LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M got ‘considerably more’ in college football transfer portal than Tennessee

The college football transfer portal has become a vital tool for teams seeking to bolster their rosters, repair weaknesses, and secure the talent necessary to compete at the highest level. In the modern era of college football, where recruiting is a constant arms race, the portal has opened new avenues for teams to acquire players who can make an immediate impact. For teams like LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M, the transfer portal has been especially productive, providing these programs with an influx of talent to potentially elevate their performances.

However, one team that appears to have flown under the radar in terms of portal success is Tennessee. As the Volunteers continue to build on the momentum created by head coach Josh Heupel, their reliance on the portal has been noticeably less pronounced compared to some of their direct competitors in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With major programs like LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M securing “considerably more” players from the transfer portal, Tennessee’s relatively conservative approach raises questions about their future plans, roster development, and strategic outlook.

This article takes a deeper dive into how LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M capitalized on the transfer portal and why Tennessee’s approach has been more measured. We’ll explore the roles the transfer portal played in these teams’ recruiting strategies, the impact of these transfers on their programs, and what Tennessee’s more reserved strategy might mean for their 2025 season and beyond.

1. The Transfer Portal’s Impact on College Football

The transfer portal has revolutionized college football in a way that few could have anticipated when it was first introduced. Players now have greater freedom to change schools without having to sit out a year, and teams have the ability to plug gaps in their roster quickly. This newfound flexibility has leveled the playing field for teams across the country, giving traditionally strong programs and up-and-coming teams alike the opportunity to find immediate contributors.

1.1 Transfer Portal Usage Across College Football

Across college football, some programs have embraced the portal more than others. Programs that use the portal heavily often do so to target areas of need—whether it’s adding depth at key positions, bringing in experienced players, or finding immediate-impact players who can contribute in their first year. As the portal has become a more critical part of building a successful program, teams have adjusted their recruiting strategies accordingly.

1.2 The SEC’s Transfer Portal Dominance

The SEC has historically been one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and it has embraced the transfer portal as a mechanism to improve its programs. With recruiting battles heating up and schools jockeying for position in the national rankings, the SEC teams have used the portal as a way to instantly improve their talent pools.

Among the SEC programs, LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M have emerged as some of the most active and successful users of the transfer portal. These programs have capitalized on the opportunity to land top-tier talent, adding players who can immediately contribute to their respective programs’ success.

2. LSU: An Aggressive Approach to the Portal

LSU, under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, has been one of the most active teams in the transfer portal in recent years. The Tigers have been consistently aggressive in targeting players who can fill immediate needs on both sides of the ball, particularly in skill positions and on the defensive line.

2.1 Transforming the Roster with Transfers

Since Kelly’s arrival at LSU, the Tigers have made significant moves in the portal, landing players with immediate-impact potential. Notable portal additions have included quarterback Jayden Daniels from Arizona State, who became a key contributor in his first season with LSU. Additionally, LSU has bolstered its defensive front with several transfers, including defensive linemen and linebackers who helped improve a unit that had struggled in recent years.

By using the transfer portal so effectively, LSU has been able to keep its roster at an elite level, even as it dealt with coaching changes and roster turnover. The Tigers’ ability to bring in high-caliber players from the portal has helped them remain competitive in the SEC and positioned them to challenge for the league title in the near future.

2.2 Portal Impact on LSU’s Success

The success of LSU’s approach is evident in its ability to remain competitive on a national level. With a mix of elite high school recruits and experienced transfers, the Tigers have created a balanced roster capable of challenging for a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot. The balance between recruiting high school talent and bringing in proven players via the transfer portal has allowed LSU to navigate the challenges of the modern college football landscape effectively.

3. Ole Miss: A Portal Heavy Strategy Under Lane Kiffin

Under head coach Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss has taken full advantage of the transfer portal, especially on offense. Kiffin, known for his innovative offensive schemes, has brought in several transfer players to help fuel his high-powered offense. This includes quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs—positions where Kiffin’s fast-paced system demands quick, skilled playmakers.

3.1 Quarterback Play and Offensive Overhaul

Ole Miss’ success in the portal has been highlighted by the acquisition of quarterback Jaxson Dart from USC, who immediately stepped in as the starter. With Dart at the helm, the Rebels were able to significantly improve their offensive efficiency. Kiffin’s ability to identify and develop quarterbacks has been crucial to Ole Miss’ continued rise as an offensive powerhouse.

In addition to the quarterback position, Ole Miss has found success in acquiring playmakers for its receiving corps. Players like Zach Evans, a transfer running back from TCU, and several wide receivers who joined the program have helped boost the offensive production, making Ole Miss one of the most dangerous offenses in the SEC.

3.2 Ole Miss’ Portal Strategy and Future Outlook

Kiffin’s emphasis on using the transfer portal as a way to plug immediate needs in key positions has enabled Ole Miss to remain competitive in the SEC. With continued success in attracting top-tier transfers, the Rebels are positioned to continue their rise within the league. While the future of college football will likely see more teams emulating Kiffin’s success in the portal, Ole Miss’ current approach has set them up for success in the near future.

4. Auburn: The Portal as a Rebuilding Tool

Auburn has been in a period of transition, with coaching changes and a rebuild underway under Hugh Freeze. The transfer portal has played a critical role in Auburn’s efforts to rebuild and restore its competitive edge in the SEC. Freeze, known for his offensive acumen, has used the portal to revamp key positions, including quarterback and defensive line.

4.1 Filling Key Gaps in the Roster

One of the most notable transfers to Auburn was Peyton Thorne, a quarterback who transferred from Michigan State to lead the Auburn offense. Thorne was brought in to provide stability at the quarterback position and help Auburn compete in the SEC. Additionally, Auburn has focused on adding depth to its defensive line and secondary, two areas where the Tigers were thin in recent years.

By aggressively pursuing transfers, Auburn has been able to add experienced players who can contribute immediately. This strategy has allowed them to quickly improve their roster and set the stage for a potential resurgence in the SEC.

4.2 Auburn’s Path Forward

Auburn’s active participation in the transfer portal under Freeze signals that the program is serious about returning to national prominence. With the SEC becoming even more competitive, Auburn’s ability to consistently add talent via the portal could be the key to its future success in the conference.

5. Texas A&M: Leveraging the Portal to Build Depth

Texas A&M has always been a team to watch when it comes to recruiting, but the Aggies have been particularly effective at using the transfer portal in recent seasons. Under Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M has landed some impactful transfers to help augment a roster that already boasts some of the nation’s top recruits.

5.1 Filling Gaps in Key Positions

Texas A&M has used the transfer portal to strengthen its depth in areas such as defensive back and wide receiver. The Aggies have also brought in players to fill gaps in their offensive line, providing additional protection for their quarterbacks and helping the offense operate more efficiently. As a result, Texas A&M has managed to bolster an already impressive roster, increasing their chances of competing for a CFP berth.

5.2 Texas A&M’s Transfer Portal Strategy Moving Forward

With an eye toward future success, Texas A&M has placed significant emphasis on using the portal to build depth and find immediate contributors. Fisher’s approach to the portal reflects his belief in creating a balanced team with both talented high school recruits and proven transfers who can step in and play significant roles right away.

6. Tennessee’s More Measured Approach to the Portal

While LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Texas A&M have leaned heavily on the transfer portal, Tennessee has taken a more measured approach. Under Josh Heupel, the Volunteers have been strategic in their use of transfers, but they have relied more on traditional recruiting and player development. This approach has worked to some extent, as Tennessee has been highly competitive in recent seasons, but their more cautious portal strategy has led some to question whether they are missing an opportunity to further strengthen their roster.

6.1 Tennessee’s Selective Use of the Portal

Tennessee has focused its portal efforts primarily on adding depth to its offensive and defensive lines. While they have landed some quality transfers, they have not pursued the volume of players that their SEC competitors have. This could be a strategic decision, as Heupel might prefer to develop players from the ground up and rely on his offensive system to develop talent organically.

6.2 Tennessee’s Long-Term Strategy

The Vols’ more reserved approach to the portal has some questioning whether they are doing enough to keep up with the heavy-hitters in the SEC. While they’ve enjoyed success on the recruiting trail, their reliance on transfers has been relatively modest compared to other teams. It remains to be seen if this strategy will pay off in the long run or if the portal could be the key to taking Tennessee to the next level.