develop while solidifying their offensive line for next season.
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5. QB ALEX ORJI
Quarterback play this season at Michigan submarined the reigning national champions. Orji was thought to be the answer heading into this season but lost a training camp battle to Davis Warren. He did end up starting a few games but he proved to be ineffective throwing the ball. Orji’s transfer process will be an interesting one to follow considering the limitations he presents while lining up under center.
6. TE BAUER SHARP
LSU is reloading on offense through the transfer portal and Sharp is viewed as an important addition. The talented tight end spent the last two seasons at Oklahoma but the Sooners’ ineffective offense limited his production. Considering how well tight ends have done under Brian Kelly in the past, Sharp should have a chance to shine next season in Baton Rouge.
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7. WR DONAVEN MCCULLEY
Michigan’s offense will get an infusion of talent this offseason and adding receivers is a top priority. McCulley and Michigan had mutual interest in each from the very beginning of the transfer process. He took a visit to Ann Arbor the day after Michigan’s upset win at Ohio State and visited Oklahoma earlier this week but the Wolverines were able to close on the talented pass catcher.
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8. WR BRENEN THOMPSON
It took just one day for Thompson to find his next team. The former Oklahoma and Texas receiver entered the transfer portal on Thursday and committed to Mississippi State on Friday. Thompson had a hard time staying on the field consistently over the last two seasons at Oklahoma but he’s hoping that trend does not continue during his final college season next year.
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9. DB GENESIS SMITH
The Arizona secondary has already lost some of its best players and Smith added his name to the growing list on Friday. The sophomore started all but two games this season and racked up 63 tackles, three interceptions, nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. With two years of eligibility remaining, Smith should be a hot name in the transfer portal.
10. OL DAMIEON GEORGE
Considering where things stood in September and early October, Florida ended the season on a high note. Recruiting for the Gators has been trending upwards but there have been a few defections in this transfer window. George started his career at Alabama but played more than 1,000 snaps over the last two seasons for the Gators. According to PFF, George was one of the better offensive linemen in the SEC this season, which has to sting Florida as the Gators look to build on their momentum.
