Since the introduction of NIL, the NCAA transfer portal has become a major tool for roster building. Small-school stars now move to big-name programs, high-end recruits chase guaranteed playing time, and household names follow the money.
With all this movement, success in the transfer portal is more important than ever. So which programs have won big? Here are the ten biggest impact transfers of the 2025 offseason.
10. Nic Anderson, WR, LSU
(Transferred from Oklahoma)
Nic Anderson is a literal and figurative question mark. At 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds, he is a huge red zone target who looked like a future star after catching 10 touchdowns in 2023.
His 2024 season was derailed by injuries, and reports suggest frustration over his role led to his exit from Oklahoma. LSU is betting on Anderson’s upside.
If healthy, he could become a red zone centerpiece in 2025. The ceiling is obvious, but so is the risk. This is a high-reward swing for the Tigers.
9. Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
(Transferred from Purdue)
The top tight end in the portal, Max Klare joins Ohio State after leading Purdue in receptions and touchdowns last season. He brings an all-around skill set that keeps him on the field for all three downs and offers clear value in both the pass and run game.
Klare has two years of eligibility remaining and should slot in immediately as TE1 in Columbus. A big year could push him into first-round draft consideration.
8. Patrick Payton, DE, LSU
(Transferred from Florida State)
LSU landed another high-impact transfer with Patrick Payton. The former ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year had 16 sacks during his time at Florida State but watched the program collapse around him in 2024.
He enters 2025 with something to prove and steps into a starting role on an LSU defense that needed a disruptive edge presence. With a strong supporting cast around him, Payton is set up for a bounce-back season and a return to early-round draft stock.
7. Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State
(Transferred from Cincinnati)
Florida State lost a star defender but gained a potentially game-changing weapon in Duce Robinson. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Robinson offers rare size and skill. He can play out wide or in the slot and finds the sticks with a tight end’s reliability and a receiver’s athleticism.
After a disappointing 2024, FSU needs versatility and explosiveness on offense. Robinson brings both. He could be a breakout star in Tallahassee if the Seminoles can bounce back.
6. Eric Singleton Jr., WR, Auburn
(Transferred from Georgia Tech)
Singleton produced at Georgia Tech despite playing in an offense that didn’t favor wide receivers. Over two seasons, he recorded more than 100 catches and nearly 1,500 yards.
Auburn offers a chance for more exposure and a better passing system. Singleton is expected to start right away and provide a much-needed vertical threat. This is a simple, smart move by Auburn to boost a struggling offense.
5. John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
(Transferred from Washington State)
Brent Venables is under pressure, and Oklahoma made a bold move to stabilize the quarterback position. John Mateer followed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterbacks coach John Kuceyeski from Washington State to Norman.
Mateer is viewed by many as one of the top quarterback additions in the portal. He brings two years of eligibility and the tools to thrive in the new system. If he adjusts to the spotlight and delivers, he could be the most impactful transfer of the year.
4. Carson Beck, QB, Miami
(Transferred from Georgia)
After opting out of the 2025 NFL Draft, Carson Beck made the surprise move to Miami. He was once seen as a first-round prospect before suffering a season-ending elbow injury last year.
Beck replaces No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward and brings big-game experience to a Hurricanes team looking to stay in the playoff picture. Miami needs the pre-injury version of Beck to have a shot at contending. If that player shows up, this will be one of the biggest moves of the offseason.
3. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon
(Transferred from Nevada)
Oregon made a splash by landing offensive tackle Isaiah World from Nevada. At 6-foot-8 with NFL measurables, World steps into a major upgrade in competition and exposure.
He is expected to start immediately and anchor the Ducks’ offensive line. With Oregon’s recent history of success and player development, World could go from portal gem to top draft pick by season’s end.
2. Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Missouri
(Transferred from Georgia)
Wilson was unhappy with his usage at Georgia and entered the portal looking for a bigger role. Missouri beat out national powers to land him, including reported runner-up Ohio State.
This is a major win for Mizzou on and off the field. Wilson’s production should be immediate, and the perception shift of beating top programs for a former blue-chip recruit is huge for the Tigers’ future recruiting and reputation.
1. Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
(Transferred from Tennessee)
Nico Iamaleava is the biggest transfer of the offseason, both in profile and impact. A former five-star recruit, he flashed serious potential at Tennessee with dual-threat ability and high-level arm talent.
His departure came down to NIL. Reports indicated his camp demanded $4 million in incentives, and when Tennessee refused, he sat out spring practice and entered the portal. UCLA emerged as the landing spot, giving the Bruins an elite talent to build around.
This move also sends a message about Tennessee’s approach to NIL negotiations. The implications could reach beyond this season and shape how future recruits view the program. For now, UCLA has its quarterback, and Iamaleava has a platform to become a star.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 transfer portal cycle delivered impact players and bold decisions. Whether it was NIL leverage, coaching changes, or the pursuit of playoff success, these moves will shape the college football landscape this fall. Every name on this list brings both talent and risk, but if they hit, they could define the season.
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