With the 2022 college football season approaching sooner than we realize, former Pittsburgh superstar wide receiver Jordan Addison is expected to finalize his next destination shortly. Addison entered the transfer portal in early May and has begun weighing his options as he ponders his future.

News regarding Addison’s impending transfer traveled quickly, and it’s easy to understand why on the surface. Addison is one of the most talented young pass-catchers currently competing at the collegiate level. A look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft reveals a star-studded list of receivers that are expected to become first-round selections, and Addison is certainly involved in that discussion.

The winner of the 2021 Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top wide receiver, Addison recorded 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns while showcasing excellent chemistry alongside Panthers quarterback Kenny Pickett, who has since been drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Addison was named an All-American for his efforts in 2021. Several high-profile collegiate programs are expected to make a strong attempt to secure Addison’s services. His abilities can help take a program to the next level.

Addison has begun taking official visits, and his next destination will be a hot topic of discussion. We’ve identified three fits that make sense on the surface.

TEXAS

Addison is beginning his presumed tour by taking an official visit to Texas, per photos posted to his official social media account. There are several reasons why Addison should seriously consider a move to Texas. Longhorns Head Coach Steve Sarkisian has done an admirable job luring various other high-profile talents to the program via the transfer portal.

Should Texas land Addison, he’d be joining the likes of quarterback Quinn Ewers and tight end Jahleel Billingsley as notable offensive players to transfer to Texas in recent months. Landing Addison would quickly give the Longhorns one of the most feared offensive supporting casts on paper. Superstar running back Bijan Robinson is a legitimate Heisman candidate for the 2022 season. Ewers, Robinson, and Addison would undeniably instill fear in the heart of opposing defenses.

The Longhorns may also possess an ace in the hole as they attempt to lure Addison to the program. Current Texas wide receivers coach Brennan Marion previously coached Addison at Pittsburgh. Marion helped develop Addison into one of the top offensive playmakers in the nation in 2021. Addison would surely welcome an opportunity to continue working under Marion’s tutelage. Marion doubles as Texas’ passing game coordinator, and would surely get Addison quickly involved in his game plan.

USC

USC is expected to be a major player in Addison’s recruitment, and there are several reasons why the Frederick, Maryland native may strongly consider a move to the Trojans. New USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley possesses one of the most brilliant offensive minds in the nation. Riley coached several dominant boundary receivers throughout his time at Oklahoma and they routinely posted eye-popping numbers.

Riley’s Sooners produced a 1,000-yard receiver every season from 2015 to 2019, with eventual NFL talents such as Dede Westbrook, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and CeeDee Lamb especially thriving in Riley’s offense. As Addison prepares to eventually embark on a professional career at the next level, his production throughout 2022 could have a major say in determining his pre-draft value, should he declare. Few coaches are better suited to help Addison take his game to the next level than Riley is.

Addison would encounter an excellent quarterback in Caleb Williams, who entered the transfer portal and followed Riley from Oklahoma to USC. There’s also the matter of NIL to consider. Collegiate athletes all over the nation are thriving financially under the new name, image and likeness laws, and USC happens to be one of the most geographically well-placed schools in the country. Addison would almost certainly uncover sizable financial opportunities while building a brand in Los Angeles before even stepping foot onto a professional field. The presence of Riley, Williams and financial opportunity gives Addison strong reasons to consider USC.

ALABAMA

Any superstar player in the transfer portal must seriously consider a move to Alabama. Why wouldn’t they? The Crimson Tide has undoubtedly been the most successful program in college football over the past decade. Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban is essentially running an NFL program in Tuscaloosa while routinely sending a double-digit amount of prospects to the NFL via the draft on an annual basis.

The Crimson Tide has recently developed elite receivers such as Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Jameson Williams. Addison possesses the skill set necessary to quickly acclimate to Alabama’s program.

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young gives Addison another reason to consider playing for the Crimson Tide in 2022. Young was absolutely electric as a first-year-starting signal-caller for Alabama in 2021. Young may prove capable of becoming the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Furthermore, Alabama lost its top three leading receivers from 2021 to the NFL draft in April with Williams, John Metchie III, and Slade Bolden all taking their talents to the next level.

Alabama always grooms young pass-catchers to take the place of their departing leaders (look out for Ja’Corey Brooks and Jermaine Burton), but Addison is a proven producer that could quickly catapult himself to the top of their depth chart.