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Top 5 Defensive Players in the College Transfer Portal ft. Princewill Umanmielen and Jaheim Oatis

The transfer portal is rolling and defensive players are making a splash. Sure, the offensive guys get most of the attention, but the pass rushers, lockdown corners and impact linebackers are coming. Defensive transfers are basically guaranteed to have a major role in 2025. Here are five of the top defenders who have put their names into the portal already.

Top 5 Defensive Players in the portal

Despite a solid season, Matt Rhule and Nebraska are taking some losses defensively in the transfer portal. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)
Despite a solid season, Matt Rhule and Nebraska are taking some losses defensively in the transfer portal. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

5. Jaheim Oatis, Alabama

Oatis played two full seasons at Alabama before opting out early in 2024. The 6-foot-5 road clogging tackle has 57 tackles and three tackles for loss in his college career. A top defensive tackle prospect, Oatis's best football is probably still ahead of him.

Unlike most portal players, Oatis has had time to research his options. He's widely expected to head to Colorado and join Deion Sanders's squad, which will be n impressive recruiting victory for the Buffs.

4. Williams Nwaneri, Missouri

A 6-7 defensive end star, Nwaneri was a massive recruiting pickup for Missouri. Unfortunately, that's about the last anybody has seen of Nwaneri. He has just one tackle in brief playing time as a Tiger, so his decision to enter the portal isn't shocking.

In discussing Nwaneri, it's a conversation about potential. His size, speed and physicality can be coached into brilliance. He's not there yet, but there'll be no lack of power programs willing to help him reach his massive potential.

3. James Williams, Nebraska

A two-star recruit out of high school, Williams was a JUCO player and then a walk-on. But now, the 6-6 pass rusher is a star. In two years at Nebraska, Williams had seven sacks, with five coming last season. He redshirted in his first year, so he still has two years of eligibility ahead.

Williams came out of nowhere and has consistently shown the ability to drop opposing QBs at every level of football. It'll be interesting to see who wants to get in on his recruitment, because an under-the-radar guy is most assuredly getting noticed now.

2. Tacario Davis, Arizona

A three-year standout at Arizona, the 6-4 Davis is an excellent pass defender. He has 76 career tackles but has broken up a massive 23 passes. Davis does have just a single interception, but his 2023 season with 16 pass break ups put him on the map.

Davis earned second-team All-Big 12 honors this season and will be an immediate contributor in most secondaries. His mixture of size and ball skills will make him one of the most recruited players in the entire portal. Keep an eye on Davis for further stardom.

1. Princewill Umanmielen, Nebraska

A 6-5 linebacking prospect, Umanmielen saw relatively scan playing time at Nebraska. In two seasons, he has just a single start. Umanmielen has flashed some impressive skills, with 35 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

Umanmielen is still a work in progress, but he's got an elite set of tools to deploy with two years of college eligibility. With a crafty coaching staff and more playing time, Umanmielen could explode in 2025. Plenty of top teams are already battling for his commitment, including Ole Miss and Texas A&M.

Who would make your list of top defensive portal entries? Weigh in below in our comments section!

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