The landscape of college football never really sits still, does it? The 2026 season looks like another wild ride, especially with a bunch of high-impact newcomers landing in the Big Ten and over at Notre Dame.
Fans are buzzing about how these new faces might shake up their teams. Some transfer quarterbacks want to keep championship dreams alive, while others—dynamic playmakers—could totally change the vibe for their schools.
Let’s take a look at the key players to watch, what they might bring, and some thoughts from coaches and analysts about these additions.
Notre Dame: QB Katin Houser (East Carolina Transfer)
The Fighting Irish seem set for a smooth shift at quarterback thanks to Katin Houser from East Carolina. With three-year starter Luke Altmyer moving on, Houser steps into an offense that’s already humming.
Why Houser is the Perfect Fit
Houser’s an efficient, accurate passer—he racked up 6,438 yards and 43 touchdowns in just two seasons at ECU. He’s also a dual-threat, which keeps Notre Dame’s offense unpredictable, just like it was under Altmyer.
What to Expect
- Efficient passing in a spread offense
- Ability to extend plays with mobility
- Potential to match or exceed Altmyer’s production
Head coach Bret Bielema loves Houser’s attention to detail and leadership. He’s optimistic about the transition and thinks the season could go really well.
Indiana: QB Josh Hoover (TCU Transfer)
Indiana keeps working the transfer portal, this time bringing in Josh Hoover from TCU. After Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, Hoover’s hoping to keep the Hoosiers rolling.
Hoover’s Potential and Risks
Hoover shows up as the top returning passer in college football, with 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns over three years. But there’s a catch—he’s had 42 turnovers in his career, so there’s a bit of risk involved.
What to Expect
- High-volume, aggressive passing attack
- Production and swagger, but with potential risky decisions
- Elite targets in Nick Marsh and Shazz Preston
Coach Curt Cignetti points out Hoover’s quick release, accuracy, and competitiveness. He seems pretty confident in Hoover’s growth.
Iowa: WR Tony Diaz (UT Rio Grande Valley Transfer)
Iowa wants to juice up its passing game, so they grabbed Tony Diaz, a wide receiver from UT Rio Grande Valley. As a freshman, Diaz caught 67 passes for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns—pretty impressive.
Diaz’s Impact on Iowa’s Offense
Diaz can win tough catches and rack up yards after the catch, which is exactly what Iowa’s offense needs. He’ll join a group of receivers that includes Evan James, Dayton Howard, Jarriett Buie, and KJ Parker.
What to Expect
- Immediate impact as a primary or No. 2 receiving threat
- Well-rounded game with YAC skills and elusiveness
- Potential to elevate Iowa’s passing attack
General manager Tyler Barnes raves about Diaz’s ball skills and competitiveness. He expects Diaz to give Iowa’s offense a real boost.
Maryland: CB Amari Jackson (Boston College Transfer)
Maryland’s secondary gets a boost with Amari Jackson from Boston College. Jackson’s got experience and serious skills, making him a big pickup for the Terps.
Jackson’s Role in Maryland’s Defense
Jackson brings NFL-level talent and versatility to Maryland’s secondary. He’s also reuniting with co-defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim, which should help him settle in quickly.
What to Expect
- Starter-level boundary ability and press skills
- Experience against power-conference competition
- Potential to become Maryland’s top cover man
Coach Mike Locksley points to Jackson’s work ethic and leadership. He thinks Jackson will raise the bar for the defensive backs.
Michigan: RB Savion Hiter (2026 Signee)
Michigan’s sticking to its tough, physical roots by signing Savion Hiter, ESPN’s No. 2 running back for the 2026 class.
Hiter’s Fit in Michigan’s Offense
Hiter’s got the size, vision, and explosiveness to fit right into Michigan’s run-first approach. His patience and tempo behind the line are already impressive for someone his age.
What to Expect
- Early rotation snaps, especially in short-yardage situations
- Development into a featured player
- Potential to reassert Michigan’s dominance at the line of scrimmage
Coach Kyle Whittingham loves Hiter’s dynamic running and eagerness to learn. He sees a bright future for the young back.
Michigan State: RB Cam Edwards (UConn Transfer)
Michigan State needed a proven back, so they brought in Cam Edwards from UConn. Edwards brings both productivity and experience to the Spartans’ backfield.
Edwards’ Role in Revamping Michigan State’s Run Game
Edwards steps in as the clear RB1, hoping to turn around a struggling run game. Last year, he showed off his elusiveness and balance with 1,240 yards and 15 touchdowns.
What to Expect
- Immediate impact as the primary ball carrier
- Complementary role alongside transfers Marvis Parrish and Jaziun Patterson
- Potential to be the centerpiece of Michigan State’s offense
General manager Bryan Gasser talks up Edwards’ explosive running and proven production. He expects Edwards to do well in the Big Ten.
Minnesota: OLB/Edge TJ Bush Jr. (Cal Transfer)
Minnesota wants more punch on its defensive line, so they added TJ Bush Jr. from Cal. Bush is productive and versatile, which makes him a key addition for the Gophers.
Bush’s Impact on Minnesota’s Defense
Bush can play both five-technique and edge, filling a crucial need for Minnesota. In 2025, he put up 39 pressures and 5.5 sacks—pretty disruptive stuff.
What to Expect
- Rotational starter with significant snap counts
- Increased competition and depth on the defensive line
- Potential to turn Minnesota’s front into one of the Big Ten’s best
Coach P.J. Fleck appreciates Bush’s versatility and experience. He’s hoping Bush can help lift the Gophers’ defensive line.
Nebraska: QB Anthony Colandrea (UNLV/Virginia Transfer)
Nebraska keeps searching for dynamic quarterback play, and now they’ve got Anthony Colandrea from UNLV. Colandrea brings dual-threat skills and leadership to the Huskers.
Colandrea’s Role in Nebraska’s Offense
Colandrea’s experience and playmaking could add a new spark to Nebraska’s offense. Last year at UNLV, he threw for 3,459 yards and ran for 649 more.
What to Expect
- Quarterback-centric offense with RPO and second-reaction plays
- Dynamic quarterback play with potential for explosive outcomes
- Immediate leadership and locker room influence
Coach Matt Rhule loves Colandrea’s energy and confidence. He thinks the Huskers might be in for a pretty solid season.
Northwestern: QB Aidan Chiles (Michigan State Transfer)
Northwestern’s hoping to wake up its offense with Aidan Chiles from Michigan State. Chiles brings athleticism and experience, making him a key piece for the Wildcats.
Chiles’ Fit in Northwestern’s Offense
Chiles brings dual-threat skills and real arm talent to Northwestern. That fits right into new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly‘s up-tempo scheme.
His 2025 stats? 1,392 passing yards and 10 touchdowns.
What to Expect
- The offense should get quicker and more explosive.
- Expect more RPO leverage and designed quarterback runs.
- Chiles could really change what Northwestern’s offense can do.
Head coach Chip Kelly loves Chiles’ playmaking upside. He thinks Chiles’ starting experience could spark a huge season for the Wildcats.
Curious about these newcomers and how they might shake up the 2026 season? Check out the full article on ESPN.
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