Big 10 Key Transfer Portal Ins/Outs for Each Team

Written by Carter Ball

Illinois Fighting Illini

Biggest Addition: DL James Thompson Jr. — Huge size at 6’5 295, definitely a much-needed piece on Illinois’ defensive front, should be able to easily disrupt the run game.

Biggest Loss: IOL Zylon Chrisler — Looked like he would have been a solid starter after transferring from the JUCO level, but decided to use his remaining eligibility to head to Colorado and Coach Prime.

Indiana Hoosiers

Biggest Addition: QB Fernando Mendoza — Already proven to be a starting QB at the Power 4 level, put up nice numbers at Cal and will now be looking to get drafted after a hopefully strong year with the Hoosiers.

Biggest Loss: No notable transfers.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Biggest Addition: QB Mark Gronowski — May not be the best player coming in, but will for sure be the most impactful, as Iowa will be hoping that the talent level he showed at the FCS level will be able to translate into a Power 4 conference.

Biggest Loss: CB John Nestor — Would have been a starting corner; unfortunate that the Hawkeyes couldn’t hold onto him.

Maryland Terrapins

Biggest Addition: OT Rahtrel Perry — Looked like an absolute stud; they’ll be hoping his talent will translate to the FBS level.

Biggest Loss: RB Roman Hemby — Always a shame to lose what would have been a starting running back.

Michigan Wolverines

Biggest Addition: RB Justice Haynes — Put up numbers at Alabama, and will easily be able to be the main force in Michigan’s run game next year.

Biggest Loss: IOL Dominick Giudice — What would have been a starting lineman just felt like playing for Missouri was right for him.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Biggest Addition: RB A.J. Turner — Should look to make an impact moving into the Power 4 level, much-needed help for the Gophers’ run game.

Biggest Loss: T Philip Daniels — Amazing player; unfortunately the opportunity to play at Ohio State was too enticing.

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Biggest Addition: WR Dane Key — One of the best receivers in the portal, huge addition and should be a weapon for Dylan Raiola.

Biggest Loss: DE Princewill Umanmielen — Definitely an all-conference caliber player, very unfortunate loss for the Cornhuskers.

Northwestern Wildcats

Biggest Addition: WR Griffin Wilde — Moving up from the FCS level, should be able to fight for a starting spot right away.

Biggest Loss: IOL Josh Thompson — One of the best available transfers in the entire portal; hard not to pass on playing for LSU.

Ohio State Buckeyes

Biggest Addition: TE Max Klare — Arguably the best tight end in the portal, should be an all-conference player next season.

Biggest Loss: DL Hero Kanu — He’s a big dude, just wasn’t going to start for Ohio State next year; seems he found a nice fit at Texas.

Oregon Ducks

Biggest Addition: OT Isaiah World — Top 10 player in the portal, hard to pass on Oregon throwing that much money in your face.

Biggest Loss: QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — Time at Oregon was short-lived; originally transferred for money, but realized it’s truly not where he wanted to play.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Biggest Addition: WR Trebor Pena — Big numbers in 2024, finally got a big weapon for Drew Allar at receiver.

Biggest Loss: WR Harrison Wallace III — It’s a debate whether he’s better than Pena, but he would have been a starting receiver had he not made the decision to transfer.

Purdue Boilermakers

Biggest Addition: CB Ryan Turner — Not nearly enough to outweigh the plethora of transfers out, but should be a solid starting corner.

Biggest Loss: S Dillon Thieneman — Projected to be a Day 2 pick for next year; Purdue just tends to not be able to hold onto star talent in this NIL era.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Biggest Addition: WR DT Sheffield — Should start right away, definitely going to make some big catches next year.

Biggest Loss: No notable transfers.

UCLA Bruins

Biggest Addition: QB Nico Iamaleava — Not even sure what to say about him, just questionable actions; hopefully performs well for the Bruins.

Biggest Loss: WR J. Michael Sturdivant — Would have been a solid weapon for Iamaleava, just couldn’t pass up on Florida.

USC Trojans

Biggest Addition: DL Keeshawn Silver — An absolute unit who should be a problem for opposing teams trying to run the ball up the middle.

Biggest Loss: WRs Zachariah Branch and Duce Robinson — Had to include both just to emphasize how much their receiving corps will struggle when next year comes around.

Washington Huskies

Biggest Addition: CB Tacario Davis — Best corner in the portal, projected as a 1st/2nd round pick; he could easily make a case to be an All-American next season.

Biggest Loss: LB Khmori House — Started at linebacker as a true freshman, very unfortunate loss for the Huskies.

Wisconsin Badgers

Biggest Addition: DE Tyreese Fearbury — Definitely going to be a solid starter for next season, great pickup.

Biggest Loss: CB Xavier Lucas — One of the top corners in the portal shortly behind Davis, going to be hard to fill this spot for the Badgers.