The college football landscape is changing fast as the transfer portal takes center stage in the sport’s ecosystem. With the 2026 season creeping up, quarterback movement is grabbing everyone’s attention.
This article tracks the latest quarterback transfers and what they could mean for the upcoming season. From veteran passers to fresh faces, the portal is shaking up the quarterback scene in college football.
High-Profile Quarterback Transfers
The transfer portal is buzzing with quarterback activity, and several big names are making headlines. These moves aren’t just about swapping jerseys—they’re about finding a better fit and chasing potential.
Let’s look at some of the most notable quarterback transfers this season:
Dylan Lonergan to Rutgers
Dylan Lonergan, who played at Boston College last year, has committed to Rutgers. Before that, he started his college career at Alabama and then transferred to Boston College for the 2025 season.
Lonergan played in 10 games last season, racking up 2,025 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s bringing experience to the Scarlet Knights, and you can bet they’re hoping he’ll steady the ship at quarterback.
Katin Houser to Illinois
Katin Houser, formerly of Eastern Carolina, has signed with Illinois. He started for the Pirates for two seasons, completing 418 of 653 passes for 5,306 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
Houser steps in to replace Luke Altmeyer, Illinois’s starter the past two years. Illinois fans are expecting Houser’s experience and steady hand to juice up their offense.
Jaden Craig to TCU
Jaden Craig, who set Harvard records for passing touchdowns (52) and yards (6,074), has committed to TCU. He’s got one year of eligibility left and is coming in just after Josh Hoover, TCU’s former starter, committed to Indiana.
Craig’s leadership and experience could be just what TCU needs as they look to stay in the mix.
Strategic Visits and Potential Moves
Some quarterbacks have already picked their new homes, but others are still weighing their options. Visits and evaluations matter a lot in this process.
Here are a couple of visits and potential moves catching attention:
Sam Leavitt’s Visits
Sam Leavitt, who transferred from Arizona State, is visiting Kentucky, Texas Tech, and LSU. He’s one of the top-rated recruits in the portal, and if he chooses LSU, he’d probably be the favorite for their starting job right away.
People are watching his visits closely—the ripple effect could be big for the 2026 quarterback picture.
Brendan Sorsby’s Second Visit to LSU
Brendan Sorsby, who played at Cincinnati, is visiting LSU for a second time. He just wrapped up a visit to Texas Tech as well.
Sorsby is one of the top prospects in the portal, and his repeat visit to LSU says a lot about his interest in joining the Tigers. Where he lands could shake things up.
Impactful Transfers and Their New Homes
Several quarterbacks have already landed with new teams, and these moves could seriously impact their programs.
Josh Hoover to Indiana
Josh Hoover, who threw for 3,472 yards and 29 touchdowns at TCU in 2025, has committed to Indiana. The Hoosiers are preparing for Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza to head to the NFL Draft.
Hoover looks like a big pickup for Indiana, giving them a proven pocket passer who’s produced at a high level.
Alonza Barnett III to UCF
Alonza Barnett III, who led James Madison to a 12-1 season and a Sun Belt title, is heading to UCF. He threw for over 3,500 yards and notched 35 total touchdowns in 2025.
UCF hopes Barnett’s experience and playmaking can help them compete for a Big 12 title next year.
Billy Edwards Jr. to North Carolina
Billy Edwards Jr., who transferred from Wisconsin, is joining North Carolina. He only played two games for Wisconsin in 2025 before a season-ending knee injury.
He’ll get a sixth year of eligibility in 2026, and his move gives Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels a seasoned, resilient option at quarterback.
Emerging Talent and Developmental Prospects
It’s not just the veterans making noise. Some younger, developmental quarterbacks are also moving through the portal and could be the names we talk about in a year or two.
Cutter Boley to Arizona State
Cutter Boley, who transferred from Kentucky, is now at Arizona State. Boley was named SEC All-Freshman after passing for 2,160 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2025.
He decided to transfer after Kentucky fired head coach Mark Stoops. Arizona State gets a high-upside arm who could compete for the starting job right away—there’s some buzz about his potential.
Lincoln Kienholz to Louisville
Lincoln Kienholz, an Ohio State transfer, has committed to Louisville. He spent three seasons at Ohio State, mostly as a backup on a crowded depth chart.
His most notable action came in the 2023 Cotton Bowl. Now, he’s got a shot at a fresh start and a chance to prove himself as a starter with the Cardinals.
Conclusion
The transfer portal’s really shaken up college football, especially when it comes to quarterbacks. Every year, you see veterans hunting for a fresh start and younger guys eager to prove themselves.
With the 2026 season creeping closer, their choices could totally flip the script on the sport. It’s wild how fast things can change.
Want to keep tabs on all the quarterback moves? Check out the full rundown at the Sporting News.
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