The 2025 college football offseason has been defined by the transfer portal, with Power 4 programs making significant moves to bolster their rosters. Here’s a breakdown of the teams that added the most experience and how these changes could impact the upcoming season.

Top Teams in the Transfer Portal

1. West Virginia Mountaineers

   • Incoming Transfers: 51
   • Career Snaps Added: 32,779
   • Key Additions: DB Jordan Walker, WR Justin Smith-Brown, DE Jimmori Robinson
   • Analysis: Rich Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia has been marked by a massive roster overhaul. The Mountaineers added 35 players with starting experience, including 16 who’ve played over 1,000 snaps at the Division I level. This aggressive approach could make West Virginia a dark horse in the Big 12.

2. Virginia Cavaliers

   • Incoming Transfers: 31
   • Career Snaps Added: 30,320
   • Key Additions: OL Makilan Thomas, QB Chandler Morris, WR Cam Ross
   • Analysis: Virginia has quietly assembled one of the most experienced rosters in the ACC. With 11 transfers who’ve started 20-plus games, the Cavaliers could surprise many in 2025.

3. Purdue Boilermakers

   • Incoming Transfers: 52
   • Career Snaps Added: 26,465
   • Key Additions: DB Tony Grimes, OL Jalen St. John, QB Malachi Singleton
   • Analysis: After a dismal 1-11 season, Purdue has gone all-in on the portal. With 52 incoming transfers, including 16 multi-year starters, the Boilermakers are looking to rebuild quickly under Barry Odom.

Other Notable Moves

• Arizona Wildcats: Added 27 transfers, including WR Kris Hutson and LB Blake Gotcher, to bounce back from a 4-8 season.
• Louisville Cardinals: Jeff Brohm continues to build a contender with 30 transfers, led by OL Mahamane Moussa and DB Rodney Johnson.
• Houston Cougars: Willie Fritz’s portal-heavy rebuild continues with 28 transfers, including DB Wrook Brown and TE Tanner Koziol.

The Impact of Experience

As Curt Cignetti of Indiana noted, proven experience is invaluable. Teams like West Virginia and Virginia have prioritized players with extensive playing time, betting that their ability to perform under pressure will translate to immediate success.

Conclusion

The 2025 transfer portal has reshaped college football rosters, with Power 4 programs adding over 930,000 career snaps of experience. Teams like West Virginia, Virginia, and Purdue have made the biggest moves, setting the stage for an unpredictable and exciting season.