Top 5 Most Intriguing Transfer Portal Additions

Kevin looks at the most intriguing additions from the portal and his favorite landing spots for devy value!

The transfer portal continues to reshape the college football landscape, giving players a chance to find new homes and programs a way to reload with proven talent. For fantasy managers, especially in devy leagues, these moves often create opportunities for players to shine—or challenges to their established value.

In this article, we’re focusing on players who have officially committed to new programs, breaking down their fits and projecting their fantasy impact. As the offseason progresses and more players make their decisions, we’ll keep this list updated to ensure you’re always ahead of the curve in evaluating devy prospects.

Let’s dive into the portal’s most intriguing moves so far and see which players are primed to elevate their draft stock—and your fantasy roster.

John Mateer - 6’0”, 215 LBS (Transferring to Oklahoma)

The Sooners made a massive splash in the transfer portal by landing Washington State quarterback John Mateer. Standing at 6'0" and 215 pounds, Mateer comes to Oklahoma with a strong track record and two years of eligibility remaining. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, who also made the move from Washington State to Norman, should allow Mateer to seamlessly transition into the Sooners' system.

Mateer’s 2024 season at Washington State showcased his dual-threat capabilities. He threw for over 3,000 yards, completing 64.1% of his passes, with 29 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. On the ground, he was equally dynamic, rushing for 1,008 yards and 15 scores. His ability to extend plays and produce in high-pressure situations made him one of the most coveted players in the portal—and an essential addition for Oklahoma after a disappointing 6-6 season.

Oklahoma desperately needed a spark after a year plagued by injuries, a lackluster offensive line, and an underperforming passing attack. Mateer’s arrival signals a fresh start. His experience in Arbuckle’s offense and his success at Washington State—where he ranked among the top Group of 5 quarterbacks in QBR—position him as the clear QB1 for the Sooners heading into 2025.

That said, challenges remain. The Sooners face one of the toughest schedules in the nation, with matchups against powerhouses like Michigan, Alabama, and LSU. For Mateer to reach his full potential, Oklahoma must strengthen its offensive line and replenish its receiving corps beyond Deion Burks.

Devy Takeaway

From a devy perspective, quarterbacks like Mateer are always wildcards. His dual-threat skill set and high ceiling could make him a riser in devy rankings, especially if Oklahoma surrounds him with the right pieces. However, his value may remain volatile due to the challenges of adapting to SEC competition and Oklahoma’s current roster holes.

For deep devy leagues, Mateer is worth a flier pick. While he may not be draft-eligible in some formats yet, keeping an eye on his development in 2025 is a must. If Oklahoma addresses its offensive issues, Mateer has the potential to break out and emerge as a key devy asset.

Jackson Arnold - 6’0”, 198 LBS (Transferring to Auburn)

Dear Readers,

We’re an independent site thriving thanks to the support of our valued members. By signing up for our Substack or Patreon, you’re directly contributing to keeping our business running. Subscribing to Patreon grants you access to Substack content and all of our exclusive material. Your support is crucial, and we sincerely appreciate your commitment.

Thank you for helping us continue our work.