More than 2,000 college football players have entered the transfer portal since the end of the regular season on Nov. 26, and there are no signs things will slow down this week as the portal officially opens for all players.
From top-tier quarterbacks to small-school stars there are already some intriguing and potentially valuable transfers on the list.
Who are the biggest names to enter the portal this year? And which transfers will make an instant impact next season? We're ranking the best players in the portal this cycle by past production, interest from major programs and potential to contribute to a new team.
The rankings -- which go 75 deep for now -- will be adjusted as new players enter the portal, and we'll add notes on what each transfer brings to his new program as players commit. (Last updated: Jan. 17 12:30 p.m. ET)
coverage:
Stacking transfer quarterbacks
Best college football players in the transfer portal
1. Caleb Downs, S
Transferring to: Ohio State | Transferring from: Alabama
HT: 6-0 | WT: 203 | Class: Freshman
Background: Downs was an ESPN 300 recruit and was picked early on as an immediate impact prospect. He played in every game this season, starting at strong safety and was the first freshman in school history to lead the team in tackles. He had 107 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Former Alabama defensive assistant Travaris Robinson is now coaching at Georgia, which will likely play into Downs' next decision. Georgia will be in the mix and Ohio State will likely make an effort since the Buckeyes were in the mix during his recruitment. He is already a highly productive player and still has three years of eligibility remaining.
