Spring football practices are beginning around the country, giving coaches their first look at incoming transfers in action. For some programs, that means evaluating a high-profile quarterback addition, while others are assessing new talent to strengthen the offensive line or secondary. As teams gear up for the season, here are 15 transfers whose spring performances will be closely watched, along with why they could be crucial for their new teams.
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A standout wide receiver is joining a major SEC program after transferring from a Big 12 school. Known for his size and speed, he brings the ability to win contested catches and stretch the field vertically. However, his availability is a concern after missing nearly all of the previous season due to a persistent leg injury. If healthy, he could become a primary deep threat in his new offense — something the team has lacked for a while.
Another program in the SEC is welcoming a former five-star quarterback who had a rough first season as a starter, including a benching and low national ranking in quarterback efficiency. His struggles were exacerbated by injuries to his top receivers and poor offensive line play at his previous school. Now, with a more talented receiving corps and experienced line, there’s hope he can elevate his play — and his performance in spring practice will provide the first indication of whether he can lead a turnaround.
A speedy wide receiver heads to one of the nation’s top programs after transferring from a West Coast school. While he’s best known for his top-end speed, he also brings strong run-after-the-catch skills that made him dangerous early in his college career. However, he regressed in his second year. His new team hopes he can rediscover his freshman form, which could give their offense the kind of explosive playmaker they’ve been missing.
At a Mountain West-to-Power Four move, a dual-threat quarterback steps in to lead a program that’s shifting toward a run-heavy offensive approach under a new coordinator. Though highly effective as both a passer and runner last season, turnovers were an issue, with a one-to-one touchdown-to-interception ratio. This spring will provide the first glimpse of how well he can adapt to tougher competition — and how the team’s passing attack will function alongside his running ability.
In the Midwest, a program known for its offensive struggles brings in a championship-winning quarterback from the FCS level. This transfer has NFL potential and will be expected to help modernize an offense that had the fewest pass attempts in its conference last season. With a proven track record, his arrival should help activate a previously underused receiving corps — but spring practice will show how well that transition is progressing.
In the SEC, a tight end transfers in after a solid start to his career elsewhere. Despite seeing fewer targets last season under a new offensive coordinator, his talent remains evident. He arrives at his new school just as a veteran tight end departs, opening the door for a high-volume role in an offense that has regularly involved tight ends. How he integrates into the passing game this spring will help shape the offense’s identity.
A defensive end moves from the Big Ten to a southern powerhouse, marking a rare transfer addition for his new program. With double-digit tackles for loss and a solid sack total last season, he brings much-needed pass-rushing potential. If he can lock down a starting role, it could free up a talented interior lineman to move back inside — a key adjustment for improving run defense.
A veteran quarterback with Group of Five experience arrives at a storied Big Ten program, where he’ll compete with a highly-touted freshman recruit for the starting job. With a large NIL deal luring the freshman to campus, the pressure is on the veteran to hold onto the job by establishing himself in spring practice. His performance will help set the standard the freshman must meet if he hopes to start. With the program’s passing attack ranking among the nation’s worst last year, immediate improvement is critical.
A former top defensive line recruit heads to a rebuilding Big Ten program after limited playing time in the SEC. Though physically imposing and highly athletic, he’s still developing his game. With several key pass rushers leaving, his new team will likely need him to contribute immediately. Spring practice will be crucial for determining how ready he is to take on a larger role.
A standout freshman safety from the FCS level transfers into a program aiming to overhaul its secondary. He’s one of several new defensive backs joining a group that struggled against the pass last year. With a mix of young talent and experienced transfers, spring practices will shape the new-look secondary and establish a pecking order for playing time.
A dual-threat quarterback with limited experience at a Big Ten school transfers to the SEC to take over as a potential starter. Though he showed promise in spot duty, he has yet to start a game at the college level. His new team is rebuilding its receiving corps and offensive line, so his ability to create plays both in and out of structure will be closely monitored in spring practice.
A former five-star defensive tackle transfers into a top Big 12 program that’s replacing nearly its entire interior defensive line rotation. Though he never fully lived up to expectations at his previous school, he has the size and tools to become a disruptive force if he can unlock his potential. His development will be critical for a defense aiming to stay dominant in the trenches.
An offensive tackle jumps from the FCS level to a rebuilding SEC offensive line. His new team struggled heavily in pass protection last season, finishing near the bottom nationally in pressure rate allowed. Though physically impressive, he’ll face a major adjustment against SEC pass rushers. Whether he can hold his own this spring will determine how much the line improves.
A big-bodied safety with FCS All-American credentials transfers into a Big 12 program looking to revamp its defense. His physicality and range could make him a unique weapon at the position, but after missing last season due to foot surgery, his health and fit within the new scheme will be closely watched in spring practice.
A versatile defensive lineman transfers from a Group of Five school to a struggling ACC defense. He’s part of a broader transfer class built largely from smaller programs, meaning his ability to make an immediate impact will be a key test for the coaching staff’s talent evaluation. If he and other lower-division transfers can contribute right away, it could validate the staff’s transfer strategy. Spring practices will provide the first indication of how successful that approach will be.