In the college football transfer portal, LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M received “considerably more” than Tennessee.

The college football transfer portal has dramatically altered the landscape of recruiting and team-building in recent years. With players now able to transfer schools without having to sit out a season (with some exceptions), the portal has become a crucial avenue for teams to address immediate needs, bolster their depth, and reshape their rosters. As college football programs adjust to this new reality, some have embraced the portal more aggressively than others, securing significant talent from across the country.

In the 2024-2025 transfer portal cycle, LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M stood out as teams that gained “considerably more” talent through the portal than Tennessee, according to various recruiting analysts and experts. These four programs have made strategic moves to improve their rosters, while Tennessee, while still active, has been more conservative in its approach. This disparity in transfer portal activity raises questions about the differing strategies and philosophies at play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), where recruiting is always a fierce battleground.

LSU’s Aggressive Approach to the Transfer Portal

LSU, under head coach Brian Kelly, has become one of the most transfer-portal-savvy programs in the country. Kelly, known for his ability to build teams through both traditional recruiting and the portal, has made the most of the new landscape. LSU’s approach to the transfer portal reflects a blend of targeting specific areas of need and capitalizing on available talent that can immediately contribute.

In the 2024-2025 portal cycle, LSU made major strides in adding depth to both sides of the ball. On offense, LSU addressed critical areas such as quarterback and wide receiver. After a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, the Tigers sought to bolster their passing game. LSU managed to secure a high-profile quarterback transfer, adding experience and playmaking ability at the position. This move gave LSU’s offense a boost, as they sought to provide their own dynamic quarterback to lead them into the next season. Additionally, LSU added several talented wide receivers and offensive linemen to ensure that quarterback play would have the necessary protection and weaponry around it.

On defense, LSU strengthened its defensive line and linebacker corps through the portal. In a highly competitive SEC, depth and experience on defense are critical, and Kelly made sure to secure players who could step in immediately and compete at a high level. LSU’s active approach in the portal was a clear indication that Kelly, like many coaches in the SEC, understands the value of using the portal to patch up deficiencies and improve areas of weakness.

In terms of sheer numbers, LSU brought in one of the largest transfer classes in the SEC, far outpacing Tennessee in terms of overall additions. The Tigers’ willingness to go after experienced players with immediate eligibility allowed them to position themselves as a major threat in the conference, continuing to build on Kelly’s already solid recruiting classes.

Ole Miss: A Transfer Portal Powerhouse

Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss program is another example of a team that has been a transfer portal juggernaut. Kiffin, known for his innovative offensive schemes, has strategically used the transfer portal to find pieces that fit his system. Ole Miss has often been a team that thrives on offensive firepower, and the portal has allowed Kiffin to replenish and reload with players who can make an immediate impact.

In the 2024-2025 transfer portal cycle, Ole Miss was one of the most active programs, addressing both offensive and defensive needs. On offense, Kiffin added talent at the quarterback and running back positions. With a high-flying offense that relies heavily on the passing game, Ole Miss secured transfers who could step in immediately and challenge for starting roles. This is critical for Kiffin, as he seeks to maintain the offensive explosiveness that has become synonymous with his tenure at Ole Miss.

Defensively, Ole Miss focused on strengthening its secondary and defensive front. After struggling with consistency on defense in the previous season, Kiffin made the strategic decision to bring in players who could help his defense be more competitive in the SEC. This included adding a few high-level cornerbacks and safeties to shore up a unit that had been exposed at times in 2024.

Ole Miss’ success in the portal is not just about the quantity of transfers, but the quality of the players they are adding. Kiffin has a reputation for targeting specific players who fit his system, and this focus has allowed Ole Miss to significantly improve in key areas. The combination of Kiffin’s coaching prowess and the strategic use of the portal makes Ole Miss one of the most dangerous teams in the SEC, capable of competing with any program in the league.

Auburn: Rebuilding Through the Portal

Hugh Freeze took over at Auburn in 2023 with the daunting task of rebuilding a program that had been inconsistent in recent years. Freeze, known for his ability to build high-powered offenses, embraced the transfer portal as a way to quickly reshape the Auburn roster. Freeze has utilized the portal not just to fill immediate needs, but also to recruit players who fit his vision of how Auburn should play.

The 2024-2025 transfer cycle was crucial for Auburn, as Freeze focused on adding players who could make an immediate impact, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Auburn was in desperate need of a quarterback who could stabilize the offense, and Freeze used the portal to find an experienced signal-caller. In addition to quarterback, Auburn also added pieces to their offensive line and wide receiver corps, ensuring that their new quarterback would have the necessary support to thrive in the SEC.

Defensively, Auburn focused on adding depth and talent to its defensive front and linebacker corps. Freeze’s understanding of the importance of SEC-caliber defensive play was evident in the way he recruited in the portal, seeking out players who could help Auburn become more competitive against the conference’s elite offenses.

Auburn’s significant additions through the portal in the 2024-2025 cycle have set them up for a much-needed rebound, as Freeze aims to elevate the Tigers to the top of the SEC once again. Auburn’s transfer portal success has placed them in direct competition with LSU, Ole Miss, and other SEC powerhouses, positioning them as a team to watch in the coming seasons.

Texas A&M: Building a Championship Contender

Texas A&M, under head coach Jimbo Fisher, has been no stranger to the transfer portal. With the resources at Texas A&M’s disposal and a commitment to competing for SEC and national championships, Fisher has used the portal to build a roster that can compete at the highest level. The Aggies, who have consistently recruited well, have found that supplementing their roster with key transfers allows them to stay competitive in the ultra-competitive SEC.

The 2024-2025 transfer cycle was particularly notable for Texas A&M, as they added several high-profile transfers to their roster. Fisher made strategic moves to bolster both the offense and defense. On offense, Texas A&M added talent at the quarterback and running back positions, looking to add depth to areas that could push them over the top in the SEC. The Aggies also focused on adding experience to their offensive line, an area that is critical for any championship contender.

On the defensive side of the ball, Texas A&M added several transfers to their defensive line and secondary. Fisher’s focus on creating a physical, fast, and aggressive defense was evident in the types of players they targeted. With the SEC being a grind of high-powered offenses, Texas A&M’s commitment to improving their defense through the portal is a strategic move that should help them remain competitive in the conference for years to come.

Texas A&M’s approach to the transfer portal has made them one of the most well-rounded teams in the SEC. By addressing key areas of need and adding talent that can make an immediate impact, the Aggies have positioned themselves to continue their pursuit of championships in the SEC.

Tennessee: A More Conservative Approach

While LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M aggressively pursued players through the transfer portal, Tennessee has been more measured in its approach. Under head coach Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have made several important additions, but they have not been as active in the portal as some of their SEC rivals.

Tennessee’s more conservative approach could be attributed to Heupel’s success with developing players in his system and the fact that Tennessee has built a solid foundation in recruiting. While the Vols added a few key transfers in the 2024-2025 cycle, they did not make the kind of splash that LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M did. Tennessee’s strategy has been more focused on continuing to develop the players they’ve recruited and maintaining continuity within their roster.

That being said, Tennessee’s relative lack of portal activity does not mean they are neglecting the importance of transfer acquisitions. Heupel has consistently added a few impact players each year to address specific needs, but the Vols have generally relied more on traditional recruiting to build their roster.