Transfer Portal Impact Performers from Week 2 of college football

The first few weeks of the college football season have been highlighted by notable performances from transfers. Some of the players who entered the transfer portal have made an instant impact at their new destination, and On3 has selected a few of the top performers.

More than 2,700 players entered the portal during the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Wire. There were some big names who decided to transfer, and they picked up right where they left off after leaving their previous programs.

During Week 2, a few of those big-time transfers made their presence known and became one of On3’s Transfer Portal Impact Performers. That includes one who transferred out of the SEC, but still played a pivotal role in this week’s upset over Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Shedeur Sanders set multiple records during his first game at Colorado in Week 1 and didn’t miss a beat with his Week 2 showing against Nebraska. He completed 31 of 42 passes for 393 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Buffaloes to the resounding 36-14 victory over the Cornhuskers in Boulder.

As a result of that performance, Sanders saw his name come up in NFL Draft circles and his Heisman Trophy odds soar. Through two games, he’s certainly looking the part under his father, Deion, with the new-look Buffs heading into a Week 3 matchup with Colorado State.

2. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Adonai Mitchell spent the last two seasons at Georgia, meaning he knows what it’s like to beat Alabama. After transferring to Texas, he again helped beat the Crimson Tide as he totaled 78 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Longhorns to the 34-24 upset victory.

Mitchell’s performance in Tuscaloosa gave him three touchdowns through two games at Texas, matching last year’s total in six appearances with Georgia. He’s developed a strong relationship with Quinn Ewers that looks promising as the Longhorns now find themselves at No. 4 in the latest AP Top 25.

3. Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame

Heading into Week 2, much was made about how Sam Hartman would fare against an NC State team he struggled against at Wake Forest. It’s safe to say he handled things just fine, leading Notre Dame to a 45-24 victory thanks to 286 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Hartman has settled in well to Gerad Parker’s system in South Bend after arriving as the No. 2-ranked transfer, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. His Heisman odds also got a bump heading into this week’s home game against Central Michigan.

4. Xavier Weaver, WR, Colorado

A big part of Sanders’ big day was Xavier Weaver, who also put up impressive numbers. The former South Florida wide receiver led Colorado with 170 yards and a touchdown against Nebraska one week after hauling in 118 yards against TCU.

Weaver is proving to be a key piece of the Buffaloes’ passing attack in his first season with the team. He and Sanders will try to keep things rolling against Colorado State as the college football world turns its focus to Boulder.

5. MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC

MarShawn Lloyd was one of the sneaky-good pickups for USC this offseason and has been impressive through three games with the Trojans. In Week 2 against Stanford, he had a game-high 77 yards and a touchdown as USC cruised to the 56-10 victory.

Lloyd came in as the No. 3-ranked running back transfer this offseason after leaving South Carolina, per the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. With Travis Dye off to the NFL, it appears he’s settling in well to the lead running back role with Pac-12 play beginning next week after the bye.

These are just a few of the transfers making an impact to start the season, and their performances will be important the rest of the way as conference play starts to pick up around the country. Add in the Heisman and NFL Draft conversations, and it’s safe to say fans haven’t heard the last of these names as we reach the halfway point of September.