Portal Fact or Fiction: Iowa QB situation, Dylan Edwards and Lance Heard

In today’s Fact or Fiction – Portal Edition – I look at three more transfer topics and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or FICTION .

1. Brendan Sullivan will play more than Cade McNamara this season at Iowa

Mark’s take: TRUE

When Iowa added Brendan Sullivan from Northwestern most assumed it was just as a veteran depth piece. However, now it is looking more and more likely that Sullivan will play a huge role in the Hawkeyes’ 2024 season. This is in large part due to Cade McNamara’s struggles this summer, which may conclude with Sullivan being announced as the starter. After a horrific 2023 offensive season, Iowa needs to find a more consistent quarterback, and right now that is looking to be Sullivan.

2. Colorado won’t miss Dylan Edwards

Mark’s take: FALSE

As a true freshman last season with Colorado, Dylan Edwards was by far the most dynamic running back threat on the roster. While he only rushed for 321 yards and one touchdown, he was a valuable and versatile weapon out of the backfield with 36 receptions for 299 yards and four touchdowns. This versatility was even more valuable when it became obvious that Colorado’s offensive line was a disaster. Now this versatility is at Kansas State, while the Buffaloes are still figuring out their backfield with a combination of Dallan Hayden , Charlie Offerdahl and Isaiah Augustave the most likely to try and create a rushing attack. Whoever played down Edwards’ transfer is wrong and that will become apparent as his explosive potential will be missed this season.

3. Lance Heard will become one of the top OL in the SEC this season

Mark’s take: TRUE

The transfer market is expansive, dizzying and fast-paced. Because of this, at times the importance of an addition of a player may slide under-the-radar. That is the case with Lance Heard , who was a huge acquisition by Tennessee. Not only did he arrive from an SEC rival (LSU), but he is also only a sophomore with 12 games of experience under his belt. With at least two seasons left to play in Knoxville, Heard is an NFL talent who will line up at the almighty important left tackle position and dominate. Yes, it is his first season as a full-time starter, but expect him to quickly establish himself as an All-SEC performer this fall.