College football recruiting never really stops. The 2026 season’s shaping up to be no different.
Coaches are leaning hard on the transfer portal these days, especially with immediate eligibility rules for transfers. This year’s transfer portal? It’s got some big changes—there’s a new winter window and no more spring window.
These tweaks aim to make things smoother and help players enroll in spring classes at new schools. Let’s take a look at the top players heading to the portal and break down the biggest names by position.
The Changing Landscape of the Transfer Portal
The 2026 transfer portal window opens on January 2 and closes January 16. That’s a change from the usual early December start.
Moving the window to January lets players get into spring classes on time at their new schools. The NCAA cut out the spring window, so now this two-week stretch is the only time to make a move.
Why the Changes Matter
This new transfer portal window really shakes things up for both players and coaches. Players get a more predictable process and don’t have to scramble with their academic schedules.
Coaches get a tight window to patch up rosters and work in new talent before spring practices kick off. There’s pressure, sure, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
Top Quarterbacks Entering the Transfer Portal
Quarterbacks always get the most attention in the transfer portal, and this year’s no exception. There are several high-profile signal-callers on the move, each bringing something different to the table.
DJ Lagway
DJ Lagway, a former five-star prospect from Willis, Texas, looks set to enter the portal. There was some buzz he might stick around for new head coach Jon Sumrall at Florida, but that seems unlikely now.
Lagway had a strong true freshman year in 2024—1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine picks. In 2025, though, he threw for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. If he can get a handle on the turnovers, a fresh start could really help him. Don’t be surprised if some Texas schools make a play for him.
Brendan Sorsby
Brendan Sorsby’s in the portal again after two impressive seasons. The Denton, Texas native transferred from Indiana, took over as the Bearcats’ starter, and put up 2,813 yards with 18 touchdowns and seven picks in 2024.
He also ran for 447 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2025, he threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, plus 580 rushing yards and nine scores. That got him All-Big 12 Second Team honors. LSU, Texas Tech, and Miami are reportedly interested, and honestly, who wouldn’t be?
Ethan Grunkemeyer
Ethan Grunkemeyer spent 2024 backing up Drew Allar, then started 2025 in the same spot. When Allar tore his ACL midseason, Grunkemeyer stepped in and threw for 1,339 yards, eight touchdowns, and four interceptions.
He’ll be a redshirt sophomore in 2026 with at least three years of eligibility left. For any team looking for a long-term answer at quarterback, he’s worth a look.
Dylan Raiola
Dylan Raiola at Nebraska put up 4,819 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions over two seasons. His 2025 season ended early in November with a broken fibula.
He was a five-star prospect out of Buford, Georgia, and actually committed to UGA before flipping to Nebraska. If he transfers, he’ll have to battle Gunnar Stockton for the starting job in Athens. That’s a huge career decision—no pressure, right?
Alonza Barnett
Alonza Barnett led James Madison to a historic CFP berth in 2025. He posted 2,806 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, plus 589 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Greensboro, N.C. native brings a true dual-threat game. Any power-conference team needing a spark at quarterback should be interested.
Sam Leavitt
This is Sam Leavitt’s second go-round in the portal. He transferred from Michigan State to ASU before 2024 and helped the Sun Devils reach their first-ever CFP.
In 2025, though, injuries slowed him down and his numbers dropped. His season ended in late October with a foot injury, so he’s hoping for a fresh start somewhere else.
Notable Players at Other Positions
Quarterbacks get most of the headlines, but there’s plenty of talent at other positions entering the transfer portal. Here are some of the names worth keeping an eye on.
Running Backs
- CJ Baxter, Texas: A versatile back who’s always a threat for a big play.
- Dylan Edwards, Kansas State: Blazing speed and quick feet—he’s tough to catch.
- Isaac Brown, Louisville: Powerful runner, great vision, just fun to watch.
- Caleb Hawkins, North Texas: Does a bit of everything—solid in the run and pass game.
- Hollywood Smothers, NC State: Dynamic, unpredictable, and loves the spotlight.
Wide Receivers
- Cam Coleman, Auburn: Big frame, strong hands, and a knack for making tough catches.
- Omarion Miller, Colorado: Crisp routes and legit speed—defenses have to respect him.
- Nick Marsh, Michigan State: Physical, not afraid to fight for the ball.
- Deandre Moore Jr., Texas: Can line up anywhere and make plays.
- Jayce Brown, Kansas State: Smart, reliable, and always seems to find space.
Defensive Players
- AJ Green, Louisville: Causes chaos up front—never takes a play off.
- Mateen Ibirogba, Wake Forest: Brings pressure off the edge, plain and simple.
- Ian Geffrard, Arkansas: Stout against the run and constantly hustling.
- Devan Thompkins, USC: Can line up anywhere on the defensive line and make an impact.
- Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh: Covers ground at linebacker and reads plays well.
The Impact of the Transfer Portal on College Football
The transfer portal has changed how college football teams build their rosters. Coaches can now fill gaps fast and bring in players with real experience who might make a difference right away.
For players, the portal gives them a shot at a better fit—maybe even a fresh start if things didn’t work out before. That chance to maximize what they’ve got? It’s hard to overstate how much that matters.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the transfer portal isn’t going anywhere. The new January window, plus getting rid of the spring window, should make moves easier for everyone involved.
If you’re curious about which top players are jumping into the portal and want a breakdown by position, check out Sporting News.
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