EXCLUSIVE: Utah and BYU Football Find Transfer Portal Success

BYU and Utah Lead Big 12 in Transfer Portal Net Rating Gain

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the transfer portal has become a pivotal avenue for teams to bolster their rosters with new talent each offseason. This year, both BYU and Utah have emerged as significant beneficiaries of this trend, particularly within the Big 12 conference, according to 247 Sports’ metrics on net rating gain.

BYU, despite being second-to-last in overall transfer portal team rankings within the Big 12, has secured the top spot in net rating gain. This metric measures the quality of incoming transfers compared to those departing the program. With an average player rating of 86.13 for their nine incoming transfers and an average of 83.13 for their 16 departures, BYU boasts an impressive net rating gain of +3.00. This positive gain underscores BYU’s strategic additions, which include key talents like former Baylor and South Florida quarterback Gerry Bohanon and defensive reinforcements such as Jack Kelly from FCS Weber State and UCLA’s Choe Bryant-Strother.

BYU’s ability to enhance its roster despite fewer incoming transfers is a testament to their targeted approach in addressing specific team needs, particularly in pass rush and quarterback depth, areas crucial for their upcoming season in the Big 12.

Utah, on the other hand, has also positioned itself prominently with a net rating gain of +2.57, securing the second spot in the Big 12 rankings. The Utes have attracted 12 incoming transfers with an impressive average player rating of 88.25, while their departing transfers averaged 85.68. Notable additions such as former USC wide receiver Dorian Singer and tight end Carsen Ryan from UCLA highlight Utah’s strategy of adding high-caliber talents to bolster their offensive firepower.

The quality-over-quantity approach has been a hallmark for Utah, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing their roster with impactful players who can contribute immediately. This focus aligns with their ambitious goals of competing for the Big 12 championship and beyond, leveraging the transfer portal to augment their existing talent pool.

As the 2024 college football season approaches, both BYU and Utah stand out as examples of how strategic use of the transfer portal can significantly impact a team’s competitiveness within a conference. Their success in net rating gain reflects not only their ability to attract top talent but also their adept management of roster dynamics in a competitive collegiate landscape.