College football keeps changing, and the transfer portal is now a huge part of the game. Teams are always looking for new talent to boost their rosters and maybe snag a few more wins.
This season, 53 teams handed their quarterback duties to transfers. Some moves paid off, while others fell flat.
Let’s take a look at the top 20 transfer quarterbacks this season. We’ll also check in on a few who haven’t quite delivered.
Top Transfer Quarterbacks of the Season
The transfer portal has really shaken things up. Quarterbacks get a second chance, and teams fill big holes in their lineups.
Here are the transfer QBs who’ve made the biggest splash so far:
1. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
Fernando Mendoza left Cal for Indiana, and he’s been electric. With a wild 16-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and a 197.8 passing efficiency rating, Mendoza’s in the Heisman conversation—seriously.
Indiana’s 5-0 start owes a lot to him. It’s hard to overstate his impact.
2. John Mateer, Oklahoma
John Mateer came over from Washington State and instantly became a key piece for Oklahoma. Even after a hand injury, he’s racked up 1,405 yards (passing and rushing) and 11 touchdowns.
The Sooners are 4-0 with him at the helm. That’s no accident.
3. Joey Aguilar, Tennessee
Joey Aguilar bounced from Appalachian State to UCLA, and now to Tennessee, where he’s really found his groove. He leads the SEC with 1,459 passing yards and sits fifth among Power 4 QBs with 13 touchdowns.
People around the country took notice, especially after he torched Georgia. It’s the kind of breakout season you root for.
4. Beau Pribula, Missouri
Beau Pribula left Penn State for his shot at Missouri and hasn’t looked back. He’s hitting 75.9 percent of his passes—best in the SEC—and has a 60 percent dropback success rate.
He’s chipped in 1,324 total yards. Missouri’s offense feels different with him in charge.
5. Darian Mensah, Duke
Darian Mensah leads the ACC in passing yards with 1,573 after transferring from Tulane. His 13-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio is impressive, and Duke’s 2-0 in the conference with him at quarterback.
Other Notable Transfer Quarterbacks
Plenty of other transfers are making noise, too. Here are a few more worth mentioning:
- Carson Beck, Miami: This Georgia transfer is keeping the Hurricanes undefeated. He’s completing 73.2 percent of his passes.
- Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: From Division II Ferris State, Chambliss is surprising everyone. He leads the SEC in yards per attempt and rushing yards among quarterbacks.
- Chandler Morris, Virginia: After North Texas, Morris has the Cavaliers in the Top 25, thanks to a 71.6 percent completion rate and 14 touchdowns.
- Tommy Castellanos, Florida State: Remember that Week 1 upset over Alabama? Castellanos was the guy. He tops the ACC in passing efficiency and is second in QB rushing yards.
- Devon Dampier, Utah: The New Mexico transfer is breathing life into Utah’s offense. He’s put up 13 touchdowns and 1,285 total yards already.
Underwhelming Transfer Quarterbacks
Not every transfer story ends with a highlight reel. Some quarterbacks are still searching for their rhythm at new schools.
Nico Iamaleava, UCLA
Nico Iamaleava came from Tennessee with a lot of buzz, but it hasn’t clicked at UCLA. He’s 13th in the Big Ten for passing yards per game and 15th in efficiency, with just four touchdowns in four games.
Mark Gronowski, Iowa
People expected more from Mark Gronowski at Iowa. So far, he’s thrown for only 636 yards and three touchdowns in five games.
Preston Stone, Northwestern
Preston Stone hasn’t found his groove at Northwestern. Six interceptions and just four touchdowns—it’s been a rough start.
Gio Lopez, North Carolina
Gio Lopez moved from South Alabama to North Carolina, but things haven’t gone his way. Before an injury, he posted a 122.42 efficiency rating and only 430 passing yards.
Kaidon Salter, Colorado
Kaidon Salter left Liberty for Colorado, but it’s been a bumpy ride. He’s been benched and can’t seem to find consistency.
Impact of Transfer Portal on Other Positions
The transfer portal has shaken up a bunch of other positions, not just quarterback. Teams keep plugging roster holes and chasing that extra edge wherever they can find it.
- Wide Receivers: Penn State, Texas A&M, and Georgia have all gone hunting for new targets. Penn State picked up Trebor Pena (Syracuse), Davonte Ross (Troy), and Kyron Hudson (USC). Texas A&M landed Mario Craver (Mississippi State) and KC Concepcion (NC State).
- Defensive Backs: Miami’s secondary looks a lot different now, with six new defensive back transfers. That group’s helped clamp down on big plays, which felt overdue.
- Edge Rushers: Texas Tech’s defense looks sharper thanks to Romello Height and David Bailey. They’re now sitting fifth nationally in yards allowed per play—pretty wild turnaround.
- Offensive Linemen: Nebraska and Auburn both brought in new faces for their offensive lines. Nebraska’s still struggling to keep their quarterback upright, and Auburn’s quarterbacks just can’t seem to settle in. It’s a mixed bag.
Want more details or the full quarterback transfer rankings? Here’s the link to the New York Times Athletic article.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
