Ohio State, Georgia, Colorado expected to show interest in latest top pass-rusher to enter transfer portal
One of the nation's top pass-rushers has opted to enter the transfer portal instead of going to the 2025 NFL Draft. Maurice Westmoreland, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound edge presence who spent three seasons at UTEP after being at the JUCO level, is expected to receive significant interest for his last year of eligibility. Already, I'm told, […]
One of the nation's top pass-rushers has opted to enter the transfer portal instead of going to the 2025 NFL Draft. Maurice Westmoreland, a 6-foot-2, 250-pound edge presence who spent three seasons at UTEP after being at the JUCO level, is expected to receive significant interest for his last year of eligibility.
Already, I'm told, Ohio State, Georgia, and Colorado are among the dozen or so schools hoping to land a visit from the Houston native. Westmoreland had Day 3 grades for the 2025 NFL Draft class prior to this fall.
With the recent ruling that JUCO years don't count toward eligibility, Westmoreland was able to stay in college with the unexpected additional year. This change will affect a ton of players who were thought to be in the 2025 class.
Of course, the NFL's rookie class will look even bleaker, but the collegiate game gets stronger.
Several College Football Playoff teams hope to be on the benefitting end of that. Ohio State and Georgia, specifically, are always on the prowl for trench talent. Adding the veteran, who posted 83 tackles and 15.5 sacks over the last two years, is an immediate boost.
Westmoreland played in a "bandit" role this past season, mixing in coverage drops, pass-rushes, and spy responsibilities as a blended off-ball linebacker and defensive end.
The Buckeyes will specifically like this, as Jim Knowles has unsuccessfully tried this position over the years, with Jack Sawyer failing to thrive in that role most recently. With Westmoreland nabbing a sack against Tennessee this season, Power 4 teams will love that he stepped up in UTEP's biggest games.
Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, and numerous other teams must check in with Westmoreland to search for instant upgrades. He'll benefit from a bigger stage, different coaching techniques, and more exposure.
