Ranking the top-five non-quarterback impact transfers for the 2022 cycle

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•06/03/22•

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In today’s college football, the quickest way to reload your roster is through the transfer portal. Adding players who can make an immediate impact can be the difference between keeping momentum rolling or taking a step back. Of course, landing a quarterback can make the biggest impact but other skill position players can be make or break as well.

In the On3 transfer portal rankings, four quarterbacks rank inside the top 10. However, On3’s J.D. PicKell named the top-five non-quarterback impact transfers for the 2022 cycle. Three SEC players feature, while two will be joining programs wanting to get back on the right track.

J.D. PicKell’s top-five non-quarterback impact players from transfer portal

1. Zach Evans, Ole Miss RB – Lane Kiffin reloaded his offensive talent through the transfer portal and Zach Evans may be the most impressive of the bunch. Although he was scrutinized heading into his freshman year at TCU, Evans has quietly been one of the best in the country since then. He will contend to be one of the best running backs in the SEC.

2. Jordan Addison, USC WR – Adding the Biletnikoff Winner to an offense run by Lincoln Riley is never going to be negative. Add in Heisman Trophy hopeful Caleb Williams and Addison is going to cook next season in Los Angeles. If he can replicate his numbers from last season, USC will be hard to beat in the Pac-12.

3. Elias Ricks, Alabama CB – It’s not something you say often about Alabama but cornerback was a position of concern before Ricks transferred in. Both starters are now in the NFL and Ricks will have some big-time shoes to fill in Tuscaloosa. Already proving to be a top player with LSU, Ricks will fit right in with Nick Saban‘s system.

4. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama RB – Brian Robinson was a solid back for the Crimson Tide but lacked a truly elite trait that took the Alabama offense to a new level. Jahmyr Gibbs will be giving SEC defenses nightmares in the week leading up to their game, being a threat to come out of the backfield too. Quarterback Bryce Young will love having a consistent safety valve to throw to.

5. Ochaun Mathis, Nebraska EDGE – Nebraska got a huge win over Texas when it came to landing Ochaun Mathis. Now, one of the Big 12’s top pass rushers will be heading up north to go up against Big Ten talent. The Cornhuskers are looking to improve on their 3-9 record from last season and adding a top-level edge rusher is a great way to expedite the process.