College Football Playoff: Ranking the 10 best first-year transfers competing in semifinals

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 1 overall

There is a reason why Caleb Downs ranked as the No. 1 transfer prospect last cycle. The former Alabama five-star freshman arrived at Ohio State last January as a major portal pickup that projected to add another elite piece to the Buckeyes already loaded defense. Downs has 71 total tackles, an interception and a punt return for a touchdown so far in his contributions to Ohio State this season. There was even buzz back in the summer about Downs possibly being used as a running back should the Buckeyes need an extra body in the backfield in 2024. Downs earned CBS Sports First Team All-America honors.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 41 overall

Since the start of the College Football Playoff, Will Howard has elevated his performance to an entirely new level. The Ohio State quarterback has thrown for 630 yards and five touchdowns in the first two postseason games, with an impressive average QBR of 98.2 (out of 100). The Buckeyes’ offense has come alive with consecutive 40-point showings. Howard has taken full command of the Ohio State attack, proving its pursuit of him as a transfer from Kansas State was well worth it.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 44 overall

There is an obvious MVP for Notre Dame this season — transfer quarterback Riley Leonard. The former Duke standout has remained healthy this season while accounting for 33 total touchdowns (18 passing, 15 rushing). Although Leonard had just 90 yards passing in the quarterfinals win against Georgia at the Sugar Bowl, his dual-threat ability makes him difficult to contain. He ranks seventh among all FBS quarterbacks with 831 yards rushing this season — which is also second-most for the Fighting Irish. The addition of Leonard has Notre Dame on the cusp of finally breaking through and returning to the national championship game for the first time since 2012.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 50 overall

Texas strengthened its receiving corps through the transfer portal ahead of the 2024 season with several key pickups, but none proved more crucial than former Houston wideout Matthew Golden. The 6-foot, 190-pound transfer leads the Longhorns in receiving yards (936), yards per catch (16.7) and touchdown receptions (7). Golden has transformed into a reliable target for Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. In the first two College Football Playoff games, Golden caught a combined nine passes for 198 yards and a touchdown.  

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 9 overall

The overall production of Quinshon Judkins may have decreased this season at Ohio State compared to his first two years with Ole Miss, but that is only because the standout transfer has shared the backfield with TreVeyon Henderson. That two-headed monster has thrived with Judkins, who has racked up 924 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns on 174 carries this season. He’s had at least 10 touches in 13 of 14 games, with just one fumble lost. Ohio State remains unbeaten when Judkins rushes for at least 50 yards.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 13 overall

Penn State cornerback A.J. Harris has allowed just one touchdown in coverage this season, holding opponents to 25 catches on 43 targets his way. The transfer from Georgia fit in well with the Nittany Lions’ aggressive defense, which ranks seventh-best in fewest points surrendered per game (15.8). Harris has 45 total tackles to go along with an interception and three additional pass breakups. The former five-star recruit took a major step in 2024 after seeing limited action in a crowded Georgia secondary as a true freshman a year ago.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 23 overall

Despite surrendering 30 points for only the second time all season, the Texas defense is still a suffocating force heading into the College Football Playoff semifinals. Transfer edge rusher Trey Moore has been a key contributor, stepping up in the past month and a half with 5.5 sacks over six games. Two of those came in the Peach Bowl quarterfinals against Arizona State. A transfer from UTSA, Moore is now tied for third in sacks this season for the Longhorns.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 210 overall

Notre Dame nickel cornerback Jordan Clark proved to be a pivotal transfer addition this season. The former Arizona State defensive back and son of Super Bowl champion safety Ryan Clark filled a crucial need for a veteran presence in the Fighting Irish secondary. His experience has been key in strengthening the Notre Dame pass defense, which ranks fifth nationally in fewest yards allowed per game through the air (167.4). Clark has 32 total tackles and one interception, holding opponents to 28 catches on 47 targets in coverage.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 265 overall

Penn State needed someone to step up in the absence of starting right tackle Anthony Donkoh following an injury in late November. Transfer Nolan Rucci answered the call, seamlessly taking over that starting role in the past four games. The 6-foot-8, 308-pound former Wisconsin lineman has been a force on the offensive line, not allowing a sack since his increased playing time and giving up just a pair of pressures.

247Sports transfer portal ranking: No. 111 overall

Seth McLaughlin’s season-ending Achilles tendon tear in late November dealt a significant blow to an already depleted Ohio State offensive line. The Buckeyes’ starting center, a CBS Sports First Team All-American, allowed no sacks and just seven pressures in 10 games. The Alabama transfer was a reliable force in the interior line, playing a pivotal role for Ohio State in its national title pursuit.