As the college football season winds down, the transfer portal’s heating up. The 2026 cycle might be one of the most exciting yet.
Big-name quarterbacks like Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway headline the list. Teams are already eyeing the upcoming transfer window from January 2-16.
This blog post takes a look at the top prospects, their backgrounds, and what it all means for the next season.
Top Quarterbacks in the 2026 Transfer Portal
The 2026 transfer portal rankings, just updated by 247Sports, show off a ton of talent at quarterback. Brendan Sorsby, Dylan Raiola, and DJ Lagway are grabbing the headlines.
Let’s break down what these top quarterbacks bring to the table.
Brendan Sorsby: The Surprise Leader
Brendan Sorsby, now at Cincinnati, surprisingly tops the list. He started his college career at Indiana before transferring to Cincinnati, where he started for the last two seasons.
His stats? Pretty solid:
- Completion Rate: 61.6%
- Passing Yards: 2,800
- Touchdowns: 27
- Interceptions: 5
- Rushing Yards: 580
- Rushing Touchdowns: 9
Sorsby led Cincinnati to a 7-5 record in 2025. He didn’t have a roster full of 5-star players, which makes his performance even more impressive.
If he moves to a bigger program, he could really take off. Maybe that’s just what he needs.
Dylan Raiola: A Change of Scenery
Dylan Raiola, out of Nebraska, was a 5-star recruit and ranked as the No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 class. But so far, he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.
He threw for 2,000 yards as the Cornhuskers finished 7-5 this season. Maybe a transfer is the spark he needs to finally hit his stride.
DJ Lagway: The Gator’s Struggle
DJ Lagway, a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 quarterback from the 2024 class, had a rough season at Florida. He put up 16 touchdown passes but also threw 14 interceptions, and the Gators ended up 4-8.
Like Raiola, maybe Lagway just needs a new environment to show what he can really do.
Other Notable Transfers
Quarterbacks get a lot of attention, but other positions are seeing plenty of action in the portal too. Here are some other names to watch:
- Mateen Ibirogba: Defensive Lineman from Wake Forest
- Nick Marsh: Wide Receiver from Michigan State
- Boo Cater: Safety from Tennessee
- Brody Foley: Tight End from Tulsa
- Kenny Minchey: Quarterback from Notre Dame
- Edwin Joseph: Safety from Florida State
- Adam Trick: Edge from Miami Ohio
These players are all searching for new homes where they can make an impact. Teams everywhere will be eager to bring in this kind of talent.
Implications of the Transfer Portal Window
The upcoming transfer window runs from January 2-16. That’s the only shot for players to transfer ahead of the 2026 season.
This window overlaps with the College Football Playoff, which makes things tricky for coaches and teams trying to chase championships.
Coaches’ Challenges
Coaches juggle prepping for the playoffs while also dealing with the transfer portal. That’s a lot to handle at once.
It’s a weird balance—focus and resources get stretched thin. But, it does give teams a shot to beef up their rosters before next season.
Players’ Opportunities
For players, this window is a big deal. It’s their chance to find new opportunities and maybe finally get the playing time or role they’ve been hoping for.
Whether it’s a quarterback looking for a fresh start or a defensive lineman wanting a bigger stage, the portal can be a real game changer.
Conclusion
The 2026 transfer portal is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. High-profile quarterbacks like Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway are leading the charge.
Teams and players are navigating this wild, critical period. The landscape of college football might shift in big ways—honestly, who knows what’s next?
If you want more details on updated rankings or player profiles, check out the Bleacher Report article.
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