The NCAA transfer portal has become a wild card in college football, shaking up team rosters and changing the course of player careers. With the 2026 offseason transfer portal window for FBS and FCS players now closed, the landscape feels different—maybe even a bit unpredictable.
Let’s take a look at the top players who hopped into the portal, where they came from, and what kind of splash they might make with their new squads. From quarterbacks who can do it all to linemen with serious upside, these guys could change the game this season.
The Top Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal
Quarterbacks always get the headlines, and this year’s portal action didn’t disappoint. A few big names have made moves that could tilt the balance of power in college football.
Emory Sorsby: From Cincinnati to Texas Tech
Background: Emory Sorsby, a redshirt junior, turned heads at Cincinnati as one of the nation’s top passers. He piled up 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing yards, 63 touchdowns, and just 16 turnovers over two seasons.
Sorsby earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and ranked in the top 10 for both QBR and PFF grading. He’s a serious dual-threat, and he knows it.
Impact on Texas Tech: Texas Tech landed a big one in Sorsby, edging out LSU for his commitment. He gives the Red Raiders an even more dangerous offense and lets backup Will Hammond take his time recovering from an ACL tear.
Jaden Leavitt: From Arizona State to LSU
Background: Jaden Leavitt, a redshirt sophomore, helped Arizona State snag a Big 12 title and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. Even after a foot injury shortened his 2025 season, Leavitt managed 3,328 total yards, 29 touchdowns, and a top-10 QBR.
Impact on LSU: Leavitt’s move to LSU, now under Lane Kiffin, could be huge for the Tigers. With a retooled roster and guidance from Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr., Leavitt might just play his way into the first round of the draft.
Devin Mensah: From Duke to Open Market
Background: Devin Mensah, a redshirt sophomore, led Duke to its first outright ACC championship since 1962. He threw for 3,973 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just six picks, earning second-team All-ACC honors.
Impact: Mensah’s back in the portal, and any team looking for a smart, instinctive quarterback should take notice. He’s got a feel for the game that’s tough to teach.
Elite Wide Receivers Making Moves
Wide receivers aren’t sitting still, either. Some of the best in the country are hunting for new places to shine.
Jaden Coleman: From Auburn to Texas
Background: Jaden Coleman, a sophomore and former No. 5 recruit in the 2024 ESPN 300, has quickly become one of college football’s most electric receivers. He’s caught 93 passes for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in two seasons.
Impact on Texas: Coleman’s move to Texas gives the Longhorns a scary-good duo with Ryan Wingo. Arch Manning has to be thrilled with two All-America caliber targets for 2026.
Dominant Offensive Linemen on the Move
Offensive linemen are the unsung heroes, but a few big names in the portal could make all the difference for their new teams.
David Seaton: From Colorado to Open Market
Background: David Seaton, a sophomore, was a huge get for Colorado and started two years at left tackle. He made second-team All-Big 12 and looks like a future first-round pick.
Impact: Seaton entering the portal is rare for a player of his level. He’s got range, mobility, and a mean streak in the run game—exactly what teams need up front.
Matthew Peak: From NC State to South Carolina
Background: Matthew Peak, a redshirt junior, started 33 games for NC State and earned honorable mention All-ACC. He switched from right to left tackle in 2025 and handled it like a pro.
Impact on South Carolina: The Gamecocks needed help protecting LaNorris Sellers, and Peak fits the bill. His experience should immediately upgrade their offensive line.
Defensive Standouts Seeking New Opportunities
On the defensive side, several players are looking for fresh starts and a chance to make their mark right away.
Emmanuel Ibirogba: From Wake Forest to Texas Tech
Background: Emmanuel Ibirogba, a redshirt junior, moved from FCS Georgetown to Wake Forest and transformed himself on the interior defensive line. Last season, he racked up 21 tackles, 19 pressures, and posted the ACC’s third-best pass rush grade among defensive tackles.
Impact on Texas Tech: Ibirogba now joins a Texas Tech defensive line that’s already loaded. The Red Raiders want one of the nation’s best units, and he just might help them get there.
Jeremiah Wilson: From Missouri to Open Market
Background: Jeremiah Wilson, a junior, broke out at Missouri with 40 pressures and nine sacks, earning second-team All-SEC. He’s decided to test the portal again, giving teams a shot at a relentless edge rusher.
Impact: Wilson’s got that explosive, never-quit style. Teams looking to juice up their pass rush should be lining up for him—he’s got the tools to make an immediate difference.
The 2026 NCAA transfer portal has really shaken up college football. Top players are searching for fresh opportunities to show what they can do.
Quarterbacks, wide receivers, and linemen are all making moves. These transfers might just flip the script for some teams this season.
Everyone’s watching to see how these new faces will fit in. Their performances could end up making all the difference for their new squads.
If you want the nitty-gritty on the top players in the transfer portal, check out ESPN’s rankings of the top players in the portal.
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