Throughout the college football season, the transfer portal has emerged as a crucial element in shaping team rosters. As programs adapt to this new landscape, some have embraced the portal as a primary strategy, while others utilize it to enhance their traditional recruiting efforts. On3 is taking a closer look at the top 10 transfer portal impact players based on their performances each week.
Top Transfer Portal Players of Week 13
Here are the standout transfer portal players from Week 13, showcasing their remarkable contributions to their teams.
1. Ohio State S Caleb Downs
The Alabama transfer, Caleb Downs, has proven why he was the No. 1 prospect in last offseason’s transfer portal. Earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors with the Crimson Tide, he has been a key player for the Buckeyes, starting every game this season. In a thrilling matchup against Indiana, Downs electrified the crowd with a stunning 79-yard punt return for a touchdown. This play not only put Ohio State ahead 21-7 but also marked the team’s first punt return for a touchdown since 2014. He wrapped up the game with five tackles and did not allow a completion on his only target.
2. Miami QB Cam Ward
In the race for the Heisman Trophy, Cam Ward is making a strong case. The Miami quarterback threw for 280 yards, completing 71.1% of his passes in a dominant 42-14 victory over Wake Forest. Ward’s performance included 27 completions out of 38 attempts, along with a rushing touchdown. With Miami now boasting a 10-1 record, all eyes will be on Ward as they prepare to face Syracuse next.
3. Baylor TE Michael Trigg
On Saturday, Baylor tight end Michael Trigg delivered his best performance of the season against Houston. The former USC and Ole Miss transfer caught four passes for an impressive 96 yards, including a touchdown. One of his standout moments was a spectacular 42-yard reception, showcasing his exceptional ball skills. This season, Trigg has accumulated 30 catches for 395 yards, proving to be a valuable asset for the Bears.
4. Texas S Andrew Mukuba
Making waves in the Texas secondary, Andrew Mukuba continues to shine as a transfer from Clemson. In a decisive 31-14 win over Kentucky, he recorded five tackles and sealed the victory with a late interception. Mukuba’s contributions have been significant, as he is part of a Longhorns defense that has amassed 17 interceptions this season, ranking them No. 2 in the nation. With four interceptions under his belt, Mukuba is proving to be a game-changer.
5. Ohio State QB Will Howard
In a critical matchup against Indiana, Will Howard, the Kansas State transfer, showcased his skills by starting the game with an impressive 14 completions in a row. He finished the game with 22 completions out of 26 attempts for 201 passing yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for a touchdown, contributing to a solid 38-15 victory. After facing challenges earlier in the season against Penn State, Howard has found his rhythm just in time for the upcoming rivalry game against Michigan.
6. Syracuse QB Kyle McCord
Setting records at Syracuse, Ohio State transfer quarterback Kyle McCord has been nothing short of sensational. After breaking the school record for completions in a single season, he went on to set a new record for passing yards. In a standout performance, McCord completed 37 of 47 passes for 470 yards and two touchdowns, marking the 10th time in 11 games he surpassed 300 yards. This week, he has a chance to showcase his skills against Miami and its Heisman frontrunner, Cam Ward.
7. Auburn WR KeAndre Lambert-Smith
In a thrilling upset against Texas A&M, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, the Penn State transfer, made his two receptions count. He recorded a 60-yard catch in the second quarter that set up a touchdown and later made a highlight-reel catch, outjumping a defensive back for a 44-yard gain. Lambert-Smith’s contributions were pivotal as he caught a crucial pass for a two-point conversion during the fourth overtime, helping secure the win for Auburn.
8. Charlotte WR O’Mega Blake
Former South Carolina wide receiver O’Mega Blake had a breakout game for Charlotte, posting five catches for a staggering 205 yards and three touchdowns in their 39-27 victory over FAU. His average of 41 yards per catch is nothing short of phenomenal, and he has accumulated 30 catches for 722 yards this season, establishing himself as a major threat on the field.
9. Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt
In a close win over BYU, Sam Leavitt, the former Michigan State quarterback, completed 16 of 25 passes for 247 yards. Although he threw one touchdown and one interception, his performance has been instrumental in leading Arizona State to a 9-2 record, putting them in contention for the Big 12 conference title.
10. Utah State QB Bryson Barnes
The former Utah transfer, Bryson Barnes, had an outstanding game, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for an impressive 193 yards in a victory over San Diego State. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 139 yards and added another score on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. Barnes’ performance has been a key factor in Utah State’s success this season.
As the college football season heats up, these transfer portal players are making their mark and proving that they can have a significant impact on their new teams. Who will rise to the occasion next week? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is at an all-time high!
