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Missouri Tigers wide receiver Dominic Lovett. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

10 under-the-radar instant starters in the transfer portal

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 12/8/22

With 1,124 players in the transfer portal (and counting), it's impossible to keep up with every twist and turn.

QBs Brennan Armstrong, J.T. Daniels, Drew Pyne, Spencer Sanders and D.J. Uiagalelei should be starters on Day 1 at their new homes. A trio of Alabama wide receivers -- JoJo Earle, Traeshon Holden, Christian Leary -- should get fans excited.

But among the other players available are lesser-known transfers who will make an immediate impact. Here are 10:

WR Abdul-Fatai Ibrahim, Alabama A&M

A first-team all-SWAC selection, Ibrahim had two strong seasons at Alabama A&M with his best showing coming in 2021 when he had 67 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns.

Former Alabama A&M wide receiver Odieu Hilaire made the successful leap to FBS at Bowling Green this season. (h/t HBCU Sports)

RB Dillon Johnson, Mississippi State

Johnson made headlines on his way out the door at Mississippi State by taking a shot at head coach Mike Leach. Per Pro Football Focus, Johnson was the Bulldogs' highest-graded player this season. His argument that the team should "run the ball" doesn't seem like such a bad idea in hindsight. Despite getting just 89 carries in 2022, Johnson rushed for 488 yards, a 5.5 YPC average. He also showed an ability to catch the ball, reeling in 48 receptions for 285 yards.

DB/S Robert Kennedy, Old Dominion

Kennedy put himself on the map with a dominant performance in the Monarchs' season-opening win against Virginia Tech of the ACC.

Woah, he has trouble with the snap! And the ball is free! And it’s picked up by Old Dominion’s Robert Kennedy! And he scores, on the 64th play of the game!pic.twitter.com/f1c7SNLpgD
— Steve Helwick (@s_helwick) September 3, 2022

Kennedy provided 33 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, six passes defensed and an interception in 2022.

DB/S Antavious Lane, Georgia State

Lane is a four-year player and a ballhawk. He has 11 career interceptions, posting a career-high five in 2021. He capped that season with one returned for a touchdown in the Camellia Bowl.

pic.twitter.com/GG8AqWpUfN
— Follow @TPortalCFB (@CowardlyDoggo) December 25, 2021

QB Devin Leary, North Carolina State

If not for an injury in 2022, Leary might be declaring for the NFL Draft. He had a fantastic 2021, going 283-of-431 for 3,433 yards, tossing 35 touchdowns and five interceptions. A solid prospect at the next level, Leary is a sure thing as a college QB.

WR Dominic Lovett, Missouri

A bright spot for the Missouri Tigers this season, he should quickly earn a spot at the top of the depth chart at wide receiver for his next team. He had 56 receptions for 846 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.

QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

Reed began his college career with FCS West Florida and transferred to Western Kentucky for the 2021 season, where he went 353-of-548 for 4,249 yards with 36 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He made the Hilltoppers happy, and he'll do the same at his next program.

Austin Reed is an easy, easy thrower. pic.twitter.com/GUuysbPq4G
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) September 28, 2022

RB Carson Steele, Ball State

Steele improved upon a strong freshman season with an even better 2022. He had 289 carries for 1,556 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022. This play against Toledo shows he's a force:

pic.twitter.com/6Ptb1HhwiT
— Follow @TPortalCFB (@CowardlyDoggo) November 9, 2022

He took the handoff on a third-and-one and was hit at the line of scrimmage. He broke free and scored a 38-yard touchdown.

DE/LB Josaiah Stewart, Coastal Carolina

Josaiah Stewart with the strip-sack to end it for Coastal Carolina! pic.twitter.com/xrOzvSiT1g
— @ (@FTBeard7) November 13, 2022

In November, Stewart sealed a 26-23 victory over Southern Miss with a sack-fumble. Seriously, just watch the play, and then get excited.

In two seasons at Coastal Carolina, Stewart amassed 40 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 26 tackles for loss, four forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

RB Sean Tyler, Western Michigan

Tyler is a four-year veteran with 495 carries for 2,830 yards. He added 955 yards on kick returns. With 29 career touchdowns, he knows how to score.

You might also remember Sean Tyler from his time dashing through the snow. Very good RB now on the market. pic.twitter.com/iCxYOxOCTS
— Max Olson (@max_olson) November 30, 2022

"Sean Tyler, dashing through the snow," said play-by-play broadcaster Drew Carter on Tyler's 53-yard touchdown run against Central Michigan.

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