Transfer portal rating inputs:
Scoring of Transfer Portal Classes
December 2024 Portal Additions
Score: 80/100
Rationale:
Score: 75/100
Rationale:
Scoring of Transfer Portal Classes
December 2024 Portal Additions
Score: 80/100
Rationale:
- Strengths:
- The December portal addresses critical 2024 weaknesses, particularly in the secondary, offensive line, and quarterback positions. Power 4 (P4) transfers CB J.K. Johnson (LSU) and CB Jaylin Davies (UCLA) are elite additions to a pass defense that struggled in the pass-heavy Big 12 (e.g., against Kansas, Texas Tech).
- QB Hauss Hejny (TCU) provides dual-threat ability and Big 12 experience, competing with Zane Flores (returning leader) for the starting role, addressing a dire need post-Rangel and Smith.
- Offensive line additions (OL Kasen Carpenter (Tulsa), OL Lavaka Taukeiaho (Weber State), OL Louis Canepa (New Mexico State)) offer depth and potential starters, tackling OSU’s 2024 struggles in pass protection and run blocking.
- Defensive playmakers like LB Bryan McCoy (Akron, 120 tackles) and DT Sitiveni Kaufusi (UCLA) strengthen a front seven depleted by losses (e.g., Justin Kirkland, Jaelen Tucker).
- Wide receivers (Shamar Rigby (Purdue), Jaylen Lloyd (Nebraska), Sam Jackson (Auburn)) add P4 depth to a strong receiver group (Gavin Freeman, Talyn Shettron).
- Depth and Volume: With 23 players across nearly every position (QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, DB, K), the class ensures roster stability within the NCAA’s 105-player limit. DB Mordecai McDaniel (Charlotte) and DE Kyran Duhon (UTEP) provide rotational flexibility.
- Weaknesses:
- Only seven P4 transfers (Johnson, Davies, Hejny, Kaufusi, Rigby, Lloyd, Jackson) are included, with many from Group of 5 (G5) or Division II (e.g., LB Brandon Rawls (Saginaw Valley), DE Malik Charles (West Georgia)), risking limited immediate impact due to the competition jump.
- Developmental players like DL Demerick Morris (Temple) and TE Oscar Hammond (North Texas) may not contribute significantly in 2025.
- TE Jordan Owens (Central Arkansas) transferred out, reducing tight end impact, though Will Monney (Utah State) mitigates this.
- Fit with New Staff: The new coaching staff (unspecified) likely emphasizes physicality and balance, as seen in the offensive line and defensive focus. The class aligns well, but integrating 23 transfers and relying on unproven QBs (Flores, Hejny) pose early challenges.
- Big 12 Comparison: Without OU or Texas, Utah, Iowa State, Kansas State, and Baylor lead the Big 12. OSU’s class is competitive with Kansas and Arizona but trails Utah’s defensive-heavy portal (85/100) or Baylor’s elite defensive backs (82/100), earning a solid score.
- Positional Impact: 24/30 (Strong at CB, OL, QB; weaker at TE, DL)
- Talent Quality: 19/25 (Few P4 stars; G5/D2 risks)
- Depth and Volume: 22/25 (Broad coverage, high volume)
- Risk/Uncertainty: 15/20 (G5/D2 transitions, QB uncertainty)
Score: 75/100
Rationale:
- Strengths:
- The Spring portal complements the December class by targeting offensive line and defensive playmakers, though it lacks a quarterback addition, relying on Flores and Hejny. Offensive line transfers (OT Markell Samuel (Appalachian State), OL Bob Schick (Virginia Tech)) are potential starters, addressing 2024’s line woes. Samuel is likely a tackle starter, and Schick adds P4 versatility.
- Defensive additions like LB Darius Thomas (Louisville/Western Kentucky), Edge Taje McCoy (Colorado), and DT Da’Marion Thomas (Vanderbilt) bring P4 experience and starting potential, filling gaps from losses (e.g., Chance Clements, Talon Kendrick).
- Saf. DeAndre Boykins (North Carolina) and CB Eric Fletcher (East Carolina) deepen an already-strong secondary, ensuring resilience against Big 12 passing attacks (e.g., Texas Tech, Kansas).
- Depth and Volume: With 17 players across key positions (RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, Edge, DB), the class is targeted but smaller. RB Freddie Brock (Georgia State) and WR Christian Fitzpatrick (Marshall) add rotational depth, while TE Carson Su’esu’e (BYU) and TE Grayson Brousseau (Utah State) provide versatility.
- Weaknesses:
- The absence of a quarterback addition increases reliance on Flores and Hejny, slightly lowering the class’s impact for a critical need. G5 and Division II transfers (e.g., WR Terrill Davis (Central Oklahoma, D2), WR Cameron Abshire (Emory and Henry, D2)) are high-risk due to the competition jump and redundant in a deep receiver room.
- Only six P4 transfers (Schick, Thomas, McCoy, Da’Marion Thomas, Boykins, Su’esu’e) limit elite talent compared to the December class’s secondary additions.
- OL Grant Seagren (Nebraska) and Saf. Zaquan Patterson (Miami) are depth pieces with limited production, reducing immediate impact.
- Fit with New Staff: The class supports a physical offense (Samuel, Schick) and versatile defense (Thomas, McCoy). Integrating 40 total transfers (23 December, 17 Spring) is a challenge, and the lack of QB reinforcement misaligns with the position’s criticality.
- Big 12 Comparison: The Spring class is less impactful than the December class due to fewer starters and no QB addition. It compares to Kansas State’s depth-focused portal (78/100) but lags behind Iowa State’s balance (82/100) or Baylor’s defensive strength, scoring slightly lower than previously (75 vs. 76) due to the QB context.
- Positional Impact: 21/30 (Strong at OL, LB; weaker at QB, WR)
- Talent Quality: 18/25 (Fewer P4 transfers; D2 risks)
- Depth and Volume: 20/25 (Targeted but smaller)
- Risk/Uncertainty: 16/20 (G5/D2 transitions, integration)
