The ten most significant transfers that were signed during the winter portal window

The winter transfer portal window in college football is a crucial period where teams reload their rosters for the upcoming season, address immediate needs, and position themselves for success. In recent years, the transfer portal has become an essential tool for college football programs to bring in talent, whether it’s experienced players seeking new opportunities or younger athletes looking for more playing time. With programs looking to fine-tune their rosters, some key players made significant moves during the 2025 winter portal window. Below are the ten most impactful transfers that could reshape programs and the landscape of college football.

1. Dante Moore – Quarterback, UCLA to Oregon

One of the biggest names in the winter transfer portal was Dante Moore, the highly-rated quarterback who transferred from UCLA to Oregon. Moore, who had a standout freshman season with the Bruins, chose to reunite with his former offensive coordinator, Kenny Dillingham, who is now the head coach at Oregon. This move solidifies Oregon’s quarterback room, which was a bit unsettled following Bo Nix’s departure.

Moore’s arrival in Eugene is expected to elevate the Ducks’ offensive attack to new heights. He is regarded as a dual-threat quarterback with excellent arm strength and decision-making ability. His ability to push the ball downfield while also being a threat on the ground fits perfectly with the pace and style of play that Oregon has cultivated under Dillingham. This transfer positions Oregon to be an even more dangerous contender in the Pac-12, and Moore’s experience at UCLA will help him quickly adapt to the Ducks’ high-octane offense.

2. Trae Harris – Wide Receiver, Ole Miss to Alabama

Alabama’s offense has gone through several changes over the last few seasons, and head coach Nick Saban recognized the need to bolster his receiving corps after losing key players to the NFL Draft. One of the most significant additions for Alabama in the winter portal was Trae Harris, a standout wide receiver from Ole Miss.

Harris comes to Alabama after a productive season with the Rebels, where he showcased his ability to make big plays down the field. He brings a combination of size, speed, and ball skills that will immediately help the Crimson Tide. Harris is expected to become a go-to target in Alabama’s offense, giving quarterback Jalen Milroe or whoever is under center a reliable weapon. With Alabama having been in the market for a game-changer at receiver, Harris could be the piece that pushes the offense back toward elite status.

3. KJ Jefferson – Quarterback, Arkansas to Auburn

KJ Jefferson’s transfer from Arkansas to Auburn was one of the more surprising moves during the winter portal window. Jefferson, a seasoned quarterback with a strong arm and a reputation for his ability to move the chains with his legs, made the decision to leave a program he had led for years in favor of new opportunities in Auburn’s quarterback room.

Jefferson’s decision to head to Auburn provides the Tigers with an experienced leader who can guide their offense, especially after the departure of previous quarterbacks. Auburn’s offensive line has shown signs of improvement, but Jefferson’s mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket will be critical for the Tigers’ success in 2025. This transfer could help Auburn make significant strides in the SEC under new head coach Hugh Freeze.

4. Javon Bullard – Defensive Back, Georgia to Ohio State

On the defensive side of the ball, one of the most impactful transfers was Javon Bullard, who left Georgia to join Ohio State’s secondary. Bullard was a key contributor to Georgia’s national championship defense and is known for his playmaking ability, both in coverage and against the run.

Ohio State has been known for having high-powered offenses, but the program’s defense has been a point of concern at times. Bullard’s leadership and versatility in the defensive backfield will provide the Buckeyes with a much-needed upgrade. As a physical and aggressive player, he could help solidify Ohio State’s defense and provide much-needed experience in the secondary. This addition could help the Buckeyes challenge for a College Football Playoff berth and potentially a national title.

5. Deion Sanders Jr. – Wide Receiver, Jackson State to Colorado

Deion Sanders Jr., the son of Colorado’s new head coach Deion Sanders, was one of the most high-profile transfers during the winter portal. He followed his father to Colorado after a successful stint at Jackson State, where he showcased his skills as a dynamic wide receiver. While Sanders Jr. was already known for his talent, the move to Colorado allows him to test his abilities at a Power Five school.

At Colorado, Sanders Jr. will immediately be thrust into a program undergoing a significant transformation. The Buffaloes are rebuilding under Coach Prime, and Sanders Jr. figures to be an integral part of that. His speed and playmaking ability will provide the Buffaloes with a valuable weapon on offense, and his leadership and experience will also help build the culture in Boulder. Expect Sanders Jr. to be a go-to target in an offense that will look to quickly turn around its fortunes in the Pac-12.

6. Jahmyr Gibbs – Running Back, Georgia Tech to Alabama

Alabama’s running back room got a massive upgrade with the addition of Jahmyr Gibbs, who transferred from Georgia Tech to join the Crimson Tide. Gibbs is an explosive running back known for his speed, vision, and ability to make defenders miss. He is a true dual-threat back, capable of catching passes out of the backfield and making plays in space.

Alabama has been in search of a consistent, game-breaking running back since the departure of Najee Harris, and Gibbs provides just that. His addition will allow Alabama to balance its offense, complementing its powerful passing attack and easing the burden on the quarterback. With Gibbs in the fold, Alabama’s offense becomes more dangerous, and the program immediately becomes a serious contender in the SEC.

7. Xavion Alford – Defensive Back, Texas to USC

USC’s defense has often been the weak link in what has otherwise been a high-flying offense under Lincoln Riley. With the Trojans’ defense needing significant upgrades, the addition of Xavion Alford from Texas was a big win for USC.

Alford brings experience and versatility to USC’s secondary, a unit that struggled to contain big plays in 2024. Known for his ball-hawking ability and coverage skills, Alford will help solidify the Trojans’ pass defense and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. As USC continues to build toward a College Football Playoff appearance, Alford’s presence in the secondary could be one of the key factors in the team’s success in 2025.

8. Joe Milton – Quarterback, Tennessee to Oregon State

Joe Milton, the former Tennessee quarterback, made the decision to transfer to Oregon State, a program that has shown significant promise in recent years. Milton, known for his cannon arm and ability to make all the throws, could be the missing piece that elevates Oregon State to the next level.

Milton’s skill set is impressive, but he has struggled with consistency at times. At Oregon State, he’ll have the opportunity to lead a program that has seen gradual improvements and has built a strong, physical offense. With the Beavers playing a balanced attack that often leans on the run game, Milton’s arm could help stretch the field and provide Oregon State with more offensive explosiveness. The combination of Milton’s potential and Oregon State’s balanced offense could make the Beavers a dangerous team in the Pac-12.

9. Marvin Harrison Jr. – Wide Receiver, Ohio State to USC

Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most talented wide receivers in college football, shocked the world when he announced his transfer to USC. Harrison, who was a star for Ohio State, will now look to continue his career under Lincoln Riley, one of the most well-known offensive minds in college football.

Harrison is known for his route running, hands, and ability to make plays in critical moments. He’s a game-changer at wide receiver, and his move to USC instantly bolsters an already impressive wide receiver corps. With Caleb Williams at quarterback and an explosive offensive system, Harrison Jr. could become one of the most dangerous weapons in the Pac-12. USC’s passing attack just became even more potent with the addition of one of the nation’s best.

10. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. – Linebacker, Clemson to Florida State

Florida State made a significant addition to their defense with the transfer of linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson. Trotter is an elite linebacker with excellent instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and the ability to disrupt both the passing and running game. His addition gives Florida State a leader on defense and adds another playmaker to a unit that has already made significant strides in recent seasons.

Trotter’s ability to read plays and his tackling prowess will help solidify Florida State’s defense, which has been one of the strengths of the program under head coach Mike Norvell. His presence will be a big boost as the Seminoles aim to make a run at a College Football Playoff berth, and he could be the difference-maker on defense that Florida State needs to make a serious title run.