Transfer Portal Intel: Latest on Evan Stewart, KJ Jefferson, Will Howard and more

In a memo distributed by the NCAA to schools last week, the governing body state that multi-time transfers who enter the transfer portal this fall will be eligible to play at a new school in the 2024-25 academic year without securing a waiver.

The result of the memo is a wave of top multi-time transfers entering the portal again. Since the guidance was sent out, a wave of athletes have already entered. An uptick is expected in this next week.

On3 will continue to monitor the portal throughout January. Here is the latest on the recruitments of some of the top names in the transfer portal:

Texas A&M WR Evan Stewart

Intel: The top available player in the transfer portal, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, Evan Stewart has plenty of options. As we reported in last week’s intel piece, Texas and Alabama are not likely options at the moment. Talking to multiple sources, a range of schools have been mentioned including Florida State, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee and USC. It’s too early to name a favorite, but development remains a key component of where he lands.

Washington State QB Cam Ward

Intel: The timetable for a decision seems to be ever-changing for the top quarterback available in the portal. Cam Ward visited Miami and Florida State but has yet to decide. Speaking with sources, a leader has not emerged. Both the Hurricanes and Seminoles have confidence in where they sit. They are battling a third suitor: the NFL. Returning to college or going pro is still being factored into his decision. If he does decide to play a final season of college football, sources have said Ward will land where he believes will best prepare him for the next level.

Kansas State QB Will Howard

Intel: Another quarterback domino to watch, Kansas State transfer Will Howard has not committed yet. He visited USC earlier this month, spending the weekend with Lincoln Riley and staff in Los Angeles. Some expected a commitment coming out of that weekend. But Howard is not rushing a move. Evaluating his NFL draft grade remains a priority. Ohio State has also entered the mix, a school to watch as this plays out.

Georgia CB A.J. Harris

Intel: Ever since Georgia cornerback A.J. Harris entered the transfer portal, Auburn has been the favorite to land the former four-star recruit. While his old secondary coach is now at Syracuse, I like where the Tigers sit at the moment with Harris.

USC QB Malachi Nelson

Intel: Malachi Nelson, a former Five-Star Plus+ quarterback turned USC freshman officially entered the portal last week. Roughly 24 hours into his recruitment, Tulane, TCU, South Carolina, Houston and Cal had started early conversations, a source told On3. The number of schools interested has taken off since then, with Nelson’s stock continuing. While he works on figuring out what visits he might take when the dead period ends, sources have said to keep an eye on how the quarterback dominoes fall.

Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei

Intel: Speaking with multiple sources, DJ Uigalelei is still waiting out to see what move Cam Ward makes. The former starting quarterback at Clemson and Oregon State, the NFL has not been ruled out. If Ward passes on Florida State, Uigalelei would be the favorite to land in Tallahassee. He’s taken a visit and talked with Jordan Travis. But if Ward chooses to become a Seminole, Uiagalelei will need to reassess his options.

USC CB Domani Jackson

Intel: One of the top names on the board, Michigan and Alabama are the leaders at this point to land Domani Jackson. They aren’t the only suitors in the mix, though. Open to land anywhere, the Five-Star Plus+ recruit in the 2022 cycle has also received interest from Texas and Texas A&M.

Miami (OH) WR Gage Larvadain

Intel: A two-time transfer, Gage Larvadain led the Mid-American Conference with 679 receiving yards as with the RedHawks this past season. Expected to be one of the most sought-after receivers in the portal, he’s received plenty of attention since officially entering on Tuesday. According to a source, he’s been in communication with Auburn, Baylor, Cal, Duke, Houston, Michigan State, Miami, South Carolina, Tulane and UCF.

Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson

Intel: While Miami and TCU were two schools to watch in KJ Jefferson’s recruitment, sources have told On3 that UCF has emerged as the team to watch for the Arkansas transfer quarterback. With five years of experience in the SEC, Jefferson would be a strong fit to lead the Knights in the Big 12. Gus Malzahn would be able to get the quarterback he’s been working to find this transfer portal cycle, too.

Ohio State WR Julian Fleming

Intel: Nearly two weeks ago, I put a pick in On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine for Julian Fleming to land at Penn State. It’s been quiet since then, with no decision announced. Sources continue to tell On3 that the Nittany Lions are the favorite to land the Ohio State transfer and the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver in the 2020 recruiting class.

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