Hershey McLaurin Transfer Portal: Top 3 Landing Spots for Houston Safety if exit rumors are true

Houston Cougars starting safety Hershey McLaurin has reportedly entered the transfer portal after one season. McLaurin spent his first two years at West Virginia before transferring to Houston in 2024.

The safety has entered the portal as a grad transfer, according to ON3's Pete Nakos.

McLaurin will be sought after by any team looking to improve its secondary. Here are three landing spots for the safety.

Hershey McLaurin Transfer Portal: Top 3 Landing Spots

#1. Ole Miss Rebels

Hershey McLaurin is from Mississippi so the most logical landing spot is going home as a graduate transfer and playing for Ole Miss.

With Lane Kiffin as the head coach, the Rebels will be a legit playoff contender, so McLaurin would be able to compete for a national championship. He also could test himself in the SEC which could boost his NFL draft stock.

Ole Miss' starting safety Trey Washington is a senior and won't return, so there is an opening for McLaurin to come in and be an immediate starter.

#2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame is one of the top teams in college football and will be able to land several of the top players in the portal.

One of Notre Dame's starting safeties is Xavier Watts who's expected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With that, coach Marcus Freeman will likely go into the transfer portal to find a replacement.

McLaurin would be a good fit as last season with Houston, he recorded 50 tackles, 3 pass defense, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble and an interception. He would also add some experience to the defense, which is always important.

#3. Mississippi State

If Hershey McLaurin wants to be a key player on defense, transferring to Mississippi State makes a lot of sense. McLaurin is also from Mississippi, so he would be able to return home.

The Bulldogs were the worst team in the SEC last season and will be active in the portal to try and rebuild their roster. McLaurin could help add some experience to the secondary which was an issue last season.