Former Top 70 Recruit Enters College Football Transfer Portal
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The college football transfer portal is currently in full swing, with numerous players entering and choosing where they will play next season.
Players have until Friday to enter the transfer portal; otherwise, they must remain at their current schools. This season marks the first year with only one transfer window, eliminating the winter and spring windows.
The transfer portal gained another addition on Wednesday: former four-star tight end Davon Mitchell, who was ranked in the top 70 among players in the country, has decided to enter the portal. Mitchell was reclassified to the 2024 recruiting class, moving from being regarded as the top tight end prospect in the 2025 class.
Mitchell began his career with the Oklahoma Sooners, having chosen OU over prominent programs such as Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and USC. His recruiting profile indicates that his secondary recruiter for Oklahoma was Jeff Lebby, who is now the head coach at Mississippi State.
He did not record any statistics for them and chose to transfer to the Louisville Cardinals for his redshirt freshman season. During this season, he participated in only two games and caught one pass for eight yards.
Mitchell’s decision immediately places him among the more intriguing upside plays still available in the portal, particularly at a position where proven depth is hard to find. Despite limited production so far in his college career, his recruiting pedigree and physical tools will probably draw attention from programs looking to develop a tight end with long-term potential.
One storyline to monitor is whether Mississippi State becomes involved. Lebby played a key role in Mitchell’s original recruitment to Oklahoma, and head coaches often revisit familiar evaluations when searching the portal late in the cycle. Programs with tight end needs may view Mitchell as a developmental option rather than a plug-and-play starter.
With the portal window closing on Friday, Mitchell’s recruitment could move quickly. Wherever he lands, the upcoming offseason will be pivotal in determining whether he can finally translate elite high school expectations into on-field production at the college level.
Related: No. 1 Ranked OL Predicted to Command $3.5 Million After Transfer Portal Decision
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos