5 most impactful transfers in SEC Football so far this season

When the NCAA’s Transfer Portal was first unveiled it was something people mainly joked about due to its silly name. As it became more prevalent, the portal became something to disdain as fan favorite players and highly rated recruits would leave for greener pastures at the snap of a finger. Hot takes came out that it would “ruin college football” if continued but that has been the farthest thing from the case.

If anything, the portal has allowed teams to rebuild faster than ever and the SEC has been as big a hot bed as any for many transfers. According to 247’s 2022 Composite Transfer Rankings, five of the top ten transfer classes came from SEC Football. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin even made “Transfer to the ‘Sip” one of his program’s slogans. It’s simply a part of life now in this conference.

This past offseason over 2,000 players entered the transfer portal and many are already making huge impacts at their new schools. Let’s take a look at some of the most impactful transfers in SEC Football so far this season.

5 most impactful transfers in SEC Football so far this season

1. RB Jahmyr Gibbs – Alabama

This one will come as no surprise as Jahmyr Gibbs was arguably the most high profile transfer joining the SEC from this past off-season. Gibbs was one of the few bright spots on Georgia Tech the last couple years and decided last December to take his talents to Tuscaloosa.

Gibbs has lived up to the hype so far with 172 yards on 25 touches and he is averaging nearly seven yards per carry. His biggest impact, however, has been in the passing game.

As a running back, he is the second leading receiver on the team with 187 yards and three touchdowns. He also leads the team in receptions with 17. The young Alabama receiving corps isn’t what the Tide have been used to in recent years, and quarterback Bryce Young is surely thankful to have as reliable a target as Gibbs as a safety valve in the backfield.

2. LB Drew Sanders – Arkansas

The Hogs have a plethora of high-level transfers who are making huge impacts that you could go with, but ultimately Alabama transfer Drew Sanders takes the cake. Sanders has already made a huge impact at linebacker and is currently leading the nation in sacks with 5.5. Additionally he has 31 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Sanders has been practically unblockable no matter the opponent and has been a great vocal leader on an Arkansas defense that has had to endure its fair share of injury adversity.

Due to his impressive start, Sanders has even made his way to Mel Kiper’s NFL Draft Big Board and is currently listed as the draft analyst’s number one linebacker prospect.

3. QB Jayden Daniels – LSU

The Arizona State transfer has been shaky at times this season but he is a large reason why the Tigers are 3-1 and a missed extra point away from 4-0. Daniels has thrown for 835 yards and six touchdowns with a 73% completion percentage. Those numbers aren’t as flashy as some other quarterbacks, but Daniels has brought it when it matters in the fourth quarter.

Although LSU lost their opening game against Florida State, Daniels was spectacular in the fourth quarter leading the Tigers on a 99 yard last minute touchdown drive to tie the game as time expired. He couldn’t help what the special teams did after.

He had a repeat performance in their conference opener against Mississippi State where he led a comeback and helped the Tigers score three fourth quarter touchdowns to seal the win.

Daniels isn’t always perfect, but he’s just what LSU needs right now in head coach Brian Kelly’s first year and the Tigers are lucky to have him.

4. WR Tayvion Robinson – Kentucky

The Virginia Tech transfer has acclimated perfectly to the Kentucky offense and has quickly become one of quarterback Will Levis’ favorite targets. Robinson is the team’s leading receiver with 349 yards and two touchdowns on 20 receptions. He has also been a steady, veteran presence as a punt returner for the Wildcats.

Robinson is coming off his best game of the year against Northern Illinois where he tallied 147 yards and two touchdowns. Look for Robinson to continue to get better and better as the season goes along and have some more big games as Kentucky enters its main conference slate.

5. RB Zach Evans – Ole Miss

Like Gibbs, Zach Evans was seen as one of this year’s best transfers and has been perfect for head coach Lane Kiffin’s rushing attack. He hasn’t put up major numbers every week but he has been the perfect compliment to true freshman running back Quinshon Judkins.

The TCU transfer has 365 yards and four touchdowns including a stellar performance against Georgia Tech where he ran for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Evans is sure to have another explosion really soon in Kiffin’s run-heavy offense and it will be a blast to see who can rush for more between him and Judkins.