As the months pass, the term “transfer portal” becomes more and more normal. Call it a business, call it non-traditional; it is here to stay and the direction that the current state of college football is going. As bettors, we need to adapt and find edges as the game progresses and the transfer portal is a great way to do so. Clearly, every team has weaknesses and strengths and the transfer portal is a great way to fill some of those voids. We can only get so much out of handicapping incoming 17-18 year old freshmen. We know a lot more about players that have full seasons of data. Below, we will run through a few key transfers and see how it can impact the season-long outlook from a betting point of view.
How to Bet The 2025 College Football Transfer Portal
Quarterbacks
Carson Beck → Miami (from Georgia)
Carson Beck and Nico Iamaleava headline the QBs on the move in this rendition of the transfer portal. Both were staple SEC names in their past and have a ton of game to show for. With that being said, I really believe we have a nice fade opportunity on Carson Beck and the Miami Hurricanes. If football was won and lost by NIL money, glam, and “big names,” Miami would win the national championship every year. Sadly, that is not the case. All it does is boost some of their lookahead numbers and build the hype. While the hype builds, we’ll take the other side and wait on the inevitable Miami collapse.
The Pick: Miami Under 9.5 Wins
Running Backs
Ahmad Hardy → Missouri (from ULM)
2024 at ULM: 1,351 rushing yards, 13 TDs (5.7 ypc). Hardy was a breakout performer for Louisiana-Monroe and now takes a big step up to SEC competition. Missouri offers a system that could lean on his power and vision early.
The Pick: Missouri Over 7.5 Wins
Kevorian Barnes → TCU (from UTSA)
Rushed for 1,100+ yards and 10 TDs last season at UTSA, where he was the featured back in a run-heavy offense. He now joins a TCU squad that has seen some turnover in the backfield, offering Barnes a clear path to touches.
The Pick: TCU Over 8.5 Wins
Wide Receivers
Devonte Ross → Penn State (from Troy)
2024 at Troy: 76 catches, 1,043 yards, 11 TDs. Ross lit up the Sun Belt and now enters the Big Ten as a much-needed vertical weapon for the Nittany Lions. He’ll likely slot into a starting role immediately.
The Pick: Penn State Over 10.5 Wins
Eric Singleton Jr. → Auburn (from Georgia Tech)
Breakout freshman season at Georgia Tech with 714 yards and 6 TDs. Known for his explosiveness and ability to stretch the field, he transitions into an Auburn offense seeking playmakers on the outside.
The Pick: Auburn Over 7.5 Wins
Harrison Wallace III → Ole Miss (from Penn State)
Wallace had a steady role at Penn State but never broke out due to depth at the position. Ole Miss gives him a fresh start in a high-volume passing offense that could finally unlock his full potential.
The Pick: Ole Miss Over 9.5 Wins
Defensive Players
Beau Atkinson → Ohio State (from North Carolina)
At UNC: 12 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks in 2024. Atkinson was a bright spot on a struggling Tar Heels defense and now joins a loaded Buckeyes unit where he can pin his ears back and rush the passer.
The Pick: Ohio State Over 10.5 Wins
T.J. Searcy & Sam M’Pemba → Texas A&M (from Florida & Georgia, respectively)
Searcy made a name for himself at Florida with his high motor and versatility. M’Pemba, a former five-star recruit at Georgia, saw limited snaps but enters A&M with major upside. The Aggies are reloading their front seven with elite pedigree.
The Pick: Texas A&M Over 7.5 Wins
Maraad Watson → Texas (from Syracuse)
A hard-nosed interior lineman from Syracuse, Watson brings physicality to Texas’ defensive line. He should rotate early and contribute to a unit that wants to dominate the trenches.
The Pick: Texas Over 9.5 Wins
Final Thoughts
Transfers matter more than ever in today’s college football. They bring proven production, experience, and in many cases, leadership to new locker rooms. For bettors, these names offer early value before the books fully adjust. By the time camps open and media buzz grows, the lines will shift. Get in early, use the portal as your edge, and bet smart.
Want deeper insights on player props or mid-major transfers? Stay tuned for part two of this series.
