One of the busiest intervals of the college football season is currently underway. The first window of the CFB transfer portal opened on Dec. 5, leading to over 1,000 early entries. While some of these prospects will serve as rotational pieces for new programs, there’s a handful of budding stars in the market.

Some of the highest ranked prospects in the transfer portal class include veteran quarterbacks like Devin Leary, Hudson Card and D.J. Uiagalelei. The two highest ranked prospects in the 247Sports ratings include cornerbacks Denver Harris and Fentrell Cypress.

Many of these players will test the waters in the early stage of the portal, taking official visits to possible schools and speaking with coaching staff members at other programs. While it’s been just over a week since the portal officially opened, there’s been buzz around the following players, giving us a perfect time to predict their landing spot.

Devin Leary, NC State Wolfpack QB

NC State transfer Devin Leary is the most sought after quarterback on the market. Leary hit the transfer portal after his redshirt junior season with the Wolfpack. He recorded 11 touchdowns and 1,265 yards in six games this season after he was ruled out with a torn pectoral muscle. Leary is currently ranked as the No. 1 quarterback prospect and No. 3 overall prospect in the 2023 transfer class.

The hype around Leary comes from an illustrious career at NC State where he was the first quarterback to start as a redshirt freshman since Russell Wilson in 2010. Injuries and inexperience derailed his early time as the signal caller, but in 2021 Leary opened the eyes of everyone in the college football world. On paper he was one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, notching 35 touchdowns and 3,433 yards, with just five interceptions and 65.7 completion percentage.

Leary could pick and choose which program fits best for his style of play, or he could turn the corner and head back to Raleigh. He needs to be in a position where he starts at the 2023 season because he has just one year of eligibility remaining, unless there’s a waiver involved.

Prediction: Florida Gators

Dominic Lovett, Missouri Tigers WR

There’s always space for a talented receiver on any roster, especially one like Dominic Lovett who has yet to reach his full potential, waiting on the right offensive scheme. In two active seasons for the Missouri Tigers Lovett has been a consistent threat in the pass game, jotting three touchdowns and 846 yards on 56 receptions in 2022.

The Tigers are constantly sitting at the bottom of the SEC. They’ve been able to compete on multiple occasions, especially this season, but they’re nothing more than mediocre. For the second straight season, they’ve won six games, which likely doesn’t sit well for such a skilled player like Lovett. Missouri has already replaced some of his production with the recent commitment of Theo Wease, so it’s Lovett’s turn to test the waters.

Lovett might be one of the most underrated players in the transfer portal after having one of the best receiving seasons in the NCAA’s best conference. Potential landing spots that have been mentioned with Lovett include Oregon, Oklahoma, Texas, Alabama and Colorado.

Prediction: Texas Longhorns