USA Today: The 10 college football transfers that will have greatest impact in 2024

There are 10 transfers in college football that could provide the greatest impact in the 2024 season, according to USA Today.

These were big names that changed schools whether unexpectedly or they used a graduate year. Either way, they’ll affect the season in more ways than not.

Below are USA Today’s 10 college football transfers that will have the greatest impact during the 2024 season.

Caleb Downs, DB – Ohio State (Alabama)

Downs was a superstar at Alabama so it was quite surprising to see him change teams this offseason. But after the retirement of Nick Saban, anything was possible, including a transfer

Downs could very well be the best defensive back in college football and is a game changer for the Buckeyes’ secondary. He can play pretty much all over the defensive backfield so expect him everywhere.

Dillon Gabriel, QB – Oregon (Oklahoma)

Gabriel is the latest plug and play quarterback at Oregon, following Bo Nix. The former’s been very productive in his career with UCF and Oklahoma.

Now, he’ll try to follow up a career year from Nix as Oregon is squarely in the national title picture. As an established veteran, Gabriel was definitely one of the more sought after transfers.

Nic Scourton, DL – Texas A&M (Purdue)

Scourton led the Big Ten in sacks and quarterback pressures, so yes, you’d want a transfer like that. Mike Elko’s defense at A&M should love this pass rusher.

Scourton is a potential first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could really break out in SEC play. Look for him to lead the Aggies’ defense as a whole.

Will Howard, QB – Ohio State (Kansas State)

Howard was a Big 12 champion at Kansas State and now takes his talents to the Big Ten as a transfer. He’s expected to step in and upgrade the QB play from last season.

He’s a dual threat, so it should add a new dimension to the offense in Columbus. With playmakers in the backfield at wide receiver, Howard could have a career year.

Cam Ward, QB – Miami (Washington State)

Ward was another big named QB to change teams, going from the west to east coast. The new Hurricanes quarterback is a tantalizing athlete that could certainly give Miami an upgrade as a transfer.

In two years at Wazzu, Ward threw for 48 touchdowns and just 16 interceptions in two seasons. This is the boost Miami needed to compete for the ACC.

Walter Nolen, DL – Ole Miss (Texas A&M)

Nolen will add to the Rebels’ defense this season after having a productive year in sacks and tackles with the Aggies. Staying within the SEC was a big deal though.

This could very well be Ole Miss’ best team under Lane Kiffin and Nolen will be a big part of the season. If he stays consistent, this will be a huge impact transfer.

Jabbar Muhammad, CB – Oregon (Washington)

Staying in the Pac-12 (well, now Big Ten), Muhammad goes to a national title contender after just playing for one in 2023. First, he was at Oklahoma State before transferring to Washington. 

Muhammad was All-Conference in his lone season with the Huskies and should start right away in Eugene. This will be key for the Ducks’ defense under Dan Lanning.

Riley Leonard, QB – Notre Dame (Duke)

Notre Dame landed another transfer quarterback in Leonard after grabbing Sam Hartman last season. At full health, Leonard can be a dual threat weapon.

That’ll be the biggest what-if after he showcased his abilities at Duke. But at full strength, Notre Dame could have one of the better quarterback situations in college football and are a bonafide playoff contender.

Quinshon Judkins, RB – Ohio State (Ole Miss)

Judkins was a machine at Ole Miss before his transfer to Ohio State. Now, he’ll share a backfield with TreVeyon Henderson and a loaded Buckeyes’ offense.

How Ryan Day and Chip Kelly use Judkins will be fascinating. He likely won’t carry the load like he did with the Rebels, but he’ll certainly be a focal point of one of the best offenses in the country.

Isaiah Bond, WR – Texas (Alabama)

Bond is best known for his catch in the Iron Bowl last season, beating Auburn on a miracle heave from Jalen Milroe. Now after the explosive receiver transferred to Texas, the Longhorns can reap the benefits.

He should be quite the target for Quinn Ewers as the Longhorns look to compete for the SEC and the playoff once again. He’ll turn himself into a bonafide No. 1 pass catcher this fall.

Some of these players could be the difference to winning a national title or not. They’re all in high impact positions and the fall should be a fun one.