Season 23 Transfer and Recruiting Rankings

By: Heath Moorman (Heat1017)

This recruiting cycle, we saw 33 players change allegiances, as well as 69 recruits find new homes in the CFSL ahead of the upcoming draft to determine the landing place for the remaining players. Be sure to tune in on Wednesday, April 23rd, to see where the remaining recruits will be welcomed.

As for the 97 players who’ve already found a home. Where did each team finish compared to the others in the race to win the hearts of recruits? I’m going to give you a ranking of the top recruiting teams based on transfers and recruits separately. Then I’ll break down the high (and low) points that came from recruiting.

Transfer Ranking

Here I’ve ranked the 14 teams that’ve acquired at least one transfer player from the portal. This list was mostly straightforward, except the 3, 4, and 5 spots where I had to differentiate Oregon, Alabama, and Nebraska. All of whom brought in three transfers. I gave Oregon the true 3 spot based on bringing in high-profile transfers such as Dylan Powell. Powell is entering his final season of eligibility and will spend that in Eugene, OR. In three seasons at Texas, he put up 93.4 yards per game and is only one touchdown shy of a touchdown per game in his career.

Alabama comes in right behind Oregon at the fourth spot in my rankings, edging out Nebraska due to bringing in DE talent Jared Cook, who made 10 of his 25 tackles in the backfield for Auburn last season. That leaves Nebraska, which brings in WR talent Demarcus White as their top transfer, a promising receiver who has yet to find his stride through three seasons of action. 

Beating each of those teams out is Oklahoma, which impressed in the transfer portal by bringing in five recruits who are all 5-star players. These players are all expected to step in and help Oklahoma immediately as part of a big recruiting cycle for the team. The cherry on top of Oklahoma’s transfer class is a pair of running backs that will be battling it out through the offseason to win the starting role. Aaron King has spent 3 seasons at Florida, where he’s presented an admirable show, including two postseason visits. Whereas his competition, David Michael, has just one year of experience under his belt, but has outperformed King in every rushing statistic in the lone season. 

Iowa tops our rank, bringing in the most transfers of any school. Their transfer class is highlighted by CB Zavier Ziegler and WR Dante De La Vega. Not only did the Hawkeyes successfully reel in the most transfers, but they landed top talent at key positions. Giving them an early boost towards building a strong program in Iowa City.

New Recruits Ranking:

Similar to the transfer class, this ranking is based on the number of recruits first, before diving into the need and talent brought in. I also only ranked the teams that had at least two recruits in this cycle. 

Coming in at the 4th position is Miami, which separates itself from the rest of the teams that secured 4 recruits by securing a pair of top talents for both their offensive and defensive side of the ball. Keep an eye on WR Devin Yost under the tutelage of Miami AD George Yost.

Falling in behind Miami, Alabama brings in a pair of wide receivers, and two defensive talents that are looking to be a part of the historic Alabama defense that they have had rolling over the last few seasons. 

Michigan falls one spot below Alabama in the rankings despite the pinnacle of their recruits being QB Michael Amber. Amber also saw WR recruits Ronnie Wilson and Jaylen Zachery follow him to the big blue, securing some offensive weapons for the future of the Wolverines’ program. 

I have North Carolina bringing up the tail of teams that brought in four recruits. They secured solid talent for their defense: a DE, MLB, and FS. However, they only tracked down one WR to join a receiver room that only put up 607 total receiving yards last season. 

Colorado gets my vote for the third spot in the rankings, but there is a case for them to be second as well. They successfully won over possibly one of the sought-after recruits in this cycle in QB LC Fremont. Not to mention, they added another WR to an offense that was one of the most explosive in the CFSL in Season 22. Opposing defenses already had fits managing Taylor James and the receivers on the outside. Wait until they have to try to keep an eye on LC’s ability to maneuver out of the backfield. 

Auburn notched out Colorado in my recruiting rankings, and this was the most difficult decision on this ranking. This is primarily due to them securing the commitment of the top DE recruit, Jimmy Long. Long was noticed quickly and received the most offers from any recruit. They also add an offensive trio with Quarterback Zacchaeus Mosley and receivers Deuce Carter and Waylan Zeigler. Fingers crossed that this trio will grow together and provide endless entertainment for CFSL fans.

Securing the number one spot, like the transfer rankings, are the Iowa Hawkeyes, securing ten recruits and 16 total. Surpassing every other CFSL team in both categories. Highlighting the Hawkeyes’ recruiting class is Quarterback Declan Murphy, who is considered to be the number 2 overall quarterback in the class. Murphy watched as a star-studded offensive roster was built around him, featuring lead back Beau “Beaudozer” Styles and Tight End Leland Everett. Iowa’s return to the CFSL seems to be fully underway.