Not only did the AAC deal with players transferring in and out of the conference like the rest of college football, but the league dealt with programs coming in and out of the league as well.
Adding six teams and losing two others, it’s pretty much a new look for The American. That includes new names to watch. With the transfers that Rhett Lashlee and SMU reeled in, new Mustangs could fill this list. We’ll look at other impactful transfers in the league, however.
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Here are 10 of the top transfers who should have the biggest impact on their squads and the 2023 version of the AAC:
WR Jordan Hudson, TCU to SMU
A true freshman in 2022, Hudson logged 14 catches to go with 174 yards and three scores for the defending national runner-up. Hudson originally committed to SMU in high school, but wound up inking with the Horned Frogs. He’ll have a chance to replace some of the production left by Rashee Rice:
QB Casey Thompson, Nebraska to FAU
FAU fans are probably still high on the Owls’ trip to the Final Four, but soon the focus will shift to Thompson bringing Big Ten and SEC experience to Boca Raton. Thompson will take the reins as the starter under center after reuniting with Tom Herman. He started 10 games for the Huskers in 2022, passing for 2,407 yards and 17 TDs.
RB Jaylan Knighton, Miami (FL) to SMU
The senior had a stellar sophomore campaign where he led the Hurricanes in rushing with 561 yards and eight TDs on 145 rushes. His opportunities dipped last season with just 78 carries for 423 yards and one score. It’ll be interesting to see how he lines up with the Mustangs also bringing in LJ Johnson Jr. from Texas A&M. The duo should pack a nice 1-2 punch.
LB BJ Davis, South Carolina State to ECU
The Pirates are adding an experienced guy in Davis who was named to the 2022 HERO Sports All-FCS All-American Team following his fourth season at SCSU. Davis was also voted First Team All-MEAC following a season that saw 94 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five picks, and seven pass breakups.
RB Blake Watson, ODU to Memphis
Playing in the worst offense in the league can’t be easy, but it was impressive what Watson was able to accomplish at ODU. That included breaking the single-game rushing record:
As one of the biggest transfers within the G5, Watson should feast next year for a Memphis team that didn’t have a true workhorse last year.
IOL Jakai Clark, Miami (FL) to SMU
A four-year starter for the Hurricanes, Clark should immediately bolster an offensive line that should compete to be one of the top units in the league. Clark has made starts in multiple positions, giving the Mustangs some depth. He’ll even be blocking for a familiar RB in Knighton.
S Tyrin Taylor, Colorado to Memphis
The junior started seven games for the Buffs last season and two games as a freshman. He finished last season with 26 total tackles, three passes defended, and one interception. There are a few other transfers in the secondary group that could steal some action from Taylor, but he should be a key contributor and should compete for a starting spot.
S Kam Pedescleaux, Louisiana to Tulane
The defending champs receive reinforcements. Pedescleaux’s 74 tackles were good for fourth-most on the Ragin Cajuns last season. He should serve an immediate role in the secondary for the Green Wave after starting 20 games for UL.
WR Braylin Presley, Oklahoma State to Tulsa
Presley may have a chip on his shoulder after not seeing much action as a Cowboy. The versatile playmaker logged just five receptions for 26 yards in his freshman season, but should be used in multiple ways for the Golden Hurricane.
TE Elijah Brown, Alabama to FAU
Like FAU is banking on, putting Brown on this list is based on his potential and not what he has proven. But most guys that ink with Alabama should have the talent to make some noise against lesser competition. Matched with new QB Casey Thompson, Brown will be an intriguing pass catcher with plenty of upside.
