The buzz around the transfer portal in college football is heavily influenced by the quarterback position — and with the names that have entered the 2024 portal, you can see why. However, the talent currently in the transfer portal at the skill positions of running back and wide receiver is some of the best we have seen since the portal became a huge influencer in today's game. In the past, we have seen names such as Jordan Addison and Travis Hunter make their move and become their new team's big-play receiver and biggest X-factor in their offensive game plan.
The 2024 transfer portal is officially open, and the players who have entered will make a big impact wherever they go. Some are former top recruits, while others are from smaller schools and looking to land with Power Five national title contenders. Here are some of the top skill position players in the transfer portal.
London Humphreys, Wide Receiver, Vanderbilt
There were not a lot of highlights in Vanderbilt's 2023 season, but the performance and contribution from freshman wide receiver London Humphreys was one of them. Unfortunately for the Commodores, Humphreys has entered the transfer portal following a 2-10 season in his first year of college football. Humphreys caught 22 passes for 439 yards and four touchdowns, and his 20 yards per catch ranked in the top 20 of the country. Humphreys has three years of eligibility left, so whoever lands him will be getting a long-term investment.
Prediction: Georgia Bulldogs
Josh Kelly, Wide Receiver, Washington State
Josh Kelly began his career with the Fresno State Bulldogs but, after an up-and-down four years, transferred to Washington State in 2023. In his first and only year with the Cougars, Kelly had a stellar season, catching 61 passes for 923 yards and eight touchdowns. Kelly has big-play ability, averaging 15 yards per catch, and has recorded long touchdowns of 51, 61, 69 and 71 yards throughout his career. Kelly is a good size, 6-foot-1 and weighs 192 pounds, but it is his speed off the line that gives him the edge on the defense.
Prediction: USC Trojans
Marcus Carroll, Running Back, Georgia State
Georgia State running back Marcus Carroll is a name you need to get familiar with. In 2022, Carroll ran for 622 yards and six touchdowns while averaging nearly five yards a carry. In 2023, Carroll kept up with that yards-per-carry average with a breakout season that saw him rush for 1,350 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning him the honor of being a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, given to the top running back in the country. Carroll also improved his role in the passing game, averaging 10 yards per catch on 23 catches this season.
Prediction: Miami Hurricanes
Deion Burks, Wide Receiver, Purdue
Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Sophomore wide receiver Deion Burks was one of the few good marks on the Purdue Boilermakers' 2023 season. He caught 47 passes for 629 yards and seven touchdowns in a breakout year that saw Burks showcase his athleticism. The former two-sport athlete ran the 60 meters, 200 meters and 400 meters in high school — and that speed was on full display this season, especially on his 84-yard touchdown reception earlier in the year. Burks will be highly coveted by Purdue's conference foes in the Big Ten, but going back home seems a likely landing spot.
Prediction: Michigan Wolverines
Caullin Lacy, Wide Receiver, South Alabama
Not every college football player makes an immediate impact, but progressing to become one of the best players at your position is just as good — and that is exactly what South Alabama wide receiver Caullin Lacy has done. In the past three seasons, Lacy has improved his total receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. After a 2022 season that saw Lacy catch 65 passes for over 800 yards and six touchdowns, Lacy went on to haul in 91 catches (fifth in the Football Bowl Subdivision) for 1,316 yards (sixth in the FBS) and seven touchdowns this season. One of the country's best and most underrated wide receivers is on the market and will be an X-factor wherever he goes
Prediction: Auburn Tigers
Tobias Merriweather, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Notre Dame wide receiver Tobias Merriweather was not a huge contributor to the Fighting Irish's offense — but when he did contribute, it was for big plays. On 14 catches, Merriweather averaged over 20 yards and had catches for 35, 42, 45, and 75 yards on the season. For his height at 6-foot-4, Merriweather is one of the fastest receivers in the country; in high school, he ran a 10.95-second in the 100-meter dash and a 22.01 in the 200-meter dash. With his length and speed, Merriweather will be pursued by a lot of Power Five programs, especially those who like to take the top off on the defense.
Prediction: Washington Huskies
Julian Fleming, Wide Receiver, Ohio State Buckeyes
One of the most surprising names that has entered the college football transfer portal is wide receiver Julian Fleming of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Buckeyes have had one of the best wide receiver rooms in college football over the last four to five years and Fleming has been somewhat of a third option due to talent in front of him like Marvin Harrison and Emeka Egbuka but with both receivers set to be potential first-round picks, all signs pointed at Fleming having a breakout year as WR1 in 2024. Fleming is a well-seasoned veteran in the college game and is looking for his opportunity to shine.
Prediction: Penn State Nittany Lions
