After transferring to cross-town rival UCLA last year, Kyle Ford has made his way back to the University of Southern California (USC) football program. Ford’s return to USC comes after a season where he had a relatively underwhelming performance with UCLA, finishing with 22 catches for 236 yards. The move makes sense for all parties involved, as Ford has familiarity with USC’s offense and coaching staff. Ford is expected to add depth to the Trojans’ receiver room and provide a big-play threat.
Following a spate of defensive player departures, Michigan State now faces the transfer of offensive tight end Jack Nickel. Nickel, a redshirt sophomore, has joined defensive end Andrew Depaepe, starting defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and running back Jalen Berger in seeking a transfer. Despite not recording any statistics during his 10 appearances last season, Nickel’s departure is the fourth for the Spartans on Tuesday. Michigan State’s tight end position has seen significant turnover, with the loss of top tight end Maliq Carr after last season and the addition of Jack Velling from Oregon State. The Spartans still have Brennan Parachek, a promising true freshman, but an injury has kept him sidelined. Tyneil Hopper, a seventh-year eligible player, is also recovering from injury. Michael Masunas, with only one career catch, has received praise from the coaching staff during spring practice. The transfer window has resulted in the departure of 11 Michigan State players, including three-year starting defensive tackle Simeon Barrow and graduate transfers Antonio Gates Jr. and Braden Miller.
Hailey Van Lith, a highly touted basketball player who recently transferred out of LSU, has refuted reports that she has committed to TCU. Van Lith expressed interest in TCU after visiting the university, but emphasized that she has not made a final decision. Despite the recent departure of Haley Cavinder, another top recruit, from TCU’s program, Van Lith remains unfazed in her consideration of all her options.
UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia has withdrawn from the transfer portal and returned to the Bruins’ spring practice. Toia, a starter in all 12 games last season, provides a significant boost to a defense that is already having to replace every edge rusher with experience and a large chunk of the secondary. Toia’s return is a testament to the culture and development that are being fostered within the UCLA program. The Bruins have also received commitments from high school prospects and guard Alani Makihele, a graduate transfer from Nevada Las Vegas.
Brian Howell of BuffZone and Adam Munsterteiger of BuffStampede provide analysis and insights on the latest news and developments surrounding the Colorado football team, including transfer portal updates and spring practice.
UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal and returned to the team after just two days of being in it. Toia, who is considered one of the top defensive linemen in the country, announced his decision on Monday and participated in practice on Tuesday. His return is a major victory for the Bruins, who have been working hard to keep their top talent from leaving.
Colorado Buffaloes running back Dylan Edwards has entered the transfer portal after just one season with the program. The dynamic sophomore led the Buffs in rushing last season with 321 yards and also caught 36 passes for 299 yards and four touchdowns. Edwards’ departure is the latest in a string of players to leave the Buffs this spring, including fellow running back Sy’veon Wilkerson and long snapper Cameron Warchuck.
John Calipari’s move to Arkansas has had a significant impact on both Kentucky and Arkansas basketball. Kentucky’s No. 2 recruiting class has been reduced to one commit, while Arkansas has gained several players from the transfer portal. Notable additions to the Razorbacks include Zvonimir Ivišić, a former Kentucky player, and Karter Knox, the brother of former Kentucky star Kevin Knox. Arkansas’ roster now features a mix of experienced players and incoming transfers, while Kentucky faces the challenge of rebuilding its recruiting efforts under new coach Mark Pope.
After entering the transfer portal, former Minnesota Gopher Pharrel Payne has found a new home at Texas A&M. Payne, a 6-9, 255-pound sophomore, led the Gophers in blocks for two consecutive seasons. He joins fellow Gophers Joshua Ola-Joseph and Isaiah Ihnen in transferring this spring, with Elijah Hawkins also entering the portal recently. Despite Payne’s departure, the Gophers are set to return leading scorer Dawson Garcia and have signed Canisius big man Frank Mitchell to replace Payne in the frontcourt.
After the departure of several players to the NBA Draft and transfer portal, Kentucky coach Mark Pope has been busy building his roster for the upcoming season. The Wildcats have landed Drexel star forward Amari Williams, a three-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year, and Collin Chandler, a member of the 2022 recruiting cycle who spent the last two years on a Mormon mission. With most of Kentucky’s 2023-24 roster either ineligible, in the transfer portal, or headed to the NBA Draft, Pope’s first order of business is to build a roster for next season.
