By Mark Pszonak
With the official firing of head coach Dana Holgorsen, Houston players are immediately eligible to enter the transfer portal. Numerous players will be contacted by other schools with the hope that they make themselves available, but here are the five who will be the busiest in the coming weeks:
WR Matthew Golden
The skinny: Golden quickly made a name for himself as a true freshman last season with 38 receptions for 584 yards and seven touchdowns. While his production diminished a bit this season, he still finished with 38 receptions for 404 yards and six touchdowns. He is also a dangerous kickoff return specialist, with two touchdowns this season. He would immediately become a valuable weapon on many college rosters.
Schools to watch: Texas, LSU, Baylor, TCU, Wisconsin
DB AJ Haulcy
The skinny: Similar to Golden, Haulcy quickly impressed as a true freshman. However, he accomplished that at New Mexico before transferring to the Cougars. Would he be willing to transfer again? If he does, he would be a hot commodity, especially after proving himself on the Power Five level this season with 98 tackles, four pass breakups and one forced fumble. Getting him out of Texas would likely be a tall order so look for all of the serious interest to come from the Lone Star State.
Schools to watch: Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech
DE Nelson Ceaser
The skinny: While a bit undersized at 6-foot-3, 245-pounds, nobody can question his production. Over the last two seasons he totaled 79 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks, which can’t be overlooked. In the right defense, he is a playmaker that would immediately make a unit better.
Schools to watch: Oklahoma, Arkansas, LSU, TCU, Baylor, Ole Miss
QB Donovan Smith
The skinny: As with Haulcy, Smith would be a second time transfer so it is questionable that he would enter. However, if he did, he would have a long list of suitors. He showed his potential with Texas Tech but enjoyed his best season this fall with 2,801 yards, 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His dual-threat ability is also a big selling point, as he rushed for 428 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Schools to watch: Baylor, LSU, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi State
RB Parker Jenkins
The skinny: The true freshman has been part of a running back-by-committee situation for most of the season but has received enough carries (99) to showcase his potential. Having rushed for 464 yards and three touchdowns, while proving to be a threat in the passing game with 15 receptions for 81 yards, he would be a lead back at many schools.
Schools to watch: Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Colorado, Northwestern, Florida
More must-reads: