College football transfer portal 2025 tracker: Every departing starter from power conference teams so far…

College football transfer portal 2025 tracker: Every departing starter from power conference teams so far…

The 2025 college football season is rapidly approaching, and the transfer portal has become a pivotal component of team rosters. The portal allows players to transfer between programs, sometimes in search of more playing time or better opportunities, and at other times for reasons like coaching changes, system fits, or personal circumstances. As teams gear up for the 2025 season, departures through the portal are significant, especially when they involve starters from power conference teams. This tracker outlines the most noteworthy departures from the power conferences, with a focus on starters who are leaving and where they might end up.

Why the Transfer Portal is So Crucial for College Football in 2025

The transfer portal has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of college football. In previous years, players who wished to transfer had to go through various restrictions and approval processes, but the portal system has streamlined the process, allowing athletes to find new homes more easily. As a result, it has become an essential tool for both players and teams. For teams, losing starters to the portal can significantly affect depth and performance. For players, it provides a path to better opportunities, whether that means more playing time, exposure to different coaching, or a better fit for their skills.

The 2025 cycle is expected to be particularly competitive, with several high-profile players making moves that could shift the balance of power across conferences. Below are some key departures from each of the power conferences.

ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference)

The ACC has seen some big departures as programs try to retool their rosters heading into 2025. Several starters have entered the portal, seeking new opportunities.

  • Quarterback, Syracuse: One of the most significant departures in the ACC has been Syracuse’s starting quarterback, who announced his intent to transfer. After an inconsistent season, he’s looking for a program where he can showcase his skills more effectively. Several teams with quarterback needs, particularly in the SEC and Big 12, will likely pursue him.
  • Wide Receiver, Florida State: Florida State, coming off a successful season, will be without a key starter at wide receiver, who has entered the portal after a limited role in the Seminoles’ offense. The receiver is considered a strong deep-threat option and could make an immediate impact for a team with a pass-heavy offense.
  • Linebacker, North Carolina: A key defensive starter for the Tar Heels, this linebacker’s departure could leave a hole in UNC’s defensive schemes. However, with his physicality and coverage skills, he is expected to draw interest from several top-tier programs.

Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten has had several high-profile transfers, many of which have implications for the conference standings.

  • Offensive Tackle, Michigan: Michigan’s starting offensive tackle, who played a pivotal role in the team’s run-heavy attack, is leaving the program. His departure could impact the Wolverines’ offensive line depth, though he is expected to land on a team that utilizes a pro-style offense.
  • Running Back, Penn State: Penn State has seen one of its key running backs enter the portal, as he is seeking a more prominent role with another team. His decision leaves a gap in the Nittany Lions’ backfield, though Penn State is still loaded with talent at the position.
  • Cornerback, Iowa: Iowa’s defense has long been a strength, and the loss of this cornerback—who was a key starter—represents a setback. However, his ability to cover elite receivers means he could draw heavy interest from Big Ten and SEC programs.
  • Quarterback, Nebraska: Nebraska’s starting quarterback has entered the transfer portal, leading to speculation about the direction of the program under head coach Matt Rhule. Nebraska will likely target a high-level transfer to fill the void.

Big 12 Conference

The Big 12 has had a mix of both established programs and teams in transition, and the transfer portal has been particularly active in the conference this year.

  • Quarterback, Texas: Texas was one of the biggest names in college football in 2024, but the departure of its starting quarterback has left a void. With the Longhorns heading into a season with high expectations, they’ll need to find a transfer solution to maintain their championship aspirations. Several schools are already scouting this quarterback.
  • Wide Receiver, Baylor: Baylor’s top wide receiver has entered the portal after his usage in the Bears’ offense was reduced. He is a quick, playmaking wideout who should be a top target for teams in need of receiving depth.
  • Defensive End, Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s star defensive end has decided to leave the program, making his mark as a pass-rushing specialist. His skill set will likely attract attention from SEC schools in need of an edge rusher.

Pac-12 Conference

The Pac-12 has seen a few significant departures, especially from teams that are still hoping to build strong recruiting classes despite recent changes.

  • Quarterback, Arizona State: Arizona State’s starting quarterback has entered the transfer portal after a disappointing season. With several programs needing experienced signal-callers, Arizona State’s former starter will likely land in a Power 5 conference where he can compete for a starting spot.
  • Safety, USC: USC’s defense has been a work in progress under head coach Lincoln Riley, and the departure of this talented safety could set them back. However, his ball-hawking ability will make him a coveted player for many teams with a need in the secondary.
  • Linebacker, Oregon State: Oregon State has lost a key defensive player in the form of a starting linebacker who was a mainstay in their defensive lineup. His decision to leave the Beavers could hurt their defensive depth for the 2025 season.

SEC (Southeastern Conference)

The SEC, always a major player in the college football landscape, has seen some significant departures as teams reshuffle for the 2025 season.

  • Quarterback, Alabama: Alabama’s starting quarterback has entered the portal, which is particularly notable given the Crimson Tide’s continued dominance in the SEC. This departure could leave Alabama in a vulnerable position as they scramble to find a solution at quarterback.
  • Wide Receiver, Georgia: Georgia’s departure of a starting wide receiver, who was a key red-zone target, is a big loss. Georgia has a reputation for producing high-level NFL prospects at wide receiver, and this player will certainly attract attention from other top-tier programs.
  • Defensive Tackle, LSU: LSU’s defensive tackle, a disruptor on the line, has decided to transfer, creating a hole in their defensive front. His ability to clog running lanes and get after the quarterback will make him a top target for SEC programs looking to bolster their defensive line.
  • Tight End, Arkansas: Arkansas’ starting tight end, who was an effective target in both blocking schemes and the passing game, has entered the portal. His versatile skill set makes him a prime target for offenses that utilize tight ends as major focal points in their schemes.

Conclusion

The 2025 college football season is already shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory, with players entering the transfer portal in search of new opportunities and teams reconfiguring their rosters. For power conference teams, losing a starter can be a huge setback, but it also provides opportunities for younger players to step up or for teams to make strategic moves in the transfer market to fill critical gaps. With the transfer portal expected to remain a prominent feature of college football in 2025, teams and players alike will continue to adjust to the evolving landscape of the sport.