Loser: Quarterback Malachi Nelson
From a five-star recruit to two-time switch portal participant, Nelson’s school profession has did not launch.
Initially a USC recruit, Nelson left the Trojans final offseason and joined Boise State, the place he backed up Maddux Madsen.
Nelson has 20 profession go makes an attempt, so there aren’t sufficient information factors to know whether or not he was overvalued popping out of highschool or has but to seek out the appropriate dwelling to showcase his expertise. However heading towards his third group in three seasons, it is honest to marvel why Nelson cannot stick in a single place.
Winner: Quarterback Jackson Arnold
Arnold began 9 video games for the Sooners in 2024 and went 154-of-246 (62.6%) for 1,421 yards (5.8 yards per try), 12 touchdowns and three interceptions general.
He was benched for freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. however burned his redshirt after returning to the lineup throughout a 35-9 loss to South Carolina.
A former five-star recruit, Arnold might be the subsequent former Sooners quarterback to thrive in a special setting. Caleb Williams gained the Heisman in his first season at USC, whereas Dillon Gabriel has led Oregon to a 13-0 document and the No. 1 seed within the School Soccer Playoff.
Per On3, Arnold has acquired curiosity from SEC colleges, together with Auburn and Mississippi State. The Bulldogs are led by coach Jeff Lebby, who recruited Arnold out of highschool as Oklahoma offensive coordinator.
Loser: Quarterback Matthew Sluka
Regardless of getting a head begin within the portal, Sluka has much less demand than different extra gifted quarterbacks.
Earlier than departing UNLV earlier this season following an NIL dispute, Sluka led the Rebels to a 3-0 document.
A way more efficient runner than thrower, Sluka rushed for 253 yards whereas solely finishing 43.8 p.c of his passes in his first season on the FBS stage.
Sluka performed at FCS Holy Cross from 2020-23, the place he fared significantly better. Per On3, Sluka ranks because the Twenty first-best switch portal quarterback. Energy conferences may probably do higher than including Sluka. At this level, he’ll be an underwhelming comfort prize wherever he commits.
Winner: EDGE Ben Bell
The fifth-year senior Texas State defensive finish redshirted after the Bobcats’ first three video games, preserving himself for a possible convention improve.
Bell had 10 sacks in 2023 to determine himself as one of many Solar Belt’s finest defensive gamers.
Groups can by no means have too many pass-rushers, and Bell represents one of the efficient within the portal.
Loser: Quarterback Conner Weigman
Weigman’s transfer to Houston from Texas A&M could be mutually beneficial, however it’s nonetheless a disappointing finish to Weigman’s 2024.
The five-star 2022 recruit started the yr because the Aggies’ beginning quarterback however completely misplaced the job after an terrible first half towards LSU when he went 6-of-18 for 64 yards.
Backup Marcel Reed altered Texas A&M’s season, main this system to an enormous regular-season finale with a spot within the SEC championship recreation on the road towards Texas.
Weigman appeared in six video games this season, going 64-of-114 (56.1%) for 819 yards (7.2 yards per try), three touchdowns and 5 interceptions. His completion proportion was 12.8 proportion factors worse than in 2023.
Now, as an alternative of main a group that might be within the CFP combine, Weigman joins a Houston program that’s 8-16 in its first two seasons as a Large 12 member.
Winner: Tight finish Max Klare
One of many few good issues about Purdue’s 2024 season, Klare needs to be headed for deservedly greener pastures.
Per Pro Football Focus, he acquired the third-highest receiving grade amongst Large Ten tight ends, trailing Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland.
This season, Klare had 51 receptions, 685 yards (13.4 yards per reception) and 4 touchdowns for the Boilermakers, arguably the worst energy convention group.
Purdue went 1-11 and misplaced 5 video games by 35 factors or extra.
On Thursday, Klare visited 2024 CFP finalist Texas.
