Biggest Names in the Transfer Portal After Start of 2025 Late Entry Window

The transfer portal is already buzzing with activity in the spring window.

While the most recognizable name is clear—that being former Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava—there are numerous once-touted recruits and impactful players now jumping onto the open market.

Officially, this window opened April 16. It runs through April 25, although that's simply the deadline to enter the portal—not pick a new school.

But there is money to be made, and there are championships to chase.

These decisions, as happened with former Cal running back Jadyn Ott promptly landing at Oklahoma, may happen quickly.

Right or wrong, Nico Iamaleava has become the poster child for the challenge of the name, image and likeness (NIL) era.

Was he already well-compensated at Tennessee? Yes.

Given that other quarterbacks—former Georgia, now-Miami starter Carson Beck, for example—land a major payday this offseason, did it make sense for Iamaleava to negotiate for a raise in Knoxville? Yes.

Did he overplay his hand? Was Tennessee justified in refusing to meet his demands? Is this all incredibly fascinating and tiring? Yes, yes and yes.

Iamaleava is certain to find a new home and presumably will be a starter in 2025. But there's a real chance it's at a Group of Five program—and, either way, likely for a whole lot less than he would've pocketed at UT.

As soon as rumors began circulating about Trebor Pena entering the portal, there's no question that major programs took notice.

Last season at Syracuse, the slot receiver racked up 84 catches for 941 yards and nine touchdowns. He added 72 yards and a score on the ground, helping the program break out to a 10-win campaign.

Pena, who also served as Cuse's primary punt returner for three seasons, had been named a captain for the Orange in 2025.

In short: He's a productive, respected player who can bolster a contender.

Currently, there's no picture of Joe Cotton in the database. I mention that simply to say this: In all likelihood, it's going to change soon.

After taking a redshirt in 2022, he earned a starting job at left tackle for South Dakota. Cotton, who's listed at 6'7" and 315 pounds, garnered second-team All-Missouri Valley recognition in 2024.

According to 247Sports, at least 24 power-conference programs have expressed interest in Cotton. He's set to visit Cincinnati and Wisconsin.

No matter where he lands, Cotton can solidify a blocking group.

Early in the transfer window, edge-rusher is a position of strength.

The first notable name is TJ Bush Jr., a standout at Liberty. He posted 32 tackles with seven for loss in 2023, then amassed 58 stops with 9.5 for loss (5.5 sacks) to land second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2024.

Bush, who holds two years of remaining eligibility, is expected to attract a good amount of power-conference interest.

Indiana is among the early schools to watch, per 247Sports.

After helping Army win an AAC championship last season, Elo Modozie is aiming to capitalize on his strong campaign.

Modozie earned a starting role for the Black Knights in 2024 and collected 34 tackles with eight for loss, including a team-high 6.5 sacks. He also blocked a field goal against both Rice and Notre Dame.

The 6'3", 245-pound edge-rusher secured third-team All-AAC recognition.

Modozie heads into the portal with two years of eligibility left, and he should find a chance to join a power-conference rotation.

Rounding out the position is Beau Atkinson, a very notable departure from Bill Belichick's first roster at North Carolina.

Last year, the 6'6", 265-pound edge collected 35 tackles with a UNC-best totals of 12.0 for loss and 7.5 sacks. Atkinson was viewed as a cornerstone piece of the Tar Heels' rebuilding defensive line.

Instead, he'll be suiting up elsewhere in the fall.

Atkinson is certain to command heavy interest around the nation and will bring two years of eligibility to his next destination.

Micah Hudson, WR

Big name? Yes. Big production? Not yet. Hudson initially signed with Texas Tech in 2024 and became the first 5-star recruit in program history. However, he managed just eight catches as a freshman before joining Texas A&M after the season—and is now back in the portal.

Bradyn Joiner, OG

Joiner appeared in 10 games with Auburn last season, playing almost exclusively at left guard. He earned SEC All-Freshman recognition.

Tanner Koziol, TE

Koziol, a two-time All-MAC selection at Ball State, is coming off a huge season in which he hauled in 94 passes for 839 yards and eight touchdowns. Koziol transferred to Wisconsin but, like Hudson, has returned to the portal.

Zaquan Patterson, S

Considered a top-100 prospect in the 2024 cycle, Patterson held a backup role at Miami as a true freshman. He tallied 19 stops and three pass breakups. Patterson should compete for a starting job wherever he winds up.