10 best transfer portal additions that will shape the 2023 college football season

Travis Hunter, Jackson State Tigers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Travis Hunter, Jackson State Tigers. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Burch, South Carolina Gamecocks
Jordan Burch, South Carolina Gamecocks. (Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) /

Jordan Burch will bring some of that SEC bite Dan Lanning needs on his defense

We are getting into that territory now where these transfers are going to be undeniably impactful. The first guy we will touch on is former South Carolina edge rusher Jordan Burch. Although there was a chance he could have swapped allegiances in division to play for Will Muschamp at Georgia, he linked up with another Dawg on Dan Lanning’s Oregon staff. This one is a total game-changer.

To say he is the next Kayvon Thibodeaux would be a bit of a reach, but this is the type of transfer portal addition that could make Oregon an absolute behemoth in the new Pac-12. They have that Nike money available to use. More importantly, they have Kirby Smart’s former top protege at the helm of their program. It is only a matter of time before Lanning has the Ducks really contending.

Burch coming off the edge for Oregon could keep even some the best Pac-12 passers up at night.

Devin Leary could put up ridiculous numbers playing for Liam Coen at Kentucky

Despite being a multi-year starter at North Carolina State, Devin Leary decided to hop into the portal. Although he has been synonymous with the Wolfpack’s good run of late under Dave Doeren, perhaps he felt like he needed a change of scenery. He goes to Kentucky where he will not only replace a first-round pick in Will Levis, but will link up with offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

This move is all about playing against more consistently strong competition in the SEC, as well as improving one’s draft stock. Kentucky is probably not getting past Georgia in division, but Leary could be a first-round pick if he plays like what Levis did under Coen in 2021. Upon arrival, Leary becomes one of the very best quarterbacks in the SEC along with Spencer Ratter and Will Rogers.

For this reason, Mark Stoops’ Wildcats have an outside shot at winning 10 or so games this year.