Across the board from different teams to different positions, there are a lot of high-impact players that joined the Sun Belt through the transfer portal this offseason.
This includes a handful of additions by way of Power Five programs that will make an immediate difference.
Here are 10 of the top transfers heading to the conference ahead of the 2023 season.
QB Davis Brin, Tulsa to Georgia Southern
There are big shoes to fill for Brin with Kyle Vantrease gone, but Brin has the potential to keep things steady. The sixth-year senior got off to a solid start last season before suffering a shoulder injury in Week 4. Up to that point, Brin led the nation in passing YPG and TDs. He finished the season with 2,138 yards and 17 TDs in nine games.
WR Corey Rucker, South Carolina to Arkansas State
A familiar spot for Rucker, who will be returning to Jonesboro following a one-year stint with the Gamecocks. Rucker only appeared in two games last season because of a foot injury. In 2021, he recorded 59 receptions for 816 yards and nine scores. He’ll look to be back doing things like this for the Red Wolves:
EDGE Donell Harris, Texas A&M to UL-Monroe
Harris saw limited action during his two seasons with the Aggies. He was a highly-touted prospect and should thrive given the right situation. He’ll look to bolster a defense that ranked last in scoring defense and in sacks in 2022.
WR Phoenix Sproles, NDSU to James Madison
FCS fans know that Sproles is electric and can beat you in multiple ways. All he needs is the ball in his hands, and JMU found that out during the national championship in January 2020:
Sproles only played in four games last season before leaving the program in October, but he should be a key weapon for head coach Curt Cignetti and Co.
WR Makai Jackson, St. Francis to App State
A member of the 2022 HERO Sports Freshman All-American team, Jackson hauled in 85 receptions for 991 yards and nine scores last season. His open-field and after-the-catch abilities immediately make him one of the top WRs to watch in the Sun Belt.
DB JJ Roberts, Wake Forest to Marshall
Marshall’s passing defense was the best in the conference last year and is returning two starters in the secondary. Now it gets even better with Roberts joining the squad. He only played in nine games last season but was second on the roster with seven pass breakups and added 20 total tackles.
QB Malik Hornsby, Arkansas to Texas State
Hornsby will bring a spark to the Bobcats offense that it didn’t have last season, ranking second-to-last in the league with 21.1 PPG. An excellent dual-threat QB, Hornsby mainly did damage with his legs during his time with the Razorbacks. However, he should have more opportunities to give everyone a better look at what he can do with his arm this fall:
DB Tyrek Funderburk, Richmond to App State
Although Steven Jones Jr. led the league with 15 PBUs, the Mountaineers defense only logged seven interceptions last season, which was the second-lowest in the conference. Jones has since graduated and Funderburk will be a quality replacement. He registered 10 PBUs and four picks last season to go with 39 total tackles.
TE Cane Berrong, Notre Dame to Coastal Carolina
Coastal QB Grayson McCall has fared well with tight ends in the past, and Berrong will be the next man up. He didn’t log any statistics during his two seasons in South Bend, but the former four-star prospect should have ample opportunities for the Chants.
EDGE Kevin Swint, Clemson to Georgia State
The Panthers received this early commitment in December. The versatile 6-foot-3, 240-pound Swint is a great athlete, moves well for his size, and can play multiple positions. He’ll provide some excellent depth for Georgia State’s 3-4 scheme. Swint recorded 20 total tackles while appearing in all 13 games for Clemson in 2022.
