Top NCAAF Transfer Portal Highlights: Quarterback Swaps and Homecomings Dominate Spring Moves

Explore the most intriguing NCAAF transfer portal moves this spring, featuring quarterback swaps and notable homecomings.

As the college football offseason continues, the transfer portal has been buzzing with activity, providing fans with plenty of talking points. This spring's portal window, though less active than the end-of-season period, still delivered some fascinating storylines and surprising moves.

Most NFL Trade Deadline-esque Move

Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee to UCLA; Joey Aguilar, UCLA to Tennessee The standout story of the spring portal was Nico Iamaleava's departure from the Tennessee Volunteers. The starting quarterback from the Vols' 10-3 College Football Playoff campaign left in mid-April, eventually landing with the UCLA Bruins. In response, Tennessee secured Joey Aguilar, a former Appalachian State transfer who was UCLA's projected starter before Iamaleava's arrival. This move effectively created a quarterback swap between two Power 4 programs, a rare occurrence in college sports.

Best Homecoming

Micah Hudson, Texas A&M to Texas Tech Micah Hudson's journey came full circle when he announced his return to Texas Tech on April 27. After transferring to Texas A&M in December and stepping away from the program in January, Hudson decided to rejoin the Red Raiders. The former five-star recruit, who was the highest-ranked recruit in Texas Tech program history, expressed his gratitude for the Lubbock community in a statement.

Most Frequent-Flier Mile Friendly Move

Caleb Brown, Hawaii to Virginia Tech Caleb Brown's transfer from Hawaii to Virginia Tech involved a significant journey. Over 7,000 miles separate the two schools, with the quickest travel time exceeding 11 hours and including at least one stop. This move highlights the lengths players are willing to go to find the right fit for their collegiate careers.

From Go Army to Go Dawgs

Elo Modozie, Army to Georgia Elo Modozie's transfer from Army to Georgia marks a significant change in his daily routine. As an outside linebacker, Modozie tallied 6.5 sacks in 2024, helping Army win the American Athletic Conference. Now, he will focus solely on football at Georgia, leaving behind the rigorous schedule of a military academy.

Most Likely to Leave the Team Group Chat

The Cal Running Backs In a span of 72 hours, California's top three leading rushers from the 2024 season entered the transfer portal. Jaivian Thomas, Jaydn Ott, and Kadarius Calloway were joined by fellow running backs Byron Cardwell Jr. and Justin Williams-Thomas, leaving the Golden Bears with a significantly depleted backfield.

Busiest Class Schedule

Breylan Thompson, Yale to Stanford Breylan Thompson's transfer from Yale to Stanford is a rare move that maintains academic rigor. The freshman defensive back, who tallied 31 total tackles and six passes defended in his lone season with the Bulldogs, will now join one of America's other elite universities.

Most Likely to Spice Up a Rivalry

Kennedy Urlacher, Notre Dame to USC Kennedy Urlacher's transfer from Notre Dame to USC adds an intriguing layer to the historic rivalry between the two programs. The son of NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher will face his former team next season, aiming to bring the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy to Los Angeles.

Best Two-for-One Deal

Brent Helton and Wade Helton, Iowa State to Arizona State The Arizona State Sun Devils secured a unique package deal with the transfer of twins Brent and Wade Helton from Iowa State. Both offensive linemen redshirted in their freshman year with the Cyclones and will now continue their collegiate careers together in the Grand Canyon State.

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