In the era of the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL), the SEC has consistently seen elite wide receivers come in as transfers and make an immediate impact. The trend started in 2021 with players like Wan’Dale Robinson and Jameson Williams, and it has continued into 2022 and 2023 with Juice Wells and Tre Harris. Now, in 2024, we look at seven SEC newcomers who have the potential to take the conference by storm after transferring.
First on the list is wide receiver Jabari Daniels, who averaged an impressive 19 yards per catch at Liberty. He joins an LSU offense that is replacing two of its top receivers and will be catching passes from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is known for his ability to stretch the field.
Next up is Keke Maclin, Jeremy Maclin’s cousin, who found success at North Texas after transferring from Missouri. He brings versatility to the Kentucky offense and can be a reliable target alongside dynamic wideouts Dane Key and Barion Brown.
Treylon Burks comes to Tennessee after a solid season at Purdue, where he recorded 629 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He adds speed to an offense that is going through some changes and will be a key target for quarterback Jackson Arnold.
Texas has seen significant turnover in its receiving corps and has found immediate help in the transfer portal. One of those additions is Nathaniel Golden, who had nearly 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his first two seasons at Houston. With Quinn Ewers at quarterback and Steve Sarkisian calling the shots, Golden is poised for a breakout season.
Cameron Bernard may not have put up eye-popping numbers at Washington, but that was due to the depth of talent at the receiver position. He now joins Alabama, where he will have more opportunities to shine in a pass-heavy offense under the guidance of Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb.
Velus Brazzell had a breakout season at Tulane and will now be a key target in new Tennessee offensive coordinator Nico Iamaleava’s system. The 6-foot-5 wideout has shown the ability to move the chains and make big plays, making him a perfect fit for the Volunteers’ offense.
Lastly, Texas A&M adds Reggie Barber to its depleted receiving corps. Barber had nearly 1,000 receiving yards at Troy and will be catching passes from Conner Weigman in the new-look Aggies offense.
While these seven newcomers have the potential to make a significant impact in the SEC, history tells us that there could be even more transfer success stories in the conference this season. As the transfer portal and NIL continue to reshape college football, we can expect to see more elite talent making moves and lighting up the SEC.
