All Cardinal

Every Pac-12 team's most underrated transfer addition

The transfer portal has been very fruitful for the Pac-12 but some guys have been overlooked

Kevin Borba

Every Pac-12 team's most underrated transfer addition
Every Pac-12 team's most underrated transfer addition /
In this story:

When college football fans look at players in the transfer portal they naturally gravitate towards the highest ranked names in the portal like the Travis Hunters or Caleb Williams' of the world.

While that is good and fine, that means there is a good chance that a talented transfer who could end up being one of your better players is being overlooked. That is why I am breaking down one transfer from every Pac-12 team that isn't their most hyped transfer per se, but one that I think has a chance to make some noise in 2023. 

Here are the 12 transfers you as a Pac-12 fan need to look out for in 2023!

Arizona: Justin Flowe, LB

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: Oregon 

After being one of the most famous high school recruits in recent memory, Oregon linebacker Justin Flowe only played in two games in his first two years in Eugene due to injury. This past season he played in 10 games, but ultimately decided he needed a fresh start. While he obviously was well known as a recruit, his production has yet to match the hype surrounding him which is why he is my pick here. If fans had forgotten about him or maybe not even known he was at Arizona I wouldn't be shocked, I also wouldn't be shocked if he makes some noise down in Tucson with a new opportunity to help a rising Arizona team.

Arizona State: Cameron Skattebo, RB

Arizona State Sun Devils' Cameron Skattebo trains with assistant running backs coach Shaun Aguano during spring football practice at the Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on March 16, 2023. Ncaa Football Asu Spring Football Practice
Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Previous School: Sacramento State

Cameron Skattebo was a key part of Sacramento State's playoff run this past season racking up nearly 1,400 rushing yards on 195 carries, while recording seven rushing touchdowns. He can also be used in a multitude of ways in the passing game as he caught 31 passes last season as well. Sun Devils fans likely have learned to love him already, but for those around the conference don't be surprised when this 5-foot-10 ball of power is running all over your defense. 

Also be on the lookout for Texas transfer wide receiver transfer, Troy Omeire, who has only been healthy enough to appear in four games in three years. If he is healthy he can be a matchup nightmare. 

Cal: Patrick McMorris, DB

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: San Diego State

Everyone is well aware of Cal's quarterback Sam Jackson V, so let's take a look at the defensive side of the ball. San Diego State defensive back Patric McMorris transferred to Cal on the first day of the spring transfer portal window. He comes as a very accomplished safety having been a two-time All-Mountain West Conference player as well as the 2022 MWC co-Defensive Player of the Year. With all of the elite passers in the conference, having a proven veteran in the secondary is a luxury. 

 

UCLA: J.Michael Sturdivant, WR

Michael Caterina / USA TODAY NETWORK

Previous School: Cal

Part of me wanted to go with Carson Steele but the Ball State running back transfer became an internet sensation when he transferred to UCLA. In a tad quieter of a move, Cal receiver J.Michael Sturdivant elected to transfer down South. He had 65 catches for 755-yards last season as well as seven touchdowns, and will be a huge target for whoever is slinging the rock at UCLA. The big bodied receiver is always open and can make big catches for the Bruins.

Colorado: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: USF 

There are quite literally so many options for the Buffs as to who could be a transfer to look out for, but speedster Jimmy Horn Jr. is one that catches my eye. While many people are focusing on Travis Hunter or Shedeur Sanders, the USF pass catcher made a name for himself early in Boulder. He was the first player on the team to earn his number, and should be on display in Sean Lewis' offense. 

Another player to look out for is Horn's former teammate at USF Xavier Weaver, who also will be suiting up in the Black and Gold. Weaver departed from USF as one of the most accomplished receivers ever. Fans also need to know the name Jordan Domineck, as the Arkansas EDGE transfer has a knack for getting to the quarterback. 

Oregon: Traeshon Holden, WR

Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: Alabama

After having some bright moments at Alabama, Holden opted for a fresh start. The Alabama receiving core this past season was by far the program's weakest in years, but Holden still managed to make some big plays. He is expected to be a target that Bo Nix relies on heavily, and will likely be working even harder following his second chance after charges against him for menacing, coercion and unlawful use of a weapon were dropped and he was dismissed by Dan Lanning. 

Oregon State: Oluwaseyi Omotosho, EDGE

Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: Wyoming 

Oregon State had one of the best defenses in the country last season ranking No. 26 in total defense. While they did lose their star linebacker, they did add a tenacious pass rusher in Oluwaseyi Omotosho out of Wyoming. The redshirt freshman burst onto the scene a year ago for the Cowboys recording 46 total tackles and 6.5 sacks. The Beavers have a chance to win the Pac-12 and also be a dark horse playoff team, so having a dominant pass rusher will only help their chances. Especially in a conference that has the best quarterbacks. 

 

USC: MarShawn Lloyd, RB

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: South Carolina 

USC's transfer efforts have been far outshined by what Coach Prime is doing in Boulder, but they still have managed to assemble the No. 2 transfer class in the portal. Everyone is well aware of wide receiver Dorian Singer (Arizona) and  defensive tackle Bear Alexander (Georgia) but South Carolina running back MarShawn Lloyd is poised for a massive year at the real USC. Despite being listed at 5-foot-9 Lloyd is powerful, and when he's not running people over he is shaking them out of their shoes. The Trojans lost Travis Dye to the NFL who could do everything, and while they still have Raleek Brown, I think Lloyd and he will be the perfect combo to complement Caleb Williams and the passing game.

Stanford: Trevor Mayberry, OL

Troy Taylor
Stanford Athletics

Previous School: Penn 

Troy Taylor was able to bring in four transfers for the Cardinal which is historical for this program, with FIU linebacker Gaethan Bernadel being one grabbing the most headlines. However, I think the toughness and grittiness of Penn offensive line transfer Trevor Mayberry is why fans should look out for him. He can play multiple positions across the offensive line, and he will have a major role considering Stanford lost almost all of their unit from a year ago. 

Utah: Levani Damuni, LB

Stanford Cardinal linebacker Levani Damuni (3) tackles Utah Utes running back TJ Pledger (5) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium.
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: Stanford

 One of the most experienced players from Stanford to enter the portal, Damuni has played in 30 games in the past three seasons. He was a tackling machine for the Cardinal racking up over 200 total tackles, and also added an impressive nine tackles for a loss during his time in Palo Alto. At Utah he will look to help the Utes three-peat, and he will likely be laying the lumber on unsuspecting ball carries all year. He is a great leader and is seemingly always in the right spot.

Washington: Josh Cuevas, TE

Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Previous School: Cal Poly

As if Washington Michael Penix Jr. didn't need anymore help to dominate opposing defenses, the Huskies not only returned all their star pass catchers and their offensive coordinator who reportedly turned down the Alabama gig, they also added a freak at tight end. 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman out of Cal Poly, Josh Cuevas, just adds to Washington's embarrassment of riches. He provides a massive target for Penix, and will have plenty of chances with secondaries having to pick their poison between him Jalen McMillan, Rome Odunze, and Ja'Lyn Polk. Despite being on a lackluster Cal Poly team he still put up numbers, recording nearly 60 catches for 678 yards, and six touchdowns. 

Washington State: Kyle Williams, WR

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sport

Previous School: UNLV

With an offense predicated on letting Cam Ward air it out, it really helps to have quality pass catchers for him to throw to. Kyle Williams could end up being a household name by the end of next season, as the UNLV transfer is a perfect fit for Ben Arbuckle's offense. Williams was poised for a big year this past season, but was only able to play in nine games. Despite missing three games last season, Williams still recorded 40 catches for 541 yards, and five touchdowns. Expected to hear a lot of "Ward to Williams" in 2023 as the Cougars look to make a push to being one of the Pac-12 dark horses.

Published
Kevin Borba
KEVIN BORBA

Managing Editor and Publisher of CardinalCountry.com, formerly a Pac-12 Network Production Assistant and a contributing writer for USA Today's Longhorns Wire. I am a proud graduate of Quinnipiac University's sports journalism master's program. Follow me on Twitter @Kevin__Borba 

Home/Football