CBS Sports ranks biggest winners of 2022 transfer portal cycle

With just a handful of the top-ranked transfer portal prospects still on the market this offseason, CBS Sports took time to rank which teams used the system best in 2022. From new coaches using the so-called “free agency” to kickstart their tenure to veteran coaches adapting to the times, plenty of the big names landed more big names.

The transfer sagas of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Jordan Addison created more controversy surrounding NIL and some links to Alabama raised eyebrows as this offseason changed the way coaches and administrators speak about the future of college football.

In total, 36 schools at the FBS level added 10 or more transfers out of the portal. Here is a look at how CBS Sports ranked each transfer portal class as the teams look to push up the standings in 2022.

1. USC Trojans

Notable Additions: QB Caleb Williams (Oklahoma), WR Jordan Addison (Pittsburgh), RB Travis Dye (Oregon)

With 19 total additions for Lincoln Riley and his staff in Year One, the expectations in Los Angeles will be high. By adding a five-star quarterback and projected top NFL pick alongside a Biletnikoff winner on offense, dreams of a College Football Playoff berth have emerged.

Williams and Addison rank No. 1 and No. 2 respectively in the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings, with a combined NIL value of more than $3 million. Former Oregon running back Travis Dye also ranks in the top 25 transfer prospects as well. The remaining 16 transfers fulfill needs from offensive line to defensive backfield and even depth pieces at skill positions moving forward.

2. Ole Miss Rebels

Notable Additions: RB Zach Evans (TCU), QB Jaxson Dart (USC), TE Michael Trigg (USC)

Lane Kiffin passed his own “Portal King” title to Lincoln Riley, but still added 16 transfers himself. Headlined by two teammates moving from USC, he adds multiple top 50 prospects available in the class to aid a quick rebuild.

Evans and Dart each ranked inside the top 10, with Trigg coming in at No. 34 overall this offseason.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Notable Additions: EDGE Ochaun Mathis (TCU), QB Casey Thompson (Texas), WR Marcus Washington (Texas)

Perhaps no team came into the offseason with more on the line than Nebraska with rumors swirling about job security for school legend Scott Frost. He has delivered with reloaded talent which fans hope can compete in the Big Ten, including two new quarterbacks.

Mathis is the prize of the group, ranked No. 65 overall by On3, with Thompson ranked just outside the top 100.

4. Texas Longhorns

Notable Additions: QB Quinn Ewers (Ohio State), TE Jahleel Billingsley (Alabama), WR Agiye Hall (Alabama)

Steve Sarkisian looks to put a disappointing first season behind him with a new-look offense loaded with transfer portal talent. After securing Ewers and surrounding him with more weapons, the Longhorns look ready to score while hoping to improve on defense as well.

By adding two top 10 players, the Longhorns promise to add plenty firepower in 2022 beside Bijan Robinson.

5. South Carolina Gamecocks

Notable Additions: QB Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma), TE Austin Stogner (Oklahoma), Lovasea Carroll (Georgia)

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer used his history and connections to add multiple high-profile players to the Gamecocks roster this offseason. After getting his quarterback in place, securing skill position players for Rattler to get the ball to became increasingly easier to sell.

Rattler comes alongside fellow former Oklahoma starter Austin Stogner, a versatile tight end who ranked No. 68 in the transfer portal.