Anthony Wilson
The spring transfer portal window closed on Tuesday and will not open again until the end of the 2024 regular season. While the last two weeks have not produced the expected fireworks, several notable names have decided to test the water and look for new pastures.
Most portal participants moved quickly to find new homes. But there are still several good prospects on the market who have until the next recruiting dead period to make visits and talk to coaches.
According to 247Sports’ Transfer Rankings, 14 uncommitted players were rated four-star. The transfers left on the market range from former blue-chip players who couldn’t find a place at their old school to veterans with proven production.
The list even includes some 2024 signees who never had the opportunity to have their initial school photo taken. Whatever the case, here are the key unconfirmed transfers left on the board with the spring window officially closed for new arrivals.
Jason Zandamela, OL
Old school: USC
247Sports Ratings: 97
Zandamela wasn’t just the best player to enter during a relatively light spring window — he’s one of the top overall prospects regardless of when they entered the portal. He is the highest-rated interior offensive lineman in 247Sports’ Transfer Rankings and comes in at No. 7 overall nationally, just outside the five-star range. There are many reasons for the hype. Zandamela was the highest-rated signee in USC’s 2024 recruiting class and the only top-50 high school player to sign with the Trojans during that cycle. He enrolled in January and went through spring practice at USC before entering the portal in April. All signs point to the Clearwater, Florida product wanting to play closer to home, as he already has three 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions predicting him for Florida.
Cormani McClain, C.B.
Old school: Colorado
247Sports Ratings: 94
McClain signed with Colorado in 2023 after a rapid recruitment that saw several schools emerge as potential favorites and a previous commitment to Miami fall by the wayside. His pledge to Colorado was a huge coup for first-year coach Deion Sanders, as McClain — the No. 1 cornerback and No. 14 overall prospect in his class — was the highest-rated recruit to sign with the Buffaloes in 23 years. . That enthusiasm didn’t materialize into opportunities early in his freshman year. In September, Sanders publicly criticized McClain’s work ethic and “desire to play this game.” McClain eventually ingratiated himself with Sanders and ended up recording four stars as the injuries began to pile up for Colorado, finishing the year with 13 tackles and two pass breakups.
Jacoby Mathews, S.
Old school: Texas A&M
247Sports Ratings: 92
Mathews was one of the top 18 players to sign with Texas A&M in its historic 2022 class. He emerged as a starter in the final three games of his freshman year before securing a more consistent spot in 2023 as a sophomore. Mathews started nine games in 2023 and finished the year with 42 total tackles, one interception and four pass breakups. Experienced safeties are hard to come by, so Mathews likely has a decent list of suitors vying for his services.
Tyler Barao, EDGE
Old school: Louisville
247Sports Ratings: 92
Baron, who last took game photos at Tennessee, initially committed to Ole Miss during the winter transfer window before ultimately enrolling at Louisville. After going through spring training with the Cardinals, he was part of an exodus of one-time transfers who decided to leave Louisville in the spring window. The 6-foot-2, 260-pound Baron had 10.5 tackles for loss and six sacks with the Vols in 2023 and is considered the best pass-rusher left on the market.
Derrick Harmon, D.L.
Old school: State of Michigan
247Sports Ratings: 91
A member of the high school class of 2021, Harmon is one of the most veteran players left in the portal. He was a key member of Michigan State’s defensive line rotation the past two years, recording 68 total tackles and 3.5 sacks while plugging the middle for the Spartans. At 6-foot-3 and 320 pounds, Harmon is a space eater who occupies gaps and makes it difficult for opposing teams to run up the middle.
Damonic Williams, D.L.
Old school: TCU
247Sports Ratings: 91
Arguably TCU’s best returning player, Williams’ departure was a tough pill to swallow for the Horned Frogs. The former three-star prospect and Torrance, California native was a 2022 247Sports True Freshman All-American. He started every game in TCU’s Cinderella run until College football Playoff National Championship, generating 24 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He saw his production increase in 2023 and, more importantly, became much more disruptive on the interior, recording three sacks and anchoring the Horned Frogs’ defensive front.
Terrance Brooks, C.B.
Old school: Texas
247Sports Ratings: 91
Brooks’ entry was a big surprise. He was thrust into one of Texas’ starting positions after flourishing in the role and earning All-Big 12 honorable mention last season. The former all-star player had 30 tackles, six passes deflected and three interceptions while helping the Longhorns on their way to the Big 12 title and their first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. Now Texas, which has national championship hopes, has to replace the two starting cornerbacks from last year’s team.
Jayden Wayne, EDGE
Old school: Miami
247Sports Ratings: 91
Wayne signed with Miami in 2023 from Bradenton, Florida-based powerhouse IMG Academy. The No. 104 prospect nationally and the No. 14 edge rusher in his class initially chose the Hurricanes over interest from other blue-blood programs like Georgia and Alabama. He had a quiet freshman season, starting one game and spending most of the season as a reserve. Still, Wayne’s pedigree and 6-foot-4 frame make him an attractive exit from the portal on upside alone.
Dermaricus Davis, QB
Old school: washington
247Sports Ratings: 90
Davis couldn’t even suit up for the Huskies. An early riser in the Class of 2024 who achieved four-star status after a strong senior season at Rancho Cucamonga, California’s Etiwanda High School, he signed with Washington over offers from Arizona and Oregon State, among others. He initially stayed on when former Washington coach Kalen DeBoer left for Alabama and Fisch was hired as his successor. The 6-foot-1 signal-caller made it through most of UW’s spring practices before entering the portal in late April. He’s essentially a four-star high school prospect again, with all four years of eligibility remaining and slight college (practical) experience under his belt.
Penny Boone, R.B.
Old school: Louisville
247Sports Ratings: 90
Like Baron, Boone committed to Louisville during the winter transfer window and re-entered the portal after spring practice. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound bowling ball will be a valuable asset to whichever team drafts him in the coming months. He was crowned the 2023 MAC Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns at Toledo.
Elijhah Badger, W.R.
Old school: State of Arizona
247Sports Ratings: 90
It’s been a relatively difficult spring for Arizona State, but few games have been as tough as Badger’s. One of the Pac-12’s most consistent playmakers in recent years, he led the Sun Devils in receiving in each of the last two seasons and left Tempe with 142 career receptions for 1,640 yards and 10 touchdowns. He did all this despite going through a coaching transition and a revolving door at quarterback.
