Jordan Dingle Transfer Portal: 3 potential landing spots for Kentucky TE ft. Alabama
Tight end Jordan Dingle will enter the transfer portal after four seasons with the Kentucky Wildcats. Dingle's former team had a difficult year and was the second-worst team in the Southeastern Conference. On Thursday, he shared a post on X/Twitter thanking the Kentucky fanbase and announcing his departure.
Kentucky (4-8, 3-5 SEC) ended the season with a blowout 41-14 loss to the Louisville Cardinals (8-4, 4-2 Atlantic Coast Conference) in Week 14 on Nov. 30. Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt struggled in his final performance of the year against the Cardinals' defense. He ended the game by completing four of nine passes, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Kentucky hasn't featured Dingle in the offense since their 48-6 victory over the Murray State Racers (1-11, 0-8 Missouri Valley Football Conference) in Week 12 on Nov. 16. He had two receptions for 17 yards. The decision to leave Kentucky may send the tight end to a team that will give him more time to play.
He had nine receptions for 71 yards and one touchdown for the season. The tight end's regular season stats are a step down from last year when he achieved 11 receptions for 198 yards. Before he wraps up his college career, Dingle hopes to have his best season with a new program to get drafted to the NFL.
Here are three teams he could join for his final year via the transfer portal.
Top 3 landing spots for Jordan Dingle via transfer portal
#3. Alabama
The No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide (9-3, 5-3 SEC) could take a chance on the former Kentucky player. Alabama is in a position to play in the College Football Playoffs but may need more offensive help next year.
They are losing tight end CJ Dippre as he finishes his senior year. Dippre has the third most catches from his team, with 19 receptions for 238 yards.
Alabama will have Josh Cuevas for his final year next season. The tight end has the fourth-most catches for "The Tide," achieving 15 receptions for 213 yards and one touchdown. Dingle would have to compete for playing time over Cuevas if he were to join. However, he could impress in training camp to get the starting nod over him.
#2. Utah
The Utah Utes (5-7, 2-7 Big 12) want to make moves to have a better record next year. The team ended their season on a high note with a 28-14 win over the UCF Knights (4-8, 2-7 Big 12) in Week 14 on Nov. 29. Their best tight end this season, Brant Kuithe, will be exiting after his sixth season with the team. Kuithe had the second most receptions for Utah, with 35 for 505 yards and six touchdowns.
Dingle could step in and help contribute on offense. He may need to compete with Carson Ryan for playing time though. Ryan had 10 receptions for 113 yards and one touchdown this season. Utah may look first for him to see if he can take Kuithe place when he leaves. If the Utes sign Dingle from the transfer portal, he could get an opportunity to take over if Ryan can't perform to their standard.
#3. Duke
The Duke Blue Devils (9-3, 5-3 ACC) are another team that could try to get Dingle to join their program. Duke had a good season and earned eligibility to compete in a bowl game. Their last win was a close 23-17 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (4-8, 2-6 ACC) on Nov. 30. Although most of the receptions have come from the wide receivers, the Blue Devils may benefit from adding Dingle to their roster.
Tight end Nicky Dalmolin will finish his college career after the season is over. He has a total of 11 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns after Week 14.
The other noticeable tight end who can return next year is sophomore Jake Taylor. He has eight receptions for 62 yards. Duke adding Dingle to the roster for his senior year would give them depth at tight end and someone with more experience.
Where do you think Jordan Dingle should play his college football next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.