Transfer Portal Impact: Grading the Pac-12
Associated Press
The addition of the transfer portal to college football has been one of the biggest developments in recent years, as players now have more information than ever when it comes to seeking a new school to attend. Instead of getting permission from their current schools in order to transfer, and in many cases being blocked from certain schools, players now have the ability to transfer to another school freely.
Pretty much every team in college football has been touched by the portal in one way or another, whether it’s players coming or going, and it’s only likely to continue once depth charts shake out after spring football. Last week, we went through every name that has been publicly tied to the portal (the actual portal database isn’t public) and the school they are transferring to or from to find the 10 Power Five programs most impacted by the portal since its introduction in October.
This week, we are grading each Power Five conference based on the impact of the transfers gained or lost by each programs. Today we examine the Pac-12.
Note: Because the transfer portal isn't publicly available, all players listed are from media reports.
MORE: Big Ten grades | SEC | ACC
ARIZONA
Additions: None
Subtractions: OL Nathan Eldridge (Oregon State), DT Kurtis Brown (Fresno State), DB Antonio Parks (UTSA),
Currently in the portal: RB Branden Leon, OL Michael Elitise, OL Thiyo Lukusa, OL Sione Taufahema, DB Isaiah Hayes, DB Sammy Morrison, LS Geno Albini
Grade: C -- The Wildcats get a pass here because even though they are losing several players, none were expected to have much of an impact besides adding depth in 2019. While the Wildcats haven't added any players via the portal yet, it wouldn't be shocking to see a few join the school after spring practice depth charts are released.
ARIZONA STATE
Additions: DT Roe Wilkins (Rice)
Subtractions: RB Trelon Smith (Arkansas), RB Nick Ralston (Louisiana-Lafayette), TE Jay Jay Wilson (Auburn), DE Jalen Bates (Colorado State), P Michael Sleep-Dalton (Iowa)
Currently in the portal: RB Brock Sturges, WR Terrell Chatman, DE Darius Slade, LB Reggie Hughes, LB Malik Lawal, LB Loren Mondy, DB Langston Frederick, DB Joey Bryant
Grade: C- -- There are a lot of names on this list and much like their in-state rivals, it's not surprising to see players leaving after the first year under a new coach. Unlike Arizona though, several of the Sun Devils defectors are headed to other Power Five programs, which shows that they could have likely had some impact in 2019 had they stayed.
CALIFORNIA
Additions: DB Isaiah Humphries (Penn State)
Subtractions: None
Currently in the Portal: QB Ross Bowers
Grade: C+ -- The Bears are likely losing a one-time starter in Bowers, but he wasn't likely to factor into the school's plans going forward anyway. Humphries will have at least three years of eligibility remaining and was a coveted high school recruit, so he's a nice addition.
