The NCAA transfer portal was created six years ago to “manage and facilitate the process for student-athletes seeking to transfer between member institutions.” It began with a trickle and now it’s a flood.

About 1,700 FBS players entered the portal during its first full year. Nearly 4,000 FBS players entered the portal coming into the 2024 season.

San Diego State had nearly four dozen players exit to or enter from the portal coming into the 2024 season. A similar number could be expected for 2025.

San Diego State coach Sean Lewis said by the end of this week he will speak with each player in the Aztecs’ program who still has eligibility remaining.

“The way I’m approaching it is we have 100-plus guys that are unrestricted free agents,” Lewis said, “and we’re going to have 100 unique conversations. That’s the nature of college football right now. … We’ll have a great idea of who on our roster is excited to build and create with us versus who thinks there’s greener grass at different pastures.”

The Union-Tribune will keep track of the comings and goings here.

Players in the transfer portal who are transferring to SDSU

The NCAA transfer portal does not open until Monday, Dec. 9. Players can enter their names until Dec. 28. Incoming transfer announcements are not expected until mid- to late-December and carry in January. Spring classes at SDSU begin Jan. 21.

SDSU players who are entering the transfer portal

Dean Abdullah, Sr., OL, Antelope

Notable: Part-time starter who left the team after three games to preserve his senior season of eligibility.

Portal announcement: Nov. 11

Years of eligibility remaining: 1

After much consideration, I have decided to utilize my redshirt after 4 games and enter my name into the transfer portal in December for my final year of eligibility. I appreciate San Diego State for all the experiences and relationships formed over these past few years.🖤 pic.twitter.com/3QYV5CjeNn

— dean (@deanabdullahh) November 11, 2024

Brady Anderson, R-Jr., LB, Bakersfield

Notable: He was one of eight players remaining from the 25-man 2021 recruiting class. Backup linebacker who had 15 tackles in 11 games.

Portal announcement: Dec. 3

Years of eligibility remaining: 1

I have entered the transfer portal with 1 year of eligibility left as a Grad Transfer. pic.twitter.com/mRIW8aaXmV

— Brady Anderson (@brady2andersonn) December 3, 2024

Baylin Brooks, So., WR, Pasadena

Notable: Left the team after three games to preserve his sophomore season of eligibility. Had two receptions for 14 yards in three games this season. Played as a true freshman in 2023, making four starts, collecting 15 catches for 261 yards.

Portal announcement: Sept. 25

Years of eligibility remaining: 3

After 3 games, I have decided to utilize my redshirt & enter the portal at the end of the season as a RS FR with 3 years of eligibility. I’m grateful for SDSU & wish them nothing but success. I am excited to continue my football career. pic.twitter.com/Ed7Nu5ura0

— Baylin Brooks 23’ (@BrooksBaylin) September 25, 2024

Wyatt Draeger, Sr., DL, Reno

Notable: Season was cut short after two games because of an injury, so he is utilizing a medical redshirt.

Portal announcement: Oct. 23

Years of eligibility remaining: 1

AZTEC 4️⃣ LIFE pic.twitter.com/GmrmCaIN6S

— Wyatt Draeger (@WyattDraeger) October 23, 2024

Ezekiel Larry, So., Edge, Palmdale

Notable: Transferred last spring to SDSU from Yale following a six-sack season. Backup edge who had two tackles in seven of eight games.

Portal announcement: Dec. 2

Years of eligibility remaining: 2

I will be entering the transfer portal with 2 years of eligibility remaining. Psalms 37:5 pic.twitter.com/nQZmisx0hy

— ezekiel larry (@ezekiellarry7) December 2, 2024

Keion Mitchell, R-So., DL, Framingham, Mass.

Notable: Walk-on who played in six games this season:

Portal announcement: Dec. 2

Years of eligibility remaining: 2

Thank you San Diego!❤️🖤#aztecforlife

Game film posted here in second slide. More film soon pic.twitter.com/XbebYFBdPy

— Keion Mitchell (@KeionMitchell1) December 3, 2024

Dominic Oliver, R-Jr., Edge, San Jose

Notable: He was one of eight players remaining from the 25-man 2021 recruiting class. Backup edge rusher who had 15 tackles in 10 games.

Portal announcement: Dec. 3

Years of eligibility remaining: 1

Officially entering the transfer portal as a Post Grad transfer with 1 year of eligibility remaining. pic.twitter.com/8LY1n3q8A2

— Dominic Oliver (@DominicOliver24) December 3, 2024

Bennett Walker, Sr., CB, San Diego

Notable: Left the team after three games to preserve his senior year of eligibility. Had three tackles in three games.

Portal announcement: Sept. 26

Years of eligibility remaining: 1

I was extremely blessed to have the opportunity to play for my hometown. With that being said I have decided to redshirt, and enter the portal this December with 1 year of eligibility. pic.twitter.com/rGthj4vcrD

— Bennett Walker (@BennettWalker99) September 26, 2024