Transfer Portal Frenzy—that time of year when college football feels like the wildest game of musical chairs. With players jumping from school to school, desperate to find the best fit for their future (or just get out of a sticky situation), it’s hard not to get swept up in all the drama. I mean, there’s always that one guy who switches schools for a fresh start and ends up being the next Heisman contender, right?

Anyway, here’s the kicker: the portal isn’t just a one-time thing anymore. It’s basically a season-long reality show where athletes make moves and change the game. Coaches scramble. Fans speculate. We all wait for that one transfer that’s gonna flip the script.

This year? There’s a whole new crop of players with something to prove, and if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss some of the most exciting shifts in the game. Let’s dive into the chaos and check out some of the most-watched players making big moves in 2024.

The Essence of Transfer Portal Frenzy

Okay, before we get into the good stuff, let me give you a quick rundown in case you’ve been living under a rock. The NCAA Transfer Portal is the online equivalent of walking into a bar and saying, “Hey, I’m available.” Players drop their names in the system, and—bam—other schools can recruit them. No waiting. No permission slips. It’s all about opportunity, baby. Some are looking for playing time; others are after a bigger stage.

Last year, we saw over 3,000 athletes dive into the portal. Some went on to become household names, while others… well, let’s just say, they got lost in the shuffle. The point is, the portal is a beast, and it changes everything. It’s like someone turning off the lights at a rock concert and letting everyone move around until they find their perfect spotlight.

Top Players to Watch in the Transfer Portal Frenzy

Now that we know the lay of the land, let’s talk about the players you’ll want to keep an eye on. These are the game-changers, the ones who could make or break their new teams.

1. Sam Hartman – Quarterback, Notre Dame (formerly Wake Forest)

Okay, so here’s the deal: Sam Hartman isn’t just your average QB. Dude’s a straight-up field general. After spending years at Wake Forest, putting up huge numbers and racking up touchdowns like it’s his day job, he’s transferred to Notre Dame to (hopefully) lead the Fighting Irish to glory.

Listen, I’ve been watching Hartman since he was at Wake, and let me tell you—he’s a force. He’s got the arm, the vision, the swagger. Notre Dame has been desperately needing a guy like him under center. Remember the days when they were relevant? No? Same. Anyway, if he clicks with the Notre Dame offense, I could see them making a serious run in the College Football Playoff this year.

2. Jordan Addison – Wide Receiver, USC (formerly Pitt)

I’m just gonna say it: Jordan Addison is gonna be filthy at USC. After winning the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt (yeah, that’s the top honor for wide receivers, in case you missed it), he transferred to the Trojans, where he’ll team up with Heisman winner Caleb Williams. It’s like the equivalent of putting a Ferrari engine into a Tesla.

I mean, come on—Addison is a beast. His route-running is crisp, he’s got the speed, and his ability to break tackles is straight-up unfair. USC’s offense under Lincoln Riley is like a well-oiled machine, and Addison is going to be one of the key cogs this season. If they’re scoring points in bunches (and you know they will), expect Addison to be in the middle of it.

3. Travis Hunter – Cornerback/Receiver, Colorado (formerly Jackson State)

Okay, let’s talk about Travis Hunter for a second. Dude is a freak of nature. Last season, he played both wide receiver and cornerback for Jackson State under Deion Sanders. And guess what? He was good at BOTH. Yes, you read that right: corner and wideout.

Now, he’s followed Coach Prime to Colorado, and the hype is REAL. Look, I’m not saying he’s gonna turn Colorado into a contender overnight, but with his versatility, athleticism, and sheer talent, Hunter could elevate that program to a whole new level. I swear, if he doesn’t become the next “it” player in college football, I’ll eat my hat. Seriously, just… trust me on this one.

4. Kedon Slovis – Quarterback, BYU (formerly Pitt)

So, this one’s personal. I’ve watched Kedon Slovis since he was at USC, and while his journey has been a bit rocky, I still think there’s a lot of untapped potential here. After a somewhat underwhelming stint at Pitt, he’s now transferring to BYU, and I’m genuinely curious to see how this works out.

BYU’s offense isn’t exactly top-tier, but Slovis has a good arm and can make plays. If he stays healthy and finds his groove in the Mountain West, he could very well be the spark they need. That’s a big “if,” but hey, I’m rooting for him. It’s been a weird career for him, but this could be the reset he needs.

5. Dillon Gabriel – Quarterback, Oklahoma (formerly UCF)

Let’s talk Dillon Gabriel. UCF’s golden boy made the leap to Oklahoma last season, and while it wasn’t exactly a smooth transition, there were flashes of greatness. Gabriel’s got all the tools—a cannon for an arm, great mobility, and a solid head on his shoulders.

What makes this year different? Well, Oklahoma’s offense should be in better shape, and with a full season under his belt, I’m expecting a bounce-back year. If the offensive line can give him time, Gabriel can light it up. But, of course, this is Oklahoma, and we’re all waiting for them to get back to their championship pedigree.

6. Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back, Alabama (formerly Georgia Tech)

Jahmyr Gibbs is going to be a nightmare for defenses in 2024. After a breakout season at Georgia Tech, he transferred to Alabama, where he’s poised to become the centerpiece of the Crimson Tide’s offense. Remember that game where he broke off like, what, three 60-yard runs? Yeah. He’s the real deal.

Alabama’s offensive line is starting to find its groove again, and with Gibbs in the backfield, defenses are going to have nightmares. He’s quick, explosive, and has the kind of vision that’ll make any defensive coordinator pull their hair out.

7. Tyler Van Dyke – Quarterback, Miami (formerly Boston College)

Tyler Van Dyke’s journey has been a little strange. After lighting up the field at Boston College, he transferred to Miami to give the Hurricanes a shot in the arm. Let me tell you, it’s been an uphill battle for Van Dyke, but I’m not ready to write him off yet. Miami needs a guy to elevate their offense, and if Van Dyke can finally settle in and find some consistency, he’s got the talent to make some noise.

Anyway, it’s the kind of situation where if he can click with Miami’s offensive scheme, he could turn into one of the most exciting QBs in the ACC. But if not… well, you know how it goes.

The Transfer Portal Frenzy has already rewritten the rulebook in college football. If you’re not watching these guys this season, you’re seriously missing out. They’re ready to take over. Some might struggle to find their footing, others might shine bright. Either way, buckle up—2024 is gonna be wild.