As college football’s transfer portal continues to shape the landscape of team rosters for the..

Transfer Portal Intel: Latest on Noah Thomas, Multiple SEC Teams Pursuing David Gusta

 

As college football’s transfer portal continues to shape the landscape of team rosters for the upcoming seasons, two names have emerged at the center of rumors and speculation. **Noah Thomas**, a promising wide receiver, and **David Gusta**, a highly sought-after linebacker, are currently at the heart of recruiting battles involving several SEC teams. Here’s the latest scoop on both players as they navigate the complexities of transfer portal decisions.

Noah Thomas, a standout wide receiver from the University of North Texas, has become one of the most talked-about names in the 2025 transfer portal cycle. After a breakout year with the Mean Green, Thomas’s combination of size, speed, and hands has turned the heads of college football’s elite programs. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 210 pounds, Thomas presents a nightmare matchup for defensive backs, making him a natural target for top-tier teams in need of a big-play receiver.

During the 2024 season, Thomas posted impressive numbers, finishing with over 900 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His ability to stretch the field vertically and his precise route running make him a versatile weapon for any offense. That said, his hands and ball security have been a bit of a concern at times, as he has had a few drops in critical moments. However, his physical attributes and high ceiling have made him a prime target for programs looking to upgrade their receiving corps.

Several SEC programs have already shown strong interest in Thomas. Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee are among the top schools that have reportedly reached out to him. The Crimson Tide, in particular, have been a major player in the transfer portal in recent years, with coach Nick Saban continually searching for immediate impact players. The Alabama offense, which has gone through some transitions in recent seasons, could benefit from adding a physical, dynamic wide receiver like Thomas to their roster.

Georgia, always in the hunt for top-tier talent to bolster their championship-contending team, is another major player in the race for Thomas. With the Bulldogs losing some of their key receivers to the NFL draft, they are looking to reload and maintain their offensive dominance. Thomas’s size and ability to make contested catches could make him a perfect fit in Georgia’s balanced offensive attack.

Tennessee, under head coach Josh Heupel, has been one of the most exciting offenses in the country, and adding Thomas to their high-octane system would be a game-changer. The Volunteers have been known for their deep passing game, and Thomas would fit seamlessly into their plans for 2025

While Noah Thomas has garnered much attention as a wide receiver, another name that is generating buzz in the transfer portal is **David Gusta**, a linebacker from the University of Memphis. Gusta, a physical and versatile defender, has been a key contributor for the Tigers and is considered one of the top linebackers available in the portal.

Standing at 6’3″ and 240 pounds, Gusta combines elite athleticism with an innate football IQ. His ability to cover ground and make plays in both the run and passing game has impressed scouts and coaches alike. In the 2024 season, he recorded 110 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks, solidifying himself as one of the premier linebackers in the Group of Five conferences. His strength in coverage and ability to rush the passer has made him an ideal candidate for Power Five programs looking to shore up their linebacker depth.

The SEC, known for its physicality and demanding play in the trenches, has been all over Gusta’s recruitment. Arkansas, Mississippi State, and LSU are among the top schools that are reportedly pursuing the Memphis linebacker.

**Arkansas**, with its focus on building a more competitive defense under head coach Sam Pittman, is particularly keen on adding a player of Gusta’s caliber. The Razorbacks have struggled in recent seasons to stop the run and make key tackles in critical moments. Gusta’s ability to read plays and plug gaps in the run game would make him an immediate starter for Arkansas.

**Mississippi State**, another SEC program that has undergone coaching changes, has also expressed interest in Gusta. The Bulldogs are looking to bolster their defense after a lackluster 2024 season. With a new defensive coordinator in place, Gusta’s ability to contribute both in coverage and as a pass rusher could be invaluable in rebuilding Mississippi State’s defensive unit.

**LSU**, a perennial SEC powerhouse, has also shown strong interest in Gusta. With a track record of developing top-tier defensive players, the Tigers could be the perfect environment for Gusta to reach his full potential. The LSU defense is known for its aggressive style, and Gusta’s versatility and athleticism would allow him to thrive in their system.

The SEC has long been known for its talent-rich recruiting landscape, and this year is no different. For both Thomas and Gusta, the SEC represents the highest level of competition and exposure. With several top teams actively pursuing them, both players have the opportunity to elevate their games and prove themselves against the best in the country.

For Thomas, the chance to compete in the SEC’s fast-paced, high-scoring offenses would give him the platform to showcase his skills on a national stage. Similarly, Gusta’s physicality and ability to impact the game in multiple areas would make him a perfect fit for the SEC’s demanding style of play. As both players weigh their options, they will no doubt take into consideration the opportunity to play in the conference that has produced the most NFL talent year in and year out.

As the transfer portal window continues to evolve, expect more updates on both Noah Thomas and David Gusta. Recruiting battles in the SEC will only intensify, with teams vying for their services to gain a competitive edge in the 2025 season. Both players have the potential to make an immediate impact at their next schools, and it will be interesting to see which programs ultimately win out in this highly competitive chase.

As always, with the transfer portal being a fluid and dynamic process, the landscape can change quickly. What is certain is that Noah Thomas and David Gusta are two names to watch closely as their recruitment unfolds, with the SEC looming large as their potential destination.