Will Rogers picked up a Crystal Ball to Washington this week, and the Huskies are in a “strong position” for the Mississippi State transfer, according to Zenitz. Thamel speculates how adding Rogers to Washington’s roster will affect the rest of the room:

“Washington’s in a unique spot,” Thamel said. “I’ve heard a lot of Will Rogers buzz there. Although that’s not done, that’s just buzz. Washington has a really good player and a young player on campus in Dylan Morris. They got a five-star commitment from the Sacramento area. Does that change the calculus, too?”

CAM WARD AND WILL HOWARD ARE NAMES TO WATCH AT USC

Washington State’s Cameron Ward is one of the hottest names on the transfer market and is a priority for USC this offseason. The same goes for Kansas State quarterback Will Howard.

“USC has been flirting around Cam Ward,” Thamel said. “They’ve been flirting around Will Howard,” Thamel said. “The respective starters from Washington State and Kansas State are names to watch at So Cal. He also used the Trojans’ QB room as an example of why bringing in transfers can have ripple effects on down the roster.”

FSU IS NOT AS HIGH ON DJ UIAGALELEI AS SOME REPORT

Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz reported that Florida State and Louisville were early options once Uiagalelei entered the portal. Though the Cardinals are off the board after Tyler Shough’s commitment, Mississippi State has reportedly emerged as an option thanks to new head coach Jeff Lebby.

“Florida State’s in the market,” Thamel said. “There’s a couple of guys that they had that they’ve looked at. There’s a little bit of buzz of DJ Uiagalelei, but I think he’s a little down their list.”

NOTRE DAME STILL THE FAVORITE FOR RILEY LEONARD

Leonard visited Notre Dame this week and picked up his eighth Crystal Ball pick in favor of the Irish on Thursday. Other schools, including Ohio State, have expressed interest in Leonard, but the Irish remain in an excellent position in his recruitment.

“Riley Leonard [visited Notre Dame this week],” Thamel said. “I was told his great-grandfather played football at Notre Dame, and that appears to be fated, but it’s not done until it’s done.”

GEORGIA MAY LOOK FOR DEPTH IN THE PORTAL IF CARSON BECK LEAVES

There is “growing optimism” within the Georgia program that quarterback Carson Beck will spurn the NFL Draft and return to Athens next season, per Zenitz. However, if he opts to turn pro, the Bulldogs have limited depth at the quarterback position behind five-star Dylan Raiola now that Brock Vandagriff is at Kentucky and could look to the portal.

“What if Carson Beck leaves Georgia?” Thamel said. “He’s a solid, solid prospect. He didn’t play great in the SEC title game, but that could be open.”

OHIO STATE IS A THREAT TO JUMP INTO QB SWEEPSTAKES

Ohio State has had at least one conversation with Washington State transfer Cameron Ward, but Ryan Day and company have kept their card close to the chest, per Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz. The Buckeyes could wait to see what they have in Devin Brown after Kyle McCord’s departure, per Thamel.

“You know, for for a place like Ohio State, do they or don’t they? Devin Brown gets an audition in the bowl game, right,” Thamel said. “It’ll be really interesting to see if they jump in the sweepstakes.”

LSU IS ROLLING WITH GARRETT NUSSMEIER

Glen West of Geaux247 reported that LSU is “very comfortable” with backup Garrett Nussmeier but made a case for the Tigers to add a quarterback in the transfer portal. The former four-star recruit has completed 51.5% of his passes for 196 yards and one touchdown across six games this season. He’s an early dark horse for the Heisman, according to Brad Crawford.

“LSU is probably going to go with Garrett Nussmeier, who’s been the longtime backup, who I think is really talented,” Thamel said.