The college football world’s about to get a real shake-up when the transfer portal opens on January 2nd, 2026. With all the coaching drama and players feeling restless, a bunch of big-name athletes seem ready to look for new homes.
This article takes a look at five standout players who could completely change the outlook for whichever teams land them. Honestly, it’s wild how much these moves could shift the balance in college football.
Top Transfer Candidates in College Football
The transfer portal’s become such a game-changer for building rosters these days. Certain players really stand out as likely to make a move.
They’ve shown serious talent and could make a huge impact if they end up at a Power 4 school. Let’s check out who they are and where they might go.
Mestemaker: A Rising Star from North Texas
Mestemaker has impressed everyone at North Texas, even helping the team break into the rankings for a stretch. He’s just a redshirt freshman, so there’s a lot of eligibility left on the table.
He’s played well all year, and honestly, it’d be weird not to see him in a Power 4 jersey next season.
- Position: Quarterback
- Current School: North Texas
- Potential Destinations: Power 4 schools
Coleman: A Top Receiver in a Tough Situation
Coleman might be one of the best receivers in the country right now, but he’s stuck with Auburn’s quarterback issues. He’s racked up over 600 yards this season, which is no small feat.
The Auburn offense just hasn’t let him show everything he can do. If he lands somewhere with a better offense, his draft stock could skyrocket, and he’d finally get to show off on a bigger stage.
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current School: Auburn
- Potential Destinations: Power 4 teams
Iamaleava: A Potential Repeat Transfer
Iamaleava surprised a lot of people last year when he jumped from Tennessee to UCLA. That move made headlines all over the place.
But things haven’t gone well at UCLA—head coach DeShaun Foster got fired, and they went 3-7. With everything up in the air, Iamaleava might decide to hit the portal again.
- Position: Quarterback
- Current School: UCLA
- Potential Destinations: TBD, depending on coaching changes
Sellers: Weighing College Football Against the NFL
Sellers had a rough go with the South Carolina Gamecocks this year. They dropped from being contenders to sitting at the bottom of the SEC.
He thought about heading to the draft, but now he’s seriously considering another year in college. It comes down to whether he thinks sticking with the Gamecocks helps his NFL chances or if transferring to a stronger team gives him a better shot.
- Position: Quarterback
- Current School: South Carolina
- Potential Destinations: NFL or another college team
Baugh: A Running Back on the Move?
Baugh put together a great season at Florida. But with head coach Billy Napier gone, things could get messy there.
If Baugh doesn’t feel like he’s got a stable situation, he might look for a new team. He’s good enough to help just about any Top 25 program and maybe give his NFL hopes a boost with the right move.
- Position: Running Back
- Current School: Florida
- Potential Destinations: Top 25 teams
The Impact of the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal’s changed everything in college football. Players can chase better situations, and teams can reload fast.
But it’s risky, too. If a team loses its stars, they can fall off in a hurry.
Texas Tech’s run this year really shows how much the portal matters. Teams that use it well can turn things around, while those that lose key guys might have a hard time keeping up.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The upcoming transfer portal period might just shake things up more than we’ve seen in years. Several high-profile players could be on the move, and that means college football’s landscape is about to shift.
Fans and analysts are left waiting, wondering which teams will come out ahead—or lose out big. It’s anybody’s guess.
For more detailed insights and updates on the transfer portal, check out College Football Network. They’ve got the latest news, analysis, and plenty of trending stories from the world of college sports.
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