AJ Rollins transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Nebraska player ft. UCF
AJ Rollins can attest that the transfer portal isn't just young guys looking for their next paycheck. Unfortunately, some players like Rollins are likely getting squeezed out of their current schools due to the 105-player limit being imposed. Rollins has a single year of eligibility, but the market will unlikely be too wild.
Rollins was a three-star recruit from Omaha who came to Nebraska as a tight end. He sat in that position for some years before moving to the defensive line for 2023. He played four games in that role, making seven tackles, before moving back to tight end in 2024 and playing two.
So, Rollins is essentially a player with little college experience and no super-clear position. He'll have a single year of eligibility. Here's an early forecast of his portal possibilities.
AJ Rollins Transfer Portal: 5 possible portal landing spots
5. None
The brutal truth is that a one-year player with no real experience or position isn't likely to be coveted by many top programs. If Rollins had multiple years or a track record of productivity, his situation would be difficult. As it is, his best shot at continuing his career would be moving to FCS football, which is why a couple of picks on the list reflect that reality.
4. South Dakota
South Dakota is in the middle of the FCS playoff run after a 10-2 mark so far this season. The Coyotes are the best FCS team close to Nebraska. Rollins's 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame could certainly be useful, whether at tight end or defensive line. Playing for a top FCS team is probably a better fate than sitting on the bench elsewhere.
3. Drake
The FCS Drake Bulldogs are another program that's within proximity to Lincoln and Omaha. Drake was 8-3 last season and again, Rollins's size and skill set would find an immediate home at the FCS level. If Rollins does have future football aspirations, getting on tape at a good FCS school is probably more helpful than he would immediately realize.
2. Iowa State
One of the schools that recruited Rollins out of high school, the Cyclones could be interested. Iowa State might like Rollins better on the defensive line than at tight end. The Cyclones will lose some senior defensive linemen, while their top two tight ends should return in 2025. Aside from the interest of the school, the priority for Rollins matters.
It's unlikely that in one season, he would see plenty of playing time at Iowa State. That said, the Cyclones were in the thick of the Big 12 title hunt and could let Rollins have one more year of top-level FBS football.
1. UCF
The Knights were another team that sought Rollins out of his high school class. The 4-8 UCF squad will have a new coach next season. Scott Frost might see the merit in adding a veteran player to bridge the gap until his recruits are ready to take over. Again, there would be some questions about the position.
UCF's top tight end was a sophomore last year and will likely return. However, Rollins's size could make him a contributor on the defensive line. Again, the biggest part of this portal situation will be Rollins's preferences, which are hard to guess.
Where do you think AJ Rollins will end up? Share your thoughts below in our comments section!