Top 5 Most Important OL Transfer Portal Moves

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated 2/6/23

1. Javion Cohen (Alabama to Miami-Florida)

The skinny: Adding an offensive lineman who started 25 games at Alabama will immediately help a team’s roster. The Canes did exactly this, as Cohen will greatly help the interior of the line, likely at left guard, for a team that needed an upgrade at the position for the 2023 season.

2. Ajani Cornelius (Rhode Island to Oregon)

The skinny: The good news for the Ducks following the conclusion of the season was that quarterback Bo Nix would return in 2023. However, with the majority of the offensive line having concluded their eligibility, Oregon knew it would have to add some help through the portal. They accomplished this by adding Cornelius, one of the more highly coveted players during this cycle. An NFL-level talent, he should provide immediate help in Eugene.

3. Drake Nugent (Stanford to Michigan)

The skinny: The Wolverines have been very successful in the transfer portal, and were especially aggressive on the offensive line. While they added several pieces who will provide talent and depth in 2023, the key addition was Nugent who should step in for departing center Olu Oluwatimi. Having a veteran center anchor a talented line was a pivotal get for the Wolverines.

4. Jeremiah Byers (UTEP to Florida State)

The skinny: While the Florida State offensive line has seen steady improvement over the last year, adding a player of Byers’ talents will only speed that process along. An All-Conference performer with the Miners who started 25 games at right tackle, he plays with a nasty streak that should make him an immediate fan favorite in Tallahassee.

5. Walter Rouse (Stanford to Oklahoma)

The skinny: After initially announcing his commitment to Nebraska, the Sooners were able to turn the tables with a flip just a few days later. With Oklahoma losing both of their starting tackles to the NFL, adding a four-year starter who played in 40 games was a huge get for the Sooners.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: