As the college football season reaches its midpoint, a growing trend is emerging: players are making business decisions, opting to sit out the remainder of the year and transfer to new schools. This phenomenon is not new, but the confluence of factors such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, the transfer portal, and the extra season of eligibility granted due to the pandemic has led to an increase in players making this choice.
In recent weeks, over a dozen FBS scholarship players have entered the transfer portal, with nearly 20 more expected to follow suit in December. So, what drives these players to make this decision? Let’s take a closer look at 10 notable examples.
Jehiem Oatis, a defensive tackle from Alabama, is one such player. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound junior is unhappy with his playing time under the new coaching staff and will take his talents elsewhere in 2025. Despite starting 13 games over the past two seasons, Oatis has seen his playing time dwindle, averaging just 17 snaps per game this season.
Another defensive tackle, Bear Alexander from USC, has also opted to redshirt. Alexander’s decision came down to playing time, as he averaged only 23 snaps per game over the Trojans’ first three games. With two more seasons of eligibility remaining, Alexander will look to maximize his playing time and potential as an NFL draft pick.
Xavier Townsend, a wide receiver from UCF, is a surprising addition to this list. Despite being a legitimate starter, Townsend walked away from his role, producing over 1,600 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns in his career with the Knights. He’ll have good options when he enters the portal, with Iowa State potentially being one program to watch.
Leshon Williams, a running back from Iowa, is another player looking for a fresh start. After leading the Hawkeyes’ rushing attack last season, Williams found himself sidelined with an injury, allowing Kaleb Johnson to take over as the featured back. With 532 yards after contact in 2023 and three rushes of 50-plus yards, Williams will be an attractive option for programs seeking a tough runner.
Devin Neal, a safety from Louisville, is moving on after seeing his playing time drop significantly this year. The Kentucky native earned third-team All-ACC honors last season but was passed on the depth chart by Tennessee transfer Tamarion McDonald. Neal will look to find a program that will give him a more prominent role.
Matthew Sluka, a quarterback from UNLV, made headlines when he left the Rebels over a dispute about his NIL compensation. Sluka believed he would earn $100,000 for his season with UNLV but only received $3,000, leading him to depart. It’ll be fascinating to see what options emerge for Sluka when he re-enters the portal.
Bangally Kamara, a linebacker from South Carolina, is one of the more experienced players available in the transfer portal. A two-year starter at Pitt, Kamara played in 47 career games before joining the Gamecocks. However, he found himself in a reserve role behind starter Debo Williams and will look to find a more significant role elsewhere.
Red Hibbler, a defensive lineman from NC State, impressed as a situational pass rusher in 2023, recording 16 pressures and a team-high 6.5 sacks. However, after playing behind starter Travali Price in four games, Hibbler opted to redshirt and transfer. He’ll have one more season of eligibility for his next program.
Trevor Woods, a linebacker from Colorado, was the only scholarship player left on the Buffaloes’ roster who was a starter for the team in 2022 prior to coach Deion Sanders’ arrival. However, after re-earning a starting job with the new coaching staff, Woods found himself surpassed by Charlotte transfer Nikhai Hill-Green on the depth chart. He’ll look to find a new program that will give him a more prominent role.
Jason Brooks Jr., an offensive lineman from Oklahoma State, transferred from Vanderbilt to the Cowboys in 2022 and made 11 starts for the team. However, after a knee injury ended his season, Brooks asked to sit out this year, citing a lack of recovery. He’ll now enter the portal as a grad transfer, seeking a new program for his final season of eligibility.
Leave a Reply