The winter transfer window has closed, leaving several Power Four conferences with significant roster changes. In the Big Ten, teams have either filled crucial gaps or struggled to replace departing players.
Winners in the Big Ten include Indiana, which bolstered its quarterback depth with Fernando Mendoza from Cal. The Hoosiers also added key contributors at running back and offensive line, including Roman Hemby from Maryland and Zen Michalski from Ohio State.
Nebraska’s recruitment of talented defensive end Williams Nwaneri from Missouri and linebacker Dasan McCullough from Oklahoma has significantly improved the Cornhuskers’ defense. With these additions, Nebraska is tied for the most four-star transfer commitments in the Big Ten.
Ohio State, despite being relatively quiet in the transfer portal, has signed several high-profile transfers, including five-star offensive tackle Ethan Onianwa and tight end Max Klare. The Buckeyes have also added former West Virginia running back CJ Donaldson Jr. and Idaho State defensive lineman Logan George to their roster.
Oregon’s aggressive recruitment of top transfer prospects has resulted in significant gains for the Ducks. Former Purdue star defensive back Dillon Thieneman and Nevada offensive lineman Isaiah World are among the highest-ranked transfers, while Alex Harkey from Texas State will bolster the team’s offensive line.
Washington has also made some crucial additions to its roster, including receiver Johntay Cook from Texas and linebacker Jacob Manu from Arizona. The team is expected to land prized defensive back Tacario Davs from Arizona as well.
In contrast, several Big Ten teams have struggled to replace departing players. Purdue lost key contributors like Dillon Thieneman to Oregon and Max Klare to Ohio State. USC has suffered losses on both sides of the ball, including Zachariah Branch, Zion Branch, Duce Robinson, and several other notable players.
While some teams have emerged as clear winners in the Big Ten transfer portal, others face significant challenges in filling their roster gaps.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/big-ten-winners-losers-transfer-141653554.html