Following the two transfer portal windows and the NFL draft, college football fans may need Apple Airtags to track where their favorite players get caught up in.
The space is dedicated to those who have decided to maintain their commitment that has fueled their teams’ college football playoff hopes. Pennsylvania’s 2022 recruitment class could account for half of the list. Quarterbacks Drew Allah, Nicholas Singleton and Kitron Allen, defensive end Dani Dennis Saton and defensive tackle Zane Durant have returned from the Nittany Lions CFP semi-finals.
“When we all came out of the ’22 class here, that was one of our goals as a stator for the pen. “And obviously, we were tasting that tasted that last year. We know how close you are, so it’s just trying to build it and do another run.”
Looking at 13 players from 11 schools, it represents the decision that a decision to refrain from the NFL draft or sidestep through the portal will enhance playoff chances for each team.
Decisions: 2025 NFL Draft is coming soon
What his return means: fifth-grade senior and offensive coordinator Joe Sloan enters his second season together, aiming for a great debut that will help the Tigers compete for the SEC title. Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions last year. Even if LSU doesn’t win the league, Nussmeier’s return is if the Tigers make a similar jump to his predecessors Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy in their second season at Baton Rouge. Nussmeier’s father, Doug, is close as the Saints’ offensive coordinator after winning the Super Bowl as the Eagles quarterbacks coach. There will be a adjustment period as the Tigers have four new starters on the offensive line, but if the “Nuss Bus” gets the required time, this is a breakout season and the draft stock should rise with LSU’s playoff chances.
2. Drew Aral of Pennsylvania QB
Decisions: 2025 NFL Draft is coming soon
What his return means: There are things in Pennsylvania that Ohio and Oregon don’t – the start quarterback in the playoff experience. The Nittany Lions may eventually return to the top of the Big Ten and set up a piece to compete for a national title. Allah, who is in his third season as a starter, was surrounded by NFL talent in the offensive line and running game, could claim to be Pennsylvania’s first Heisman Trophy winner since John Capelletti in 1973. With a second season under coordinator Andy Koterniki and more options in wide receivers and still loaded tight endrooms, there’s no shortage of options for Allah to shove the ball downfield.
Decisions: 2025 NFL Draft is coming soon
Meaning of his return: On paper, Clemson has returned enough offensive firepower to promote the Tigers to a deeper CFP run than the exit of the first round in 2024. According to ESPN’s Bill Connelly, Klubnik is leading the offense of Clemson, number one in the FBS (81%). Klubnik has reestablished himself as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks following the 2023 down season. Last year, his 308 completions, 3,639 passing yards and 36 passing touchdowns all ranked among the best seasons in program history. As he entered his third season as the starter for offensive coordinator Garrett Riley, understanding of Kurbunik’s offense and his relationship with Riley grew, placing Kurbunik for his best season with the Tigers.
4. Nicholas Singleton/Kitron Allen, RBS, Pennsylvania
Decisions: 2025 NFL Draft is coming soon
Their return meaning: the country’s best running back duo has returned as is, and they have a playoff experience with the familiarity and knowledge of coordinator Andy Koternikki’s second season offensive. Singleton and Allen were projected to be the fifth and sixth running backs available in the 2025 draft after being the first combo in Pennsylvania history, each with at least 1,000 rushing yards in the same season. Penn State ran for over 200 yards in 10 games last season, with the Nittany Lions rushing for 3,237 yards leading all four power teams and Notre Dame. Of course, it helps you block the 6-foot-4, 350-pound attack guard Olaivavega ioane.
Decide: Avoid the Transfer Portal
Meaning of his return: The seller attracted absolute interest from other teams in November and December, but he quickly re-signed Gamecocks. The same goes for Edge Rush Dylan Stewart, who also attracted attention after last year’s 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks. South Carolina last year had a playoff case with sellers leading the offensive, but the CFP Select Committee didn’t include the 15th place gamecock high enough. He improved throughout the season last fall, increasing his total QBR over the past six games from 52 in his first six games. This year he will work with Mike Shura, son of professional football hall of fame coach Don Shura.
Decide: Avoid the transfer portal (twice)
Meaning of his return: Illinois can become a CFP sleeper team by competing for the Big Ten title and winning a large bid if they can’t win the league. The importance of Illinois holding a starting quarterback after a strong spring push from Tennessee cannot be understated. Illini has a chance to become Indiana this year. This is a Big Ten candidate with an outstanding quarterback and his supporting cast, with a manageable schedule that will allow him to join the Select Committee rankings. After public speculation, he may transfer to the final year of eligibility, Altomy announced in December that he will return to the team. He did it again in April, following the drama in Tennessee. Altmyer passed for 2,543 yards, 21 touchdowns, five interceptions for 2,543 yards and just five interceptions last year, leading the Associated Press poll to the 9-3 regular season and top 20 rankings.
Decide: Avoid the Transfer Portal
Meaning of his return: K-State wins another wide open big 12 races and can win an automatic bid in the playoffs as one of the five highest-ranked conference champions. Johnson never entered the transfer portal, but he was particularly interested after Tennessee lost Nico Iamareava. “We built a terrible wall around him,” a K-State source told ESPN. “They took the Tennessee National Guard better.” This year is high for Johnson, who threw 2,712 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his first full season as a starter last year. He also had 605 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The depth of the wide receiver makes K-State passing games likely to flourish this fall.
Decide: abandon the NFL Draft
Meaning of his return: Veteran offensive line (20) including four return starters from the group that allowed the third-seeking bag in the SEC last season. It also means better protection for quarterback DJ Lagway. DJLagway could be one of the best in the country if he can stay healthy. Rugway health is the most important factor in Florida’s success this year. According to Pro Football Focus, Slaughter allowed 1 bag, QB hit, six QB hits, six fines and eight pressures in 728 snaps. The Gators once again have one of the toughest schedules in the country. The massacre is like a veteran who needs upfront to help Ragway survive it.
Decide: abandon the NFL Draft
What his return means: that the Buckeyes didn’t lose everyone from their national championship defense. Stiles had an outstanding season in 2024 with 100 tackles, 11 tackles, six bags, forced fumbles, fumble recovery and five passes. His draft stock rose when the Buckeyes rose through the CFP bracket, but he told reporters at the national championship celebration that he was “not ready to leave yet.” There is still room for improvement and growth in his style, and his draft stock will continue to rise. He currently holds leadership positions as one of three starters in defense and the most experienced player of his rising seniors.
Decide: abandon the NFL Draft
Meaning of his return: The Ducks hold a 6-foot, 175-pound receiver who played a key role in pushing them forward to the 2024 CFP top seed, and once again needs his help on the departure of Tez Johnson, who entered the NFL Draft, especially after leading Oregon with 83 receptions with 898 yards and 10 touchdowns. Stewart is the only return receiver in Oregon to receive more than 30 receptions in 2024. Stewart, who transferred to Oregon from Texas A&M, had 48 catches for 613 yards last season and was tied to the team’s highest with five touchdowns. He was Oregon’s second-most targeted recipient and the attack that finished 13th in the national passing yard. Stewart’s role will increase and his decision to return will support the new starting quarterback for the duck, who could be former UCLA QB Dante Moore.
Decide: abandon the NFL Draft
What his decision means: The Longhorns have a familiar face that has returned to leadership, playoff experiences, NFL talent and defenses that have had to replace multiple starters from the previous season. A rising advanced player who rose from the walk-on to All-American, Taaffe had 71 tackles, six TFLs, two sacks, two intercepts, 10 passes, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His decision to return was driven by a desire to win a national title in Texas and the devastation he said he felt following his loss to Ohio State. Taaffe will have another chance with the Buckeyes in the opening game of the season.
Decided: Name withdrawn from portal
Meaning of his return: The Broncos were able to maintain their top talent from the 2024 CFP run. It featured one of the nation’s top defensive fronts. Ferry visited Miami and Cal before making an announcement on social media that he had planned to return to Boise. After spending the last three seasons in Boise State, Fely has started 28 games in the last two seasons. He had nine TFLs and 5.5 sacks last year.
