Which Big 12 football players have entered the transfer portal so far?
The transfer portal window officially opened on Monday and there was a surge of names declaring their intentions to find new college football homes.
In the Big 12 in particular there was a somewhat surprising entry to portal from one of the departing schools and there have been plenty of quarterbacks that have entered the portal as well.
Here are nine of the notable transfer entries to happen in the Big 12 so far:
Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma
Gabriel was sensational this year for the Sooners as he led the Big 12 in passing with 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns. The dual threat quarterback also rushed for 12 touchdowns and 373 yards while leading Oklahoma to a win over Texas and a top-15 ranking.
Gabriel entered his name into the portal on Monday and should be immediately become one of the most coveted players on the market. Oklahoma will turn to five-star freshman Jackson Arnold next season in the SEC.
Will Howard, Kansas State
Howard led the Wildcats to a Big 12 championship over TCU and a New Year’s Six Bowl in 2022 after taking over midway through the season for an injured Adrian Martinez. Howard threw for 2,643 yards and 24 touchdowns, but also had 10 interceptions as K-State took a slight step back.
The Wildcats are eager to start the Avery Johnson era, while Howard’s experience and toughness should help him land at a prominent Power Five program.
Monroe Mills, Texas Tech
Anytime a prominent offensive lineman hits the portal it’s a big deal. Mills started 22 games over the last two seasons for the Red Raiders at right tackle in 2022 and left tackle in 2023. With two years of eligibility remaining, Mills is currently the highest ranked offensive lineman in the portal.
Blake Shapen, Baylor
Shapen helped lead the Bears to a Big 12 championship in 2021, but has had uneven tenure the last two seasons as a starter. He threw for 2,790 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2022 as the Bears finished 6-7. He dealt with injuries this season but still threw for 2,188 yards and 13 touchdowns. In the right system Shapen can be a productive quarterback, especially at the Group of Five level.
Drake Dabney, Baylor
The Bears lost their quarterback and their second-leading receiver with Dabney entering the portal. The tight end was just as productive as the likes of Jared Wiley and Ja’Tavion Sanders as he produced 552 yards and five touchdowns on just 33 receptions. Viewed as a top-30 transfer prospect by On3, Dabney can help a team right away.
Treshaun Ward, Kansas State
Ward arrived in Manhattan from Florida State likely expecting a bigger role after sharing touches with the Seminoles. Ward was productive, but his numbers were nearly identical to his stats last season as he rushed for 643 yards and five touchdowns with the Wildcats compared to 628 rushing yards and seven touchdowns with Florida State.
Ward is one of the top running backs available so far.
Tyler Shough, Texas Tech
No player has had worse injury luck than the former Red Raider quarterback. Shough won the starting job two straight seasons, but had each one cut short by injuries. He played in seven games in 2022 and just four this season. When he has played he’s completed about 60% of his passes with touchdowns and 18 interceptions. He has underrated mobility and could be a good bridge quarterback for a G5.
Deshawn Pace, Cincinnati
A versatile playmaker on defense, Pace played a bit of hybrid linebacker and safety role for the Bearcats. Pace was apart of the Bearcats’ 2021 playoff team and has posted 232 tackles, 25.5 for loss, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and a touchdown during his career.
Jerand Bradley, Texas Tech
The DeSoto alum led the Red Raiders in receiving in 2022 and still finished top three this season despite the Red Raiders dealing with a number of injuries at quarterback. Bradley has 1,175 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns the last two seasons for Texas Tech. The 6-foot-5 receiver would be a solid starting option for many teams.
