TJ Metcalf transfer portal: Top 5 landing spots for Arkansas safety ft. Missouri
Despite a solid season, Arkansas has some major issues in the transfer portal. Razorback defensive back TJ Metcalf has entered the portal. His brother, Tevis, who also plays for Arkansas is also in the portal. A pair of talented defensive backs together in the portal is like a double scoop of ice cream to many coaches in the portal.
TJ Metcalf is already a superior prospect. He had a brilliant 2024 season with the Razorbacks, posting 57 tackles and breaking up 10 passes including three interceptions. He's one of the better safeties in the Southeastern Conference and will have two seasons of eligibility left.
Many schools that originally recruited Metcalf out of high school will align well as portal suitors. The three-star prospect from Alabama is now an experienced defender who is a plug-and-play guy at most college programs. Here are five schools that might end up landing Metcalf.
TJ Metcalf transfer portal: 5 likely landing spots
5. Auburn
Metcalf is an in-state guy with a talented younger brother who can play immediately. For a coach coming off 6-7 and 5-7 seasons, Hugh Freeze needs to make a splash in 2025. Meanwhile, the only Auburn safety with more than one interception in 2024 was a senior.
Metcalf makes plenty of sense for the Tigers. Auburn needs wins in a hurry and Metcalf is a proven quality. Auburn missed out on recruiting Metcalf out of high school, but they could be involved significantly in his transfer portal move.
4. Ole Miss
The Rebels are an eternal player in the transfer portal. Lane Kiffin is in favor of big spending or finding big-time players. Meanwhile, both Ole Miss safeties who had interceptions in 2024 are seniors. The Rebels have had significant portal success in recent seasons, and picking up a few SEC defensive backs could be significant.
3. Penn State
Penn State was the only school other than Arkansas that got an official visit from Metcalf in his first recruitment. James Franklin is certainly familiar with Metcalf and his skill set. Meanwhile, the only Penn State safety with multiple interceptions is a senior.
Metcalf could jump to a playoff-bound team in the other college football powerhouse. The chance to play for one of the nation's top programs in one of the nation's largest stadiums is a pretty apparent promotion. Meanwhile, Penn State would benefit from a veteran defensive back with experience against some of the nation's top teams. Sounds like a win-win situation.
2. Colorado
Coach Prime and the portal go together like peanut butter and jelly. However, Sanders recruited Metcalf significantly out of high school. Jackson State was one of his recruiting finalists, based on the groundwork Sanders laid.
But now, instead of an FCS program with no national exposure, Sanders has made Colorado a must-see program. Metcalf is an immediate impact guy for a coach who certainly knows a few things about defensive backs. Grabbing a few SEC defensive backs in one recruiting swoop seems like a natural Deion move.
1. Missouri
Missouri has already been working on this connection. Eli Drinkwitz has been aggressive in the portal as Missouri lacks the natural recruiting base of many SEC powers. But a 9-3 season that misses the playoff shows the continued trajectory of Drinkwitz's program.
Meanwhile, one of the two Missouri safeties with an interception this season was a senior. The Tigers would love a plug-and-play safety option with SEC experience. It's not surprising that they've been involved quickly in this recruitment, and the short move from Arkansas (comparatively short, anyway) could make this a natural fit for Metcalf.
What do you think of TJ Metcalf's portal possibilities? Share your pick below in our comments section!