The 2026 NCAA football transfer portal just opened, and excitement is everywhere. This year, with no spring transfer period, the portal’s the main way for college teams to reload their rosters.
From standout quarterbacks to explosive wide receivers and defensive anchors, the current transfer window is stacked with talent. Some of these moves could really shake up college football next season.
Let’s dig into a few top players making headlines in the portal and what they might bring to their new squads.
Top Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal
Connor Sorsby: Cincinnati to Texas Tech
Connor Sorsby, a redshirt junior, is moving from Cincinnati to Texas Tech. At 6-3 and 235 pounds, he’s got one year left to play.
Sorsby made a name for himself at Cincinnati as a dual-threat. He racked up 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing yards, 63 touchdowns, and 16 turnovers over two seasons.
He earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and quickly became one of the conference’s top quarterbacks. Not bad at all.
Scout’s Take: Sorsby’s been a starter for three years and checks the boxes for size, arm strength, and mobility. He throws well off-platform and keeps his cool under pressure.
Texas Tech’s offense already put up big numbers last season, and Sorsby could take it to another level.
Jaden Leavitt: Arizona State to TBD
Jaden Leavitt, a redshirt sophomore, is leaving Arizona State and still deciding on his next stop. He led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and nearly toppled Texas in the CFP quarterfinals as a redshirt freshman.
Even though a foot injury cut his 2025 season short, Leavitt still posted 3,328 total yards, 29 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. That’s impressive for anyone, let alone someone so early in their career.
Scout’s Take: Leavitt’s got quick feet and can escape pressure. He throws accurately on the move and is dangerous on designed runs.
Whoever lands him is getting a dynamic playmaker, no question.
Standout Wide Receivers
Jeremiah Coleman: Auburn to TBD
Jeremiah Coleman, a sophomore wide receiver from Auburn, is one of the most intriguing names in the portal. Over two seasons, he caught 93 passes for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He can take over games—just look at his 10-catch, 143-yard day against Vanderbilt. Not every receiver can do that.
Scout’s Take: Coleman brings size, speed, and wild body control. Sure, he needs to get more consistent, but his knack for contested catches and yards after the catch makes him a big-time target.
Tyler Miller: Colorado to Arizona State
Tyler Miller, a junior, is heading from Colorado to Arizona State. Last year, he led Colorado in all receiving stats—45 catches, 808 yards, eight touchdowns.
He’s got real speed and tracks deep balls well, which turns him into a nightmare for defenses.
Scout’s Take: Miller can blow past defenders and win those 50-50 balls. He’s had some drop issues, but his ceiling as a top target at Arizona State is hard to ignore.
Defensive Game Changers
Devin Peak: NC State to South Carolina
Devin Peak, a redshirt junior offensive tackle, is transferring from NC State to South Carolina. He started 33 games and picked up honorable mention All-ACC honors.
His experience and knack for protecting the quarterback should make a huge difference for South Carolina.
Scout’s Take: Peak’s a powerful blocker with smooth footwork. He recovers well and has the tools to become an elite pass protector.
Jordan Wilson: Missouri to TBD
Jordan Wilson, a junior edge rusher from Missouri, is back in the portal after a breakout season—nine sacks and 40 pressures. He’s looking for a new home and could transform someone’s defense.
Scout’s Take: Wilson explodes off the edge and uses his length to his advantage. He disrupts quarterbacks and sheds blocks with ease, making him a top target for teams needing a pass rush boost.
Emerging Talents
Kyle Mestemaker: North Texas to Oklahoma State
Kyle Mestemaker, a redshirt freshman quarterback, is leaving North Texas for Oklahoma State. He led the nation in passing with 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns, earning American Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Scout’s Take: Mestemaker’s calm presence and command of the offense stand out, especially for someone who was a high school backup. He gets through progressions and delivers accurate throws under pressure—Oklahoma State could use that.
Sam Perich: Minnesota to TBD
Sam Perich, a sophomore safety from Minnesota, jumps out as one of the portal’s most dynamic defenders. He grabbed Freshman All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors with five interceptions.
Perich also contributed as a receiver and return specialist, showing off his versatility.
Scout’s Take: Perich brings range and ball-hawking instincts. He’s just as comfortable making plays in coverage as he is supporting the run, and that’s exactly what defenses need right now.
Conclusion
The 2026 NCAA football transfer portal is overflowing with talent this year. There’s a real sense that these moves could shake up the whole season.
Quarterbacks like Connor Sorsby and Jaden Leavitt are grabbing headlines. Wide receivers such as Jeremiah Coleman and Tyler Miller are getting plenty of attention too.
Defensive players like Devin Peak and Jordan Wilson look ready to step up and make a difference. Teams are hustling to lock in these top athletes, and honestly, it’s exciting to watch.
If you want more details about the top names in the portal, check out the full ESPN article.
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