If you ask me, I think two teams won the transfer portal this offseason: SMU and UCLA.
Here is why.
A few programs may have gotten higher profile names than the two teams I chose. For instance, you could argue Texas landing Torrey Stafford and Ramsey Gary were two of the biggest names. Perhaps the highest profile transfer was Kennedy Martin heading over to Penn State.
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But, SMU and UCLA got literal roster revamps.
Let’s start with the Mustangs. They burst onto the scene last year with a team made up of transfers — and proved it could work. They lost pretty much all of their talent, from Naya Shime on the right side, Celia Cullen at setter, Nnedi Okkammor in the middle and more.
They completely refilled their roster with Averi Carlson transferring from Texas to set for them. Additionally, Favor Anyanwu and Jadyn Livings both transferred in from USC. Anyanwu averaged 2.26 points per set last year and over one block per set last season. Then they picked up Jordyn Schilling, the Big South Libero of the Year. All the key pieces for a revamped roster.
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UCLA finished 12th in the Big Ten last year, going 8-12 in the conference and missing the ɬַ tournament. Now, they start the season ranked No. 18 in the AVCA poll. I have them at No. 10 in my Power 10.
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They picked up Maggi Li from Cal on the outside — she is unbelievable. She averaged 4.49 points per set last season and will immediately change this UCLA offense. She will join Cheridyn Leverette, who had a fantastic last season. Both start this year on the AVCA POTY watch list.
𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 ‘𝐞𝐦 👀
— UCLA Women's Volleyball (@UCLAWomensVB)
Cheridyn Leverette and Maggie Li have been named to the AVCA Player of the Year watch list!
The Bruins bring in Zayna Meyer, the 2023 Big West Setter of the Year, with loads of experience. They also signed two insanely good and experienced middles in Phekran Kong, who has played in the ɬַ semifinals for Louisville multiple times, and Texas’ Marianna Singletary, who is a blocking machine and provides ample offense.
And it doesn't even end there. They bolstered their libero position as well with the pick up of Lola Schumacher from Wisconsin who hasn't even begun to reach her potential yet while transferring as just a sophomore.
Those are two total face lifts. Not just one, two or three big transfers but a whole roster makeover. If I have to pick one winner, it is UCLA.
I have a few other winners that I have to mention. As I previously stated, there's Texas near the top. Arizona State did sneakily well with three big-time players Kentucky, Wisconsin and Penn State.
