College football never really sits still, does it? The transfer portal might be the wildest part of the sport right now.
This season, a handful of transfer quarterbacks have made headlines—sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes not. Some have stumbled, others have thrived, and their new teams feel every bit of the impact.
So, which transfer QBs are lighting it up, and who’s still searching for their groove?
Top Transfer Quarterbacks of 2025: Success Stories
A few quarterbacks have landed in new places and just taken off. You can feel the difference they bring—fresh energy, new skills, and, honestly, some needed hope for their teams.
John Mateer – Oklahoma
John Mateer made the jump from Washington State to Oklahoma, and wow, he’s been a force. Before a recent hand surgery, he ranked second in the nation with 351.3 total yards per game.
He’s a true dual-threat—dangerous on the ground and through the air. That versatility has boosted his NFL draft stock, and some folks are already talking about him as a top-10 pick. It’s hard not to be impressed by how quickly he’s adapted.
Fernando Mendoza – Indiana
Fernando Mendoza’s move from Cal to Indiana? Honestly, it’s been wild. He started off shaky but found his rhythm and is now in the mix for the 2026 NFL Draft’s top QB spot.
His five-touchdown game against Illinois turned a lot of heads. Mendoza’s bounce-back ability says a lot about his resilience—and maybe even a bit about Indiana’s coaching, too.
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele – Cal
Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele took a winding road: he flipped from Cal to Oregon, then circled back to Cal. That’s a lot for any player, but he’s handled it like a pro.
He’s led Cal to a 4-1 start, playing with a level of poise that’s rare for someone with such a chaotic recruitment. Folks are already projecting him as an early NFL pick. You can’t help but root for a guy who keeps pushing forward.
Transfer Quarterbacks Struggling to Find Their Footing
Of course, not every transfer QB hits the ground running. Some are still trying to get comfortable, and their teams are feeling the bumps.
Nico Iamaleava – UCLA
Nico Iamaleava left Tennessee for UCLA with a lot of hype. So far, it’s been rough. UCLA sits at 0-4, and Iamaleava has taken a beating—nine sacks in four games.
He’s facing a ton of pressure, but let’s be real: he’s not the only one struggling. UCLA has problems all over the place, and he’s just one piece of the mess.
Kaidon Salter – Colorado
Kaidon Salter came over from Liberty hoping for a fresh start at Colorado. He got the first two starts, then found himself benched for Ryan Staub.
Colorado’s offense has sputtered, sitting near the bottom of the Big 12. Coach Deion Sanders isn’t afraid to shake things up, so Salter’s going to need to find some consistency if he wants that starting job back.
Mark Gronowski – Iowa
Mark Gronowski arrived at Iowa from South Dakota State with big expectations. So far, it hasn’t clicked. Twice this season, he’s thrown for less than 100 yards, and his TD-to-interception ratio stands at 3-2.
Iowa’s passing attack ranks dead last in the Big Ten. Gronowski still has chances to flip the script, though, with big games against Penn State, Oregon, and USC coming up. Maybe he’ll surprise us yet.
Conclusion: The Impact of Transfer Quarterbacks
Transfer quarterbacks this season have brought a wild mix of unpredictability and drama to college football. Some players jumped right in and thrived, while others hit obstacles that slowed them down.
John Mateer, Fernando Mendoza, and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele really show what’s possible when things click in a new environment. On the other hand, Nico Iamaleava, Kaidon Salter, and Mark Gronowski have struggled, and their stories remind us just how tough these transitions can be.
The transfer portal has changed college football in ways that are still unfolding. It’s a double-edged sword—offering fresh starts, but also plenty of risk for both players and teams. Who knows how it’ll all shake out?
If you’re curious for a deeper dive, check out the full report on CBS Sports’ grading college football transfer QBs.
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