As the transfer portal continues to shake up college football, we’re seeing a lot of movement from players looking for new opportunities. In recent weeks, standout athletes from Group of Five (G5) schools have made headlines with their decisions to transfer—some heading to stronger programs while others leave seeking a better fit.
One notable transfer is Dequan Finn, the 2023 MAC MVP, who is making a shift back to the Mid-American Conference after spending time at Baylor. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback from Detroit enjoyed a successful run at Toledo, throwing for a total of 7,079 yards and 63 touchdowns during his career. With an injury limiting his appearances last season, he’s back and ready to lead Miami (Ohio) in 2024.
In need of a new quarterback after losing Joey Aguilar to UCLA, Appalachian State grabbed JJ Kohl from Iowa State. Standing tall at 6-7 and 250 pounds, Kohl had limited playing time but brings potential to the Mountaineer’s roster. His experience could help provide depth and competition as he joins the team for the 2025 season.
Another exciting move is from Malachi Nelson, a highly touted recruit from California. After transferring from Boise State to UTEP, Nelson is looking to revitalize his career. After a limited opportunity at Boise, where he threw for just 128 yards in three games, this transfer could be just what he needs to hit his stride.
Meanwhile, Makhi Hughes, another standout player, has left Tulane to join Oregon. This versatile running back ran for over 1,400 yards and scored 15 touchdowns last season, showing he’s a major asset for any team.
As players like Maurice Westmoreland and Pryce Yates also shuffle between G5 programs in hopes of showcasing their talents, the transfer portal has indeed become a double-edged sword for these schools. They gain new talent while also watching some of their top performers head to higher-profile programs.
The excitement continues as the 2024 season unfolds, and fans will surely be keeping an eye on these athletes to see how they contribute to their new teams. With each transfer, the landscape of G5 football keeps evolving, and it will be interesting to see the outcomes in the coming seasons.
