What you may have missed this week in the transfer portal
The transfer portal is starting to heat up again as teams around the country get spring practice started. Take a look at what you may have missed this week in the transfer portal.
TWO NEW ADDITIONS FOR NORTHWESTERN
Northwestern did a great job adding two very solid players at a bit of a strange time in the recruiting calendar. Former Utah State defensive lineman Miguel Jackson brings experience to what was already a very strong defensive front. He began his career at Charlotte and played for the 49ers for three years before transferring to Utah State prior to last season. Jackson has logged 975 snaps in his career and is credited with a total of 18 quarterback pressures and 37 tackles, according to PFF.
Former Minnesota offensive lineman Martes Lewis signed with Northwestern over the weekend. The versatile lineman has logged starts at right tackle, right guard and left guard and, with 16 starts under his belt, brings plenty of experience to what is expected to be a revamped Northwestern offensive line.
FCS STAR ENTERS THE PORTAL
After Eddie George left Tennessee State to become the head coach at Bowling Green multiple players from his former squad decided to enter the transfer portal. Sanders Ellis is the biggest name so far and he’ll have plenty of suitors now that he is officially transferring.
The FCS Freshman All-American entered the portal in December but withdrew in February. Now Ellis is headed elsewhere and he’ll have plenty of options. Virginia Tech is just one of the programs to extend him an offer on Thursday and more are expected.
ANOTHER FORMER JUCO PLAYER GETS ADDITIONAL SEASON
Jalen Stewart is the latest former junior college player to be awarded an additional year of eligibility thanks to the lawsuit Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia won against the NCAA.
The Pennsylvania native played one season at New Rochelle (N.Y.) Monroe Community College before signing with Massachusetts. Stewart played three seasons for the Minutemen but this past season was by far his best, racking up 49 tackles and 15 quarterback pressures according to PFF. He entered the transfer portal this week.
SEC VISITS SET FOR PAIR OF NORTH ALABAMA STANDOUTS
North Alabama has seen a number of players enter the transfer portal this cycle and two of its most coveted former players have scheduled visits to SEC programs. Defensive back Ashaad Williams tallied 54 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 15 PBUs and a forced fumble in 32 games. This weekend he’ll be in Fayetteville on an official visit to Arkansas. Williams is also entertaining offers from Kansas, Purdue, Ole Miss and many others.
Mickel Clay, who started 12 games last season for North Alabama, was one of the best offensive tackles in FCS last year. He has a visit to Mississippi State set for March 29 and has already taken a visit to Iowa State.
FORMER ACC, SEC RECEIVER WILL PLAY FOR A FOURTH PROGRAM
It’s becoming increasingly common in the transfer portal era for players to suit up for at least three programs during their college careers. For Khafre Brown, his next team will be his fourth. Brown, a receiver from Charlotte, originally signed with North Carolina in the 2019 class but only saw 27 targets during three seasons in Chapel Hill.
He transferred to USF ahead of the 2022 season where he played a significant role in the offense right away. The 2023 season was his best, seeing 46 targets and catching 27 passes for 433 yards and five touchdowns.
Brown transferred to Arkansas prior to the 2024 season but only played in one game and caught two passes for 42 yards.
