With the college football season over, coaches are now looking toward the 2022 season.
Transfers have become an integral part of the roster management process and a way too quickly fill needs and holes. Plenty of big names have transferred already, and with nearly 80% of the top 2022 recruits signing in December, we have a good picture of who might make an immediate impact next season.
Factoring in transfers, 2022 prospects and freshmen who didn't see the field this season, here are some of the immediate-impact newcomers for each top-25 team for the 2022 season.
1. Alabama Crimson Tide
CB Eli Ricks
Sophomore
Transfer from LSU
Alabama has a few options who could go on this list with Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs transferring in and the staff signing another top-three recruiting class headlined by five-star wide receiver Shazz Preston and ESPN 300 defensive tackle Jaheim Oatis. But Alabama is losing some contributors in the secondary, and as was on display in the national championship game, its youth and lack of experience at corner needed to be addressed. Ricks was a freshman All-American in 2020. He missed most of the 2021 season because of a shoulder injury but should be able to make an immediate impact at Alabama.