Top 5 transfers Big Ten teams acquired through winter window of portal ft. Fernando Mendoza

After Michigan's title last year and Ohio State in this year's title game, the Big Ten could emerge as the next football powerhouse conference. Schools from the conference have been competing for top-end talent.

With the transfer portal closed and commitments in full swing, some top prospects have already found a home in the Big Ten.

Top 5 transfers acquired by Big Ten teams

Tight end Max Klare (Ohio State), defensive lineman Bear Alexander (Oregon) and wide receivers Johntay Cook (Washington) and Williams Nwaneri (Nebraska) are among the top prospects.

Here, let's look at the top five transfers for the Big Ten until now.

Tacario Davis will join former Arizona head coach Jedd Fisch at Washington. - Source: Imagn

#5. Isaiah World, OT, Oregon Ducks

The rich got richer here. After an undefeated regular season and Big Ten Championship, Oregon landed the top offensive tackle in the transfer portal, according to 247Sports. In the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, the Ohio State pass rush took over the game, highlighting the importance of the position.

World allowed 13 pressures and didn’t give up a sack in 2024. He’s started 35 games in four years and didn’t miss a start in his final two years at Nevada.

Right tackle Ajani Cornelius is graduating, so the former Wolfpack player can fill in right away, even if Josh Conerly Jr. stays at Eugene.

#4. Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan Wolverines

The Michigan offensive makeover continued with the Wolverines getting former Alabama running back Justice Haynes in the transfer portal. Haynes was the top running back in the 247Sports ranking.

The Buford, Georgia native ran for 448 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore. He will look to take the lion’s share of touches out of the backfield for a school that likes to control games with their ground game.

Michigan also has freshman Jordan Marshall on the roster, and he should see some playing time. Haynes was also believed to be pursued by Big Ten rival Ohio State, so that could make it an even bigger addition for Michigan.

#3. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington Huskies

After three solid years in Arizona, Tacario Davis will be moving further West, as he will rejoin Jedd Fisch at Washington. Davis finished the 2024 season with 46 tackles and six pass deflections and is the top-ranked corner in the portal.

While he only intercepted one pass in three years, the Millikan High School product has 22 passes defended during that time, as offenses usually stay away from him.

The Huskies will attempt to bounce back after a 6-7 season in which they lost to Louisville in the Sun Bowl.

#2. Dane Key, WR, Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Cornhuskers retooled their wide receiver room, getting Williams Nwaneri from Missouri, but Dane Key is the crown jewel for the program in this transfer portal. Key had an impact on the Kentucky offense since his true freshman year. In three seasons with the Wildcats, he totaled 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The Lexington, Kentucky native had career-highs in catches (47) and yards (715) in 2024. He will now become a target for Dylan Raiola in the revamped Nebraska attack. If Key and Raiola can develop a rapport, the Huskers' passing attack could be vastly improved.

#1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers

The Indiana Hoosiers jumped into the upper echelon of the Big Ten, making the College Football Playoff in the process. With Kurtis Rourke graduating, the Hoosiers found their quarterback in Fernando Mendoza.

In 2024, the former California Bear passed for 3,004 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was the third-best quarterback prospect in the portal and still has two years of eligibility left.

With Mendoza under center, Indiana will attempt to replicate this season’s success and stay in the upper echelon of the conference.