Who will be the most impactful transfer for each SEC program in 2024? (2024)

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Brody Smoot

August 15, 2024 3:50 pm CT

Each year, there is a group of talented transfers that make their way to the SEC. In the past, transfers like Joe Burrow, Cam Newton, and Hendon Hooker have taken their respective programs to new heights. With the transfer portal changing every year, programs across the country have become accustom to supplementing their roster’s needs via the transfer portal.

Every college football program in the country has had to adjust accordingly to the new transfer rules and NIL being put into place. Therefore, transfers have become a necessity for almost all programs. They provide experience and value to each roster.

Today, Roll Tide Wire projects the most impactful transfer for each SEC program during the 2024 season.

Alabama – Germie Bernard, Wide Receiver

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2023 Stats at Washington: 34 REC / 419 RecYds / 2 RecTDs

The Alabama Crimson Tide coaching staff went all-in on landing a premier wide receiver in the transfer portal this offseason. They did so by landing Washington Huskies transfer wide receiver Germie Bernard. The Nevada native made the decision to follow head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington to Alabama.

Bernard adds athleticism and versatility to an Alabama receiving core. He is a difference maker that is sure to be an immediate impact player on Alabama’s offense in 2024.

Arkansas – Ja'Quinden Jackson, Running Back

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2023 Stats at Utah: 161 CAR / 797 RuYds / 4 RuTDs / 9 REC / 53 RecYds

The Utah Utes offense lost one of their key playmakers this offseason when running back Ja’Quinden Jackson made the decision to transfer to the Arkansas Razorbacks. This will be Jackson’s third school. He began his college career with the Texas Longhorns prior to transferring to Utah.

Arkansas offense has seen its share of ups and downs in recent years. Jackson should provide a sense of comfort given his playmaking ability. The Texas native will form a formidable backfield alongside incoming transfer quarterback Taylen Green.

Auburn – KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Wide Receiver

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2023 Stats at Penn State: 53 REC / 673 RecYds / 4 RecTDs

During the offseason, the Auburn Tigers coaching staff placed an emphasis on adding playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. It did not take them too long to find a proven talent at the wide receiver position. Penn State Nittany Lions transfer wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith committed to the Tigers over the and USC Trojans.

He was a hot commodity upon entering his name into the transfer portal and rightfully so. In three seasons in Happy Valley, Lambert-Smith reeled in 120 receptions for 1,523 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He adds big-play capabilities to an Auburn offense that has not had much success at the wide receiver position in years. Can Lambert-Smith change that trend in 2024 on The Plains?

Florida – Elijhah Badger, Wide Receiver

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2023 Stats at Arizona State: 65 REC / 713 RecYds / 3 RecTDs

The Florida Gators offense took a hit this offseason when leading wide receiver Ricky Pearsall entered the NFL draft. During the offseason, the Gators coaching staff explored the transfer portal for options and were able to land a commitment from Arizona State Sun Devils transfer wide receiver Elijhah Badger.

Badger adds much-needed depth and experience to a young receiving core. He will be called on in a big way next season to replace Pearsall’s production. Interestingly enough, Pearsall transferred from Arizona State to Florida as well. He had abundant success in two seasons in Gainesville. Could we see another Sun Devils transfer have success in the SEC?

Georgia - Trevor Etienne, Running Back

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2023 Stats at Florida: 131 CAR / 753 RuYds / 8 RuTDs / 21 REC / 172 RecYds / 1 RecTD

After losing two running backs to the NFL, the Georgia Bulldogs landed a gem via the transfer portal. Florida Gators transfer running back Trevor Etienne transferred to Georgia following his sophom*ore season in Gainesville. Etienne is expected to be the Bulldogs starting back in 2024.

He is the younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne. The Bulldogs are eager to add Etienne to their offense with hopes that he can perform similarly to how his brother did during his college career. He is a threat as a runner and pass-catcher. That will certainly alleviate some of the pressure on Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo.

Kentucky - Brock Vandagriff, Quarterback

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2023 Stats at Georgia: 12 CMP / 18 ATT / 165 PaYds / 2 PaTDs / 5 REC / 39 RuYds

With Kentucky Wildcats starting quarterback Devin Leary departing for the NFL, the coaching staff was tasked with finding his replacement. After weighing multiple options, the Wildcats decided to bring in Georgia Bulldogs transfer quarterback Brock Vandagriff. The Georgia is a former four-star recruit that signed with the Bulldogs as a part of the 2021 recruiting class.

He played sparingly during his time in Athens. However, he is slated to be Kentucky’s starting quarterback for the 2024 season. Vandagriff will need to perform at a high level in order to give the Wildcats offense the best chance to succeed. He has raw arm talent and possesses the necessary skillset to have success under the direction of offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

LSU - CJ Daniels, Wide Receiver

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Mississippi State - Blake Shapen, Quarterback

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2023 Stats at Baylor: 184 CMP / 298 ATT / 2,188 PaYds / 13 PaTDs / 3 INTs

First-year head coach Jeff Lebby found his starting quarterback for the 2024 season by way of the transfer portal. Baylor transfer quarterback Blake Shapen will begin the season as the Bulldogs starting quarterback. The Louisiana native had an impressive junior campaign in Waco. With Lebby being able to fully develop and mentor Shapen, this could be a strong tandem in the SEC for the 2024 season. Shapen has the experience and skillset to have success in Lebby’s offense. Will he be the quarterback to turn things around in Starkville?

Missouri - Marcus Bryant, Offensive Tackle

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During the offseason, the Missouri Tigers landed one of the top offensive tackle transfers. Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant will suit up for the Tigers in 2024 after spending the first four years of his college career at SMU. In four seasons with the Mustangs, Bryant made 29 starts. He was named as an All-AAC First-Team selection following the 2023 season. His presence will be one worth noting as the Tigers look to take the next step towards reaching the College Football Playoff. At 6-foot-8 and 318 pounds, Bryant will certainly be one of the more imposing offensive tackles in the SEC. Will his success in the AAC translate to the SEC?

Oklahoma - Deion Burks, Wide Receiver

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2023 Stats at Purdue: 47 REC / 629 RecYds / 7 RecTDs / 13 KR / 245 KRYds

The Oklahoma Sooners were able to reel in one of the top wide receivers in the transfer portal this offseason. That is former Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Deion Burks. In two seasons in West Lafayette, Burks hauled in 62 receptions for 878 yards and seven touchdowns. He will be a reliable receiving option for sophom*ore quarterback Jackson Arnold to deliver the ball to in 2024. Burks has the skillset to thrive in the SEC. He will be the Sooners No. 1 wide receiver heading into the fall.

Ole Miss - Walter Nolen, Defensive Tackle

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2023 Stats at Texas A&M: 37 TACK / 4 SKS

One of the top transfers this offseason was Walter Nolen. The former defensive lineman came to College Station as a five-star and was ranked as a five-star in the transfer portal as well. In two seasons with the Aggies, Nolen made 14 starts. He recorded 66 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks. The Mississippi native is expected to be an intricate piece of the Ole Miss defense next season. He will bolster a defensive line unit that appears to be one of the best in the SEC. Nolen can rush the passer and be a run stopper as well. The Rebels got arguably one of the best interior defensive lineman in college football this offseason and are eager to see how he performs in Oxford.

South Carolina - Raheim "Rocket" Sanders, Running Back

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2023 Stats at Arkansas: 62 CAR / 209 RuYds / 2 RuTDs / 10 REC / 75 RecYds

One of the more experienced, proven running backs in the SEC over the last few seasons will now be suiting up for another SEC school in 2024. Former Arkansas Razorbacks running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders transferred to South Carolina this offseason. The Florida native strengthens a Gameco*cks running back room that has not had much success in recent years. In 2022, Sanders rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Razorbacks. In 2023, he battled injuries and had just 209 rushing yards. Can Sanders return to his old form in in Columbia this season?

Tennessee - Lance Heard, Offensive Tackle

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Former five-star offensive tackle Lance Heard made the decision to transfer from the LSU Tigers to the Tennessee Volunteers this offseason. Following his freshman season at LSU, Heard was named a part of the All-SEC Freshman Team. He played in 12 games for the Tigers. In 195 offensive snaps, Heard did not allow a sack. With Tennessee’s starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava having just one start, it will be essential to have good pass protection. Heard will provide that as well as being a reliable run blocker as well.

Texas - Isaiah Bond, Wide Receiver

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2023 Stats at Alabama: 48 REC / 668 RecYds / 4 RecTDs

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian makes it a priority to recruit skilled players. With the Longhorns offense losing four skilled players — Ja’Tavion Sanders, Xavier Worthy, A.D. Mitchell, and Jonathon Brooks to the NFL, it was crucial for Sarkisian to bring in a proven talent. He did that by landing Alabama Crimson Tide transfer wide receiver Isaiah Bond. In two seasons at Alabama, Bond had 60 receptions for 882 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Bond is a deep-threat and should form a nice connection with quarterback Quinn Ewers.

Texas A&M - Nic Scourton, Defensive End

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2023 Stats at Purdue: 50 TKLS / 10 SKS / 1 FF

One of the premier edge rushers in the transfer portal this offseason was Nic Scourton. Scourton transferred to the from the Purdue Boilermakers. Last season, Scourton recorded double-digit sacks (10) for the first time in his college career. He was pursued by multiple power-five programs following his decision to transfer from the Boilermakers. The edge rusher position is at a premium and Scourton has an opportunity to create a lot of value for himself in College Station.

Vanderbilt - Diego Pavia, Quarterback

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2023 Stats at New Mexico State: 210 CMP / 341 ATT / 2,915 PaYds / 26 PaTDs / 8 INTs / 158 CAR / 851 RuYds / 6 RuTDs

Despite having multiple struggling seasons, Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Clark Lea was able to land one of the more proven quarterbacks in the transfer portal. New Mexico State transfer quarterback Diego Pavia will suit up for the ‘Dores in 2024. He could split time at quarterback with Utah transfer Nate Johnson early on in the season. However, I expect him to assume the role as Vanderbilt’s starting quarterback. Pavia is an escape artist that can make plays with both is arm and legs. Pavia could be the best quarterback that Vanderbilt has had since Jay Cutler.