JD PicKell: Transfer Portal commitment predictions Vol. 2

The NCAA transfer portal is beginning to settle a bit, with scores of players having chosen their new destination already. But there are still hundreds of excellent prospects in the portal, including a handful of high-profile targets.

On3’s JD PicKell has dug into some of the top players remaining in the transfer portal and their outlook, and he provides a pick for several of them.

From Washington State quarterback Cam Ward, to Kansas State quarterback Will Howard, to Texas A&M receiver Evan Stewart, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into PicKell’s transfer portal predictions below.

Washington State QB Cam Ward – Miami

This is the second time around that Ward is hitting the transfer market, after going from Incarnate Word to Washington State. Like last time, Ward is likely to significantly upgrade his prospects after showing what he can do at the Power Five level. Earlier PicKell had predicted Ward to land at Ohio State. Now he changes the pick to Miami.

Ward has thrown for more than 3,000 yards in each of the last three seasons, while he has topped 20 touchdowns in each of the last four seasons. He’s one of the most prolific career passers in the country, tallying 13,874 yards passing and 119 touchdowns. He’s also run for 16 scores.

Kansas State QB Will Howard – Ohio State

One of the most talented quarterbacks to hit the market this offseason, Howard showed what he could do for a contending Kansas State team. He was a major reason why the Wildcats won eight games this season. PicKell has previously pegged Howard to land at USC. Now he flips it to Ohio State, following a strong outing by Miller Moss in USC’s bowl game.

In four seasons with the Wildcats, Howard completed 59% of his passes while throwing for close to 5,800 yards and 48 touchdowns. He served as a part-time starter in 2022 and took over as the Wildcats’ QB1 in 2023, leading them to an 8-4 record.

Texas A&M WR Evan Stewart – Tennessee

Stewart just wrapped up his second season at Texas A&M, and while he didn’t have the breakout campaign many expected it was still a strong season overall. Stewart finished with 38 catches for 514 yards and four touchdowns. Now he’s being penciled in to transfer to an offense that can pile up explosives in a hurry: Tennessee.

While his touchdowns were up from his freshman season, his catches and yardage as down, suggesting there’s more in the tank still for Stewart. In the right offense he could easily be a 1,000-yard receiver. The Tennessee offense seems to fit the bill.

Georgia CB AJ Harris – Auburn

Harris saw the field sporadically throughout his freshman season this fall. Playing in seven of the first eight games, he totaled eight stops. That included a team-high four tackles in the second game of the year against Ball State. However, Harris did not see the field again once the calendar turned to November. That’s likely one of the reasons he’s looking for a new school, and he would certainly be able to get on the field early at Auburn.

Harris was one of the top-ranked four-star players in the country in 2023, coming in at No. 39 overall and No. 3 among cornerbacks according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was also selected to play in the 2023 All-American Bowl. He committed to Georgia over the likes of Florida, Clemson and Ohio State before joining the Bulldogs for practices in their preparation for the College Football Playoffs.

USC DB Domani Jackson – Alabama

The talented USC defensive back was originally the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2022 class, though he’s had varying results so far at USC. Jackson played relatively sparingly as a freshman before emerging more this fall. He was spotted at Alabama’s Rose Bowl practice on Thursday, giving the impression that the Crimson Tide will be vying for his services.

In two years, Jackson has logged 35 tackles and four passes defended. Those numbers should easily increase at a new program, where he can establish some roots and make a case for the NFL down the road.

Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei – Florida State

After a one-year stint out West, Uiagalelei has re-entered the transfer portal and there might just be a perfect playoff contender waiting to scoop him up: Florida State. The Seminoles will have to replace Jordan Travis, and Uiagalelei put together a really nice year after getting a fresh start.

Uiagalelei will provide whatever team that picks him up with a real bonus. He’s already been through a transfer and has proven he can adapt quickly. Moreover, he’s responsible for 8,319 yards passing and 57 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,132 yards and 21 scores in his career.

There you have it, a smattering of transfer portal predictions for the various top prospects on the market right now. Surely things will ebb and flow over the coming days as the dominos continue to fall, but the above is a pretty good place to start when penciling in new difference-makers to various programs next year.