College football never really sits still, does it? The transfer portal’s now this wild, pivotal force, reshaping rosters every single season.
For 2026, the rankings feel especially volatile. High-profile athletes keep popping up in new places, and the buzz is real.
Here’s a look at the top transfer portal rankings, with a quick dive into key players, their positions, and what their moves might mean. If you want to see the full list and rankings, check out the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.
Key Players in the 2026 Transfer Portal
This year’s transfer portal is, honestly, packed. Talent is moving all over the map, and almost every position is seeing shakeups.
Let’s run through some of the biggest names making headlines right now.
Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks always get the spotlight. 2026 is no exception.
- Donovan Leary (RS-JR, 6-2, 190) from Timber Creek, NJ, just signed with a new team.
- Blaine Hipa (RS-JR, 6-2, 196) from Chandler, AZ, is headed to a fresh program too.
- Nicco Marchiol (RS-JR, 6-2, 216) from Hamilton, AZ, brings an NIL value of 89.51 to his new squad.
Running Backs
Running backs are moving around a lot this year. Some big names are switching jerseys.
- Trey Cooley (SR, 5-11, 208) from Knightdale, NC, is off to Washington.
- Isaiah Carlson (JR, 6-1, 206) from Ferndale, WA, committed to a new team.
- Bryson Kuzdzal (JR, 6-0, 195) from Forest Hills Eastern, MI, withdrew his name from the portal.
Impact on Defensive Positions
Defense wins games, right? Several defenders are making moves that could shake things up.
Cornerbacks
Some key cornerbacks are on the move:
- Nathan Williams (RS-FR, 6-2, 170) from Rise Prep Academy, FL, entered the portal.
- Myles Norwood (RS-SR, 6-2, 170) from Trinity Catholic, MO, committed elsewhere.
- Jaylin Davies (RS-SR, 6-1, 165) from Mater Dei, CA, is heading to Vanderbilt.
Linebackers
Linebackers anchor the defense, and a few are switching teams.
- Joseph Harper (SO, 6-1, 235) from Baldwyn, MS, entered the portal.
- Sean Allison (RS-JR, 6-0, 235) from Hinsdale Central, IL, is off to Rutgers.
- James Heard (RS-SO, 6-2, 218) from St. Joseph’s Prep School, NJ, committed to a new team.
Offensive Line Transfers
The offensive line doesn’t get enough love, but it’s crucial. Several linemen are switching schools this year.
Offensive Tackles
These tackles are making moves:
- David Ndukwe (RS-SR, 6-6, 240) from Arabia Mountain, GA, committed to a new team.
- Broderick Shull (FR, 6-5.5, 275) from Bixby, OK, also found a new program.
- Trevor Duncan (RS-SO, 6-5, 290) from Knoxville Catholic, TN, is heading elsewhere.
Interior Offensive Linemen
Big guys in the middle matter too. Check out these transfers:
- Paris Patterson (RS-SO, 6-4, 355) from East St. Louis, IL, is off to Texas.
- Cooper Lovelace (RS-SR, 6-5, 320) from Shawnee Mission East, KS, committed to a new team.
Special Teams Transfers
Special teams can swing a game, no doubt. A few key players are in the portal.
Placekickers and Punters
Here are some notable special teams transfers:
- Jesse Ehrlich (RS-JR, 6-2, 200) from Melbourne, VIC, committed to a new team.
- Jackson Moore (RS-SO, 5-10, 156) from Marvin Ridge, NC, is joining a new program.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Receivers and tight ends keep offenses humming. Several are switching teams this cycle.
Wide Receivers
Wideout transfers to watch:
- Roy Alexander (SR, 5-10, 200) from Riverdale, FL, committed to a new team.
- Jonah Burton (RS-SR, 5-10, 190) from Simi Valley, CA, landed with a new program.
- Eddie Kasper (RS-JR, 5-10, 160) from Burlington, WI, is heading to Illinois.
Tight Ends
And don’t forget these tight ends:
- Alex Szczesniak (SR, 6-2, 220) from Carl Sandburg, IL, committed to a new team.
- Dylan Burk (FR, 6-7, 255) from Merritt Island, FL, is heading to a new program.
- Parker Olthoff (RS-JR, 6-3, 230) from Portola, CA, entered the portal.
The 2026 transfer portal looks like it could shake up college football in a big way. Big-name athletes are already switching teams, and honestly, nobody can really predict how the season will play out.
If you want to keep up with all the latest rankings and player moves, check out the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings. There’s always something new popping up over there.
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