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Tag: CFB Transfer Portal

Jeremiah Smith Shrugs Off Transfer Tampering, Remains Committed to Ohio State football

3/28/2026

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Jeremiah Smith

No one is immune to tampering in college football—not even Ohio State football star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Following his second standout season with the Buckeyes, Smith revealed that another program attempted to lure him into entering the NCAA transfer portal.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Smith said, as noted in an article by On3 Sports’ Barkley Truax. “I knew, especially at the end of that game (vs. Miami in the Cotton Bowl), that a certain program was going to come at me very hard. Not gonna say no names, I think everybody here knows who it was. But I wasn’t goin’ nowhere.”

Although Smith declined to identify the program, speculation intensified following his final game of the season against Miami. A Florida native, Smith played his high school football at Chaminade-Madonna Prep in nearby Hollywood, which only fueled rumors about a potential move closer to home.

Despite the outside noise, Smith never seriously considered leaving. While some believed he might enter the portal, he ultimately remained in Columbus and is set to return for what could be his final collegiate season. Widely regarded as one of the premier receivers in the sport, Smith is expected to be a top prospect whenever he declares for the NFL Draft.

Had he entered the transfer portal, Smith likely would have been the most sought-after player in the cycle, drawing interest from virtually every major program in the country. Instead, he continues to build on an already impressive résumé at Ohio State.

Through two seasons, Smith has recorded 162 receptions for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns. This past season, he totaled 87 receptions—fourth most in the nation—for 1,243 yards (also fourth) and 12 touchdowns (sixth).

Now entering spring practice ahead of his junior year, Smith is positioned to achieve a third consecutive 1,000-yard season. He also has his sights set on adding another national championship to his résumé, having helped lead the Buckeyes to a title as a true freshman in 2024.

Ohio State will open its 2026 season at home against Ball State on Sept. 5, before facing a significant early test on the road against Texas in Austin on Sept. 12.

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Deion Sanders Calls for Oversight as NIL Reshapes College Football

2/6/2026

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College football’s postseason turbulence has reignited debate over the sport’s rapidly shifting power structure, with financial disparity now at the center of the conversation.

As NIL spending, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal continue to reshape roster construction, concerns have grown among coaches and administrators that the system lacks meaningful oversight. Accusations of tampering, contract disputes involving star quarterbacks, and ongoing legal challenges to NCAA eligibility rules have only amplified calls for reform.

Deion Sanders added his voice to that growing chorus Friday, openly questioning the sustainability of the current NIL landscape during an appearance on First Take.

Sanders argued that unchecked NIL spending has created an uneven playing field, allowing a small group of well-funded programs to separate themselves from the rest of the sport.

“It’s tough, but I don’t think what NIL is presenting is sustainable,” Sanders said. “You see the same teams winning and winning because of the finances some boosters and donors can give. That needs to be fixed.”

The fourth-year head coach emphasized that while athlete compensation is long overdue, it requires structure and accountability to prevent competitive imbalance.

“I love it that the kids can be compensated,” Sanders added. “But there should be rules and guidelines for that compensation, to hold them accountable.”

Those concerns have intensified since last summer’s House settlement effectively dismantled the NCAA’s traditional amateurism model and ushered in direct revenue sharing. In the months since, the gap between college football’s financial elite and the rest of the field has widened dramatically.

Programs such as Indiana Hoosiers, Miami Hurricanes, and Texas Tech Red Raiders have leveraged massive NIL resources to aggressively rebuild rosters through the transfer portal. This offseason, Lane Kiffin reinforced his “Portal King” reputation by guiding LSU Tigers to the nation’s No. 2-ranked 2026 transfer class, featuring 40 incoming players.

Spending figures illustrate the divide. According to On3, 2024 CFP champion Ohio State Buckeyes operated with an NIL budget near $35 million. Miami followed at roughly $30 million, with Texas Tech exceeding $28 million. Even newly crowned national champion Indiana reportedly sat just under $20 million.

Where Colorado Buffaloes rank financially remains unclear, though Sanders’ comments suggested the program operates well below the sport’s biggest spenders.

Until formal governance or centralized oversight emerges, college football’s financial arms race shows little sign of slowing. For now, Sanders’ message reflects a growing belief across the sport: compensation is here to stay, but regulation may be the only path toward competitive balance.

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Ducks Strike Again in Portal, Land UAB Standout Iverson Hooks

Josh Davis

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The Oregon Ducks added another explosive weapon through the transfer portal, landing former UAB Blazers wide receiver Iverson Hooks. On3’s Hayes Fawcett reported that Hooks committed to the Ducks after an official visit this weekend. (SOURCE)

Hooks arrives in Eugene with one season of eligibility remaining, immediately boosting Oregon’s receiving corps with experience and proven production.

A Coveted Portal Target

Hooks was among the most sought-after wide receivers available in the NCAA Transfer Portal. According to the On3 Transfer Portal Player Ranking, he checks in as the No. 39 receiver in the 2026 portal class and the No. 212 overall player.

After visiting campus, Hooks picked the Ducks, giving the program another impact addition as it continues to reload its offense.

Breakout Season at UAB

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver put together an impressive career at UAB, appearing in 29 games across four seasons. He finished his time with the Blazers totaling 103 receptions for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Hooks’ biggest leap came during the 2025 season. As a redshirt junior, he erupted for 87 catches, 1,065 yards, and 10 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the most productive receivers in the Group of Five. In addition, he contributed on special teams, recording 16 returns for 149 yards in 15 games.

The year prior, Hooks served primarily as a key reserve. As a redshirt sophomore in 2024, he started one game and posted 14 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown, setting the stage for his breakout campaign.

From Underrated Recruit to Proven Playmaker

A native of Pike Road, Alabama, Hooks entered college as a three-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class. He ranked just inside the top 1,800 overall players nationally, was the No. 110 wide receiver in his class, and the No. 73 prospect in the state of Alabama, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

Despite modest recruiting rankings, Hooks steadily developed into a reliable and dynamic target, ultimately turning himself into a high-value transfer portal addition.

Oregon’s Growing Portal Class

Hooks becomes Oregon’s second transfer commitment on Sunday and the fifth overall portal addition for the Ducks this cycle. He joins former Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Andrew Olesh, who also pledged to Oregon during the weekend.

With Hooks now in the fold, Oregon adds speed, production, and versatility to its offense, reinforcing its push to remain among the nation’s top contenders heading into the upcoming season.

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Vanderbilt Strengthens Secondary With Clemson Transfer Ricardo Jones

Josh Davis

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Ricardo Jones commits to Vanderbilt from Clemson.

Vanderbilt added a major piece to its defensive backfield. The Commodores landed Clemson transfer Ricardo Jones Sunday, continuing an active and productive offseason through the transfer portal.

Jones, who spent the past two seasons with the Clemson Tigers, will join the Commodores for the 2026 season with two years of eligibility remaining. The move was first reported by On3Sports’ Hayes Fawcett and gives Vanderbilt an experienced, proven playmaker in the secondary. (REPORT)

Jones emerged as one of the ACC’s top defensive backs during the 2025 season. After playing in 12 games as a reserve during his true freshman year in 2024, he stepped into a starting role and quickly made an impact. He finished the season with six interceptions, leading the ACC, while also recording 39 tackles, three passes defended, and a fumble recovery. His performance earned him All-ACC Third Team honors and elevated his profile nationally.

Before his time at Clemson, Jones starred at Northside High School in Warner Robins, Georgia. He entered college as a four-star recruit in the 2024 class and was ranked among the top safeties in the country, checking in as the No. 142 overall player and No. 9 safety according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. That combination of recruiting pedigree and on-field production made him one of the more intriguing defensive backs to enter the portal this offseason.

As a transfer, Jones ranked as the No. 276 overall player and the No. 26 safety available, according to On3’s transfer portal rankings. His commitment makes him the 12th portal addition for Vanderbilt this cycle and the first safety the Commodores have added through the portal.

The timing is notable for a Vanderbilt program coming off a historic season. The Commodores finished 10–3, marking the first 10-win campaign in school history. With expectations rising, Vanderbilt has leaned into the transfer portal to supplement its roster with experienced Power Five talent.

By adding Ricardo Jones, Vanderbilt not only boosts its secondary but also reinforces its push toward sustained success in the SEC. A proven ball hawk with high-level experience, Jones arrives in Nashville positioned to make an immediate impact and help the Commodores build on last season’s momentum.

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Michigan Bolsters QB Room With Colorado State Transfer

Michigan added a much-needed piece to its quarterback room on Sunday, turning to the transfer portal to address thinning depth behind its starter.

The Wolverines landed Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi, who transfers in from Colorado State Rams. The move gives Michigan additional experience at a position that has seen significant turnover this offseason.

Michigan Addresses Quarterback Depth

Entering the week, Michigan Wolverines had four quarterbacks on the roster: starter Bryce Underwood, second-year signal-caller Chase Herbstreit, and true freshmen Tommy Carr and Brady Smigiel.

However, departures quickly created a need for reinforcements. Mikey Keene transferred to Arizona State Sun Devils, Davis Warren signed with Stanford Cardinal, Jadyn Davis entered the portal, and Jake Garcia exhausted his eligibility.

As a result, Michigan not only needed more bodies at the position, but also a quarterback capable of serving as a reliable backup.

Fowler-Nicolosi Brings Experience

After briefly hosting Landen Clark from Elon, Michigan appeared to be moving in a different direction. That changed Sunday afternoon when Fowler-Nicolosi committed to the Wolverines.

Although he redshirted this past season and appeared in just three games, Fowler-Nicolosi was Colorado State’s starter for the two years prior. Over four seasons with the Rams, he completed 60.2 percent of his passes, throwing for 6,938 yards with 38 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

That experience gives Michigan a quarterback who has started games at the FBS level and understands the demands of managing an offense — a valuable trait for a team navigating a young quarterback room.

Busy Day in the Portal

Fowler-Nicolosi became Michigan’s second transfer portal addition of the day. Earlier Sunday, former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jaime French also pledged to the Wolverines, highlighting an active stretch for the program as it reshapes its roster.

With Fowler-Nicolosi now in the fold, Michigan stabilizes its quarterback depth and adds a layer of experience that could prove critical as the season approaches.

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Former Penn State TE Luke Reynolds Chooses Virginia Tech

Josh Davis

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Former Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Luke Reynolds has committed to Virginia Tech Hokies, he told ESPN, delivering a major addition to the Hokies ahead of the 2026 college football season.

Reynolds entered the NCAA transfer portal earlier this month and quickly became one of the most coveted players available. He was ranked as the No. 2 tight end in ESPN’s portal rankings and stood as the top uncommitted tight end on the market.

Transfer Portal Decision Comes Quickly

As of Sunday, Reynolds officially closed his recruitment after two seasons at Penn State. A former Top 100 and five-star recruit, he was widely expected to draw national interest, and speculation linking him to Virginia Tech continued to grow in recent weeks.

Ultimately, the Hokies landed one of the most athletic tight ends in the portal, adding an experienced pass catcher with upside still untapped.

Career Overview at Penn State

Reynolds arrived in State College as the consensus top-ranked tight end in the Class of 2024. He immediately saw the field, appearing in every game as a freshman and steadily carving out a role in the offense.

During his sophomore 2025 season, Reynolds became a more prominent contributor amid major program changes, including the firing of head coach James Franklin and the hiring of Matt Campbell.

Across two seasons, Reynolds totaled 35 receptions for 368 yards and one touchdown in 29 career games.

Luke Reynolds Career Statistics

SeasonGamesReceptionsYardsTDsRush Yards
2024169111132
20251326257026
Career2935368158

In 2025, Reynolds finished as Penn State’s fourth-leading receiver, showcasing his ability to create mismatches down the field.

Athletic Profile Sets Him Apart

Originally a high school quarterback, Reynolds brings rare athletic traits for the tight end position. At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, he combines size with speed, having recorded a 4.5-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump during pre-college testing.

He is known for strong hands, body control, and the ability to separate from defenders. One of the defining moments of his Penn State career came in 2024, when he executed a 32-yard fake punt run against Minnesota to help seal a victory.

NFL Upside and What Comes Next

NFL scouts view Reynolds as a potential early-round draft pick if his development continues, particularly in the blocking aspect of his game. His receiving skills and athletic profile already place him among the most intriguing tight ends at the collegiate level.

Now set to join Virginia Tech, Reynolds will look to elevate his production and maximize his draft stock while becoming a focal point of the Hokies’ offense. His commitment represents a significant portal win and a major boost to Virginia Tech’s roster heading into 2026.

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Penn State Lands Christian Askew: Former James Madison DB Commits After Official Visit

Penn State added another piece to its 2026 recruiting class, securing a commitment from former James Madison defensive back signee Christian Askew following an official visit to State College, according to Lions247.com.

Askew becomes the latest addition to the secondary for the Nittany Lions, bolstering a recruiting class that continues to take shape under head coach Matt Campbell. The Kathleen (Ga.) Veterans standout had previously signed with the James Madison Dukes, but received his release earlier this week after head coach Bob Chesney left the program to become the new head coach at UCLA in December.

At 6-foot-4 and just over 190 pounds, Askew brings size and versatility to Penn State’s defensive backfield. He can play both cornerback and safety, giving the Nittany Lions added flexibility as they continue to reshape the secondary.

Askew originally committed to James Madison in September, choosing the Dukes over a wide range of offers that included Arkansas State, Georgia State, Air Force, Army, Georgia Southern, Navy, Northern Illinois, Dartmouth, Elon, Mercer, North Alabama, Penn, Richmond, Samford, Stony Brook, UT Martin, West Georgia, Wofford and Yale. His production backed up the interest. As a junior, Askew totaled 48 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery, following a sophomore season in which he recorded 11 tackles across six games.

With his commitment, Askew becomes the 14th member of Penn State’s 2026 recruiting class. He is also the second former James Madison signee to ultimately land with the Nittany Lions. Wide receiver Ben Whitver committed to Penn State in December after receiving his release from the Dukes, joining a growing group of players who shifted paths during a busy coaching carousel cycle.

Askew and Whitver, along with State College Area running back D’Antae Sheffey, are the three members of Penn State’s 2026 class who were not originally set to play for Campbell at Iowa State. Several others, however, followed Campbell’s recruiting footprint to Happy Valley, including quarterback Kase Evans, offensive linemen Mason Bandhauer and Pete Eglitis, linebacker Keian Kaiser, cornerback Josiah Zayas, safeties Tyrell Chatman, Amarion Jackson and Bryson Williams, and punter Lucas Tenbrock.

Highly regarded edge rusher Jackson Ford and four-star quarterback Peyton Falzone were already part of the class before Campbell was officially hired last month.

During his introductory press conference, Campbell emphasized development as the cornerstone of the program.

“Nobody will be better at developing their student athletes and our high school football players than us,” Campbell said. “We’ve proven that every step of the way. I think you can ask (San Francisco 49ers quarterback) Brock Purdy, (New York Jets running back) Breece Hall, (Detroit Lions running back) David Montgomery and (New York Jets defensive end) Will McDonald, man.

“It’s the flash of the stars. That’s cool on Signing Day, but winning football games on Saturday is what we’re going to be about, and that’s development. And we’re going to have to be better than anybody in college football if we want to get where we want to go.”

With Askew now on board, Penn State continues to strengthen its 2026 class, adding size, versatility and experience to a secondary that remains a priority as the program looks ahead.

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