Transfer Portal Tracker: Where Top Players in College Football Are Heading This Winter

The transfer portal opened on Jan. 2.

Dylan Raiola is one of the top players intending to enter the transfer portal this winter. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The College Football Playoff may only be halfway done, but the transfer portal opened on Friday, Jan. 2, and thousands of Division I players have made the decision to explore a move. The transfer portal will remain open until Jan. 16 and there will be no spring transfer portal this year, giving football players one opportunity to transfer to another school before the 2026 season.

Though a number of players are planning to enter the portal, several marquee players are also staying at their current programs. Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers are among the notable players that have decided to stay put.

Still, with an action-packed coaching carousel this year, it won’t be surprising to see significant player movement. Numerous big-name programs fired and/or changed coaches and understandably many players might want to go elsewhere in the wake of these leadership changes. sdfdfsdfsdfsdf

With the portal open, here’s a look at the top players set to head elsewhere this winter.

DJ Lagway threw for three touchdowns in his final game with Florida, a 40–21 win over Florida State. | Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Top commitments out of the transfer portal

Quarterbacks

Sam Leavitt, committed to LSU
2025 stats (Arizona State): 60.7% completion, 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, plus 73 carries for 306 yards and five touchdowns

Sam Leavitt is heading to Baton Rouge following a 2025 campaign cut short by a season-ending foot injury. Leavitt began his college career at Michigan State before spending the last two years at Arizona State, with his tenure in the desert highlighted by a College Football Playoff appearance last year. Now, he’ll take over as Lane Kiffin’s first quarterback at LSU and look to bring the Tigers back to postseason contention.

Brendan Sorsby, committed to Texas Tech
2025 stats (Cincinnati): 61.6% completion, 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 100 carries for 580 yards and nine touchdowns

After taking visits to Texas Tech and LSU, Brendan Sorsby is committing to the Red Raiders. Fresh off an appearance in the College Football Playoff, Texas Tech will add arguably the top quarterback in the portal. The redshirt junior played for Indiana from 2022–23 before joining the Cincinnati Bearcats, where the dual-threat threw for a career-high 27 touchdowns while also rushing for nine scores in 2025.

Dylan Raiola, committed to Oregon
2025 stats (Nebraska): 72.4% completion, 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns and six interceptions

After spending the last two seasons at Nebraska, Dylan Raiola is heading to Oregon. The true sophomore and former five-star recruit is coming off a broken leg he suffered in November, and will look to take the next steps in his college career in Eugene.

Despite initially committing to Georgia, Raiola ended up following in his father’s footsteps by playing for the Cornhuskers before deciding to transfer this winter. Notably, Nebraska fired Raiola’s uncle and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola last month and his brother also de-committed from Nebraska in November.

Josh Hoover, committed to Indiana
2025 stats (TCU): 65.9% completion, 3,472 yards, 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions

Indiana appears to have secured their heir-apparent to Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at quarterback. Following four seasons with TCU, Josh Hoover is reportedly committing to the Hoosiers. Hoover has amassed over 9,000 passing yards and 71 touchdowns during his time with the Horned Frogs, and has one year of eligibility remaining.

DJ Lagway, committed to Baylor
2025 stats (Florida): 63.2% completion, 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions

After spending two seasons with Florida, DJ Lagway is reportedly heading to Baylor. The true sophomore and former five-star recruit was part of a Gators team that went 4–8 and had a down year in a packed SEC.

Drew Mestemaker, committed to Oklahoma State
2025 stats (North Texas): 68.9% completion, 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions, plus 89 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

The FBS regular season leader in passing yards and touchdowns this season, Mestemaker is following coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State. The former walk-on and American Conference Offensive Player of the Year gives Morris one of the top QBs in the country as he looks to rejuvenate the Cowboys program.

“I think Coach Morris is the best play-caller in the nation,” Mestemaker told ESPN of his decision. “The insight he has, and the way he sees offense, and the way he makes me at quarterback comfortable in everything we are running. I feel like sets me up for success in everything that he calls.”

Rocco Becht, committed to Penn State
2025 stats (Iowa State): 60.5% completion, 2,584 yards,16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, plus 116 rushing yards, eight touchdowns

With Matt Campbell taking the head coaching job at Penn State, quarterback Rocco Becht plans to follow him from Ames to the Happy Valley, Pete Thamel reported on Jan 4. Becht has appeared in 42 college games, making him one of the most experienced signal-callers in the country.

“Penn State is getting a winner, someone who is competitive and wants to win every game,” Becht told ESPN. “Whatever my stats may be, all I want to do is win. Whatever I have to do for the team.”

Deuce Knight, committed to Ole Miss
2025 stats (Auburn): 68% completion, 259 yards and two touchdowns, plus 178 rushing yards and four touchdowns

Former Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight is joining the Rebels. The former five-star recruit started one game as a true freshman against Mercer in 2025, totaling six touchdowns en route to a 62-17 victory.

Beau Pribula, committed to Virginia
2025 stats (Missouri): 67.4% completion, 1,941 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions, plus 95 carries for 297 yards and six touchdowns

After not playing in Missouri’s bowl game against Virginia, Beau Pribula is joining the Cavaliers. The former Penn State quarterback spent the 2025 season with Missouri before deciding to return to the portal and head to Virginia.

Aidan Chiles, committed to Northwestern
2025 stats (Michigan State): 63.1% completion, 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, plus 81 carries for 227 yards and six touchdowns

After spending two seasons with Michigan State and one at Oregon State, Aidan Chiles is headed to Northwestern. The junior has two years of experience as a starter and one year of eligibility remaining.

Anthony Colandrea, committed to Nebraska
2025 stats (UNLV): 65.9% completion, 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions, plus 649 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns

Former UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea is heading to Nebraska as the Cornhuskers find their replacement for Dylan Raiola. After two seasons with Virginia, Colandrea came to UNLV for the 2025 campaign and led the Rebels to a 10-4 record while winning Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.

Nebraska initially received a commitment from Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey, but he flipped his commitment to Kentucky less than 24 hours later.

Alonza Barnett III, committed to UCF
2025 stats (James Madison): 58.4% completion, 2,806 yards, 23 touchdowns and eight interceptions, plus 589 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns

After leading James Madison to their first CFP appearance and winning Sun Belt Player of the Year, quarterback Alonza Barnett III announced he is committing to UCF. Barnett has spent the past four seasons at James Madison, but will be departing alongside a number of teammates and head coach Bob Chesney.

Running backs

Raleek Brown, committed to Texas
2025 stats (Arizona State): 186 carries, 1,141 yards and four touchdowns (6.1 ypc)

After losing multiple running backs to the transfer portal, Texas has gained the commitment of former ASU back Raleek Brown. Brown comes to the Longhorns after finishing second in the Big 12 in rushing and earning All-Big 12 first team honors.

Wayne Knight, committed to UCLA
2025 stats (James Madison): 207 carries, 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns (6.6 ypc)

Former James Madison running back Wayne Knight is following coach Bob Chesney to UCLA. Knight finished sixth in the FBS in rushing yards on the sixth-best rushing offense in college football in 2025.

Hollywood Smothers, committed to Alabama
2025 stats (N.C. State): 160 carries, 939 yards and six touchdowns (5.9 ypc)

After compiling over 1,500 rushing yards over two seasons with the Wolfpack, Hollywood Smothers is heading to Alabama. Smothers was named first-team All-ACC in 2025, and is a massive get for a Crimson Tide team that finished second-last in the SEC in rushing.

Cam Cook, committed to West Virginia
2025 stats (Jacksonville State): 295 carries, 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns (5.6 ypc)

Cam Cook is going to West Virginia after leading the FBS in rushing yards and scrimmage yards in 2025. He spent his first two years with TCU before joining Jacksonville State for the 2025 campaign, where he earned Conference USA Player of the Year and first-team All-CUSA honors.

CJ Baxter, committed to Kentucky
2025 stats (Texas): 54 carries, 196 yards (3.6 ypc)

After missing significant time over the last two seasons due to injury, CJ Baxter is heading to Kentucky. The redshirt sophomore ran 659 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.8 yards per carry as a freshman in 2023, and will look to replicate that kind of production with Kentucky.

Turbo Richard, committed to Indiana
2025 stats (Boston College): 145 carries, 749 yards and nine touchdowns (5.2 ypc)

Indiana continues to add to their transfer portal haul by nabbing former Boston College running back Turbo Richard. Richard comes to Indiana after spending two seasons with the Eagles.

Carson Hansen, committed to Penn State
2025 stats (Iowa State): 188 carries, 952 yards and six touchdowns (5.1 ypc)

Carson Hansen is heading to Penn State after rushing for more than 1,700 yards and 19 touchdowns over his three seasons in Ames. Hansen earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 and will reunite with Matt Campbell in Happy Valley.

Wide Receivers

Cam Coleman, committed to Texas
2025 stats (Auburn): 56 receptions, 708 yards and five touchdowns

Former Auburn wideout Cam Coleman is heading to Texas spending two seasons with the Tigers. The Longhorns land one of the top receivers in the portal, giving Arch Manning a standout weapon heading into 2026.

Omarion Miller, committed to Arizona State
2025 stats (Colorado): 45 receptions, 808 yards and eight touchdowns

Following the departure of several Buffaloes receivers like Jimmy Horn Jr., LaJohntay Wester and Travis Hunter, Omarion Miller had a breakout season for Colorado in 2025 as he led the team with over 800 receiving yards. After spending his first three seasons in Boulder, he is heading to Arizona State to continue his college career.

Chase Hendricks, committed to Cal
2025 stats (Ohio): 71 receptions, 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns

After catching four passes for 87 yards in Ohio’s Frisco Bowl win over UNLV, wideout Chase Hendricks is transferring to Cal. Hendricks finished 13th in the FBS in receiving yards in 2025 and earned second-team All-MAC honors.

Wyatt Young, committed to Oklahoma State
2025 stats (North Texas): 70 receptions, 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns

North Texas wide receiver Wyatt Young is heading to Oklahoma State after spending the last two seasons with the Mean Green, following his quarterback to the Cowboys. The dynamic wideout finished the 2025 campaign third in the FBS in receiving yards as he averaged 18.1 yards per catch.

Parker Livingstone, committed to Oklahoma
2025 stats (Texas): 29 catches, 516 yards and six touchdowns

Redshirt freshman Parker Livingstone is leaving Texas for Oklahoma this winter. Livingstone, who roomed with Arch Manning, said he never thought be would going to the portal to look for a new home, but “some things are out of my control.” Livingstone now joins the Longhorns’ biggest rival and becomes a Sooner.

Jayce Brown, committed to LSU)
2025 stats (Kansas State): 41 receptions, 712 yards and five touchdowns

After leading Kansas State in receiving in 2025, Jayce Brown announced he is transferring to LSU. Brown has amassed 115 receptions for 1,972 yards and 15 touchdowns over three years with the Wildcats.

Nick Marsh, committed to Indiana
2025 stats (Michigan State): 59 receptions, 662 yards and six touchdowns

Nick Marsh recorded 600+ receiving yards in consecutive seasons for Michigan State but the Michigan native will now be leaving for Indiana.

Brett Eskildsen, committed to Penn State
2025 stats (Iowa State): 30 catches, 526 yards, five touchdowns

Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen will be transferring from Iowa State to Penn State this winter along with a number of his former Iowa State teammates.

Tight Ends

Walker Lyons, committed to BYU
2025 stats (USC): 20 catches, 233 yards and two touchdowns

Following two seasons at USC, tight end Walker Lyons is heading to BYU for his junior season. His brother Ryder is also committed to the Cougars.

Ben Brahmer (Iowa State), committed to Penn State
2025 stats: 37 receptions, 446 yards and six touchdowns

Like quarterback Rocco Becht, tight end Ben Brahmer is following Matt Campbell to Penn State. Brahmer earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025.

Gabe Burkle, committed to Penn State
2025 stats (Iowa State): 26 catches, 302 yards and one touchdown

Gabe Burkle joins Brahmer in deciding he will transfer to Penn State from Iowa State after Cyclones coach Matt Campbell filled the coaching vacancy in Happy Valley. Burkle will transfer after spending the past four years in Ames.

Brody Foley, committed to Louisville
2025 stats (Tulsa): 37 catches, 528 yards and seven touchdowns

After primarily seeing time on special teams during his first three years with Indiana, Brody Foley had a breakout year playing for Tulsa in 2025 and will now head to Louisville for the 2026 season. The tight end finished second among tight ends in the FBS in touchdowns and seventh in receiving yards.

Offensive Line

Wilkin Formby, committed to Texas A&M (Alabama transfer)

Former Alabama starting right tackle Wilkin Formby is heading to Texas A&M after the Crimson Tide’s loss to Indiana in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. He has two years left of eligibility.

Trevor Buhr, committed to Penn State (Iowa State transfer)

Trevor Buhr is leaving Iowa State after three years in Ames, joining another of his former Cyclones in the Happy Valley. The 2025 All-Big 12 honorable mention has two years of eligibility remaining.

Connor Stroh, committed to Kansas (Texas transfer)

Connor Stroh announced he is heading to Kansas last three years with the Longhorns. Stroh did not see action in his first two years. In 2025 he started five games at left guard and appeared in 10 games overall.

Defensive Line/Linebacker

Tobi Osunsanmi, committed to Indiana
2025 stats (Kansas State): 20 total tackles, four sacks

Not only is Indiana adding offensive weaponry for next season, but they’re also boosting the No. 2 defense in the country with top pass rushing prospect Tobi Osunsanmi committing to the Hoosiers. Osunsanmi heads to Indiana after spending the last four years with Kansas State.

John Henry Daley, committed to Michigan
2025 stats (Utah): 48 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one pass breakup

Defensive end John Henry Daley is leaving Utah after two seasons and the departure of former head coach, Kyle Whittingham. He will now be following Whittingham to Ann Arbor to play for Michigan. Daley suffered a season-ending injury in November but expects to be healthy by the spring of next year.

Christian Alliegro, committed to Ohio State
2025 stats (Wisconsin): 49 total tackles, four sacks and one pass breakup

Following three years with the Badgers, linebacker Christian Alliegro is heading to Ohio State. Alliegro started eight games and was named an All-Big Ten honorable mention this season.

Jonathan Maldonado, committed to Ole Miss
2025 stats (Nevada): 38 total tackles, five sacks, one interception and four pass breakups

Standout defensive end Jonathan Maldonado is leaving Nevada for Ole Miss this winter. Maldonado joins a Rebel team in the middle of their first-ever CFP run after earning Mountain West Honorable Mention honors in 2025.

Keaton Thomas, committed to Ole Miss
2025 stats (Baylor): 99 total tackles, one sack, one interception and three pass breakups

Linebacker Keaton Thomas is departing Baylor for Ole Miss after two seasons with the Bears. He began his career by redshirting at West Virginia before heading to Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he became a NJCAA All-American. Since coming to Baylor, Thomas has been named first-team All-Big 12 in 2024 and second-team All-Big 12 in 2025.

Austin Romaine committed to Texas Tech
2025 stats (Kansas State): 66 total tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception and two pass breakups

Linebacker Austin Romaine is set to leave Kansas State after three seasons with the Wildcats and the retirement of former head coach Chris Klieman. Romaine has earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in both 2024 and 2025 and is now heading south to join a stacked Texas Tech defense.

Adam Trick, committed to Texas Tech
2025 stats (Miami (Ohio)): 59 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and four pass breakups

After spending the last three seasons at Miami (Ohio), the 6' 4" edge rusher announced he is joining Texas Tech.

Owen Chambliss, committed to Nebraska
2025 stats (San Diego State): 109 total tackles, four sacks, one interception and five pass breakups

Linebacker Owen Chambliss will be leaving San Diego State for Nebraska after spending the last two seasons with the Aztecs. Chambliss racked up over 100 total tackles and was named first-team All-Mountain West in 2025.

Defensive Backs

Boo Carter, committed to Colorado
2025 stats (Tennessee): 25 total tackles, three pass breakups, one sack and three forced fumbles

Deion Sanders has landed a commitment from defensive back Boo Carter, who entered the transfer portal after his 2025 campaign was cut short due to injury and he was dismissed by Tennessee. A member of the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team, Carter was a productive player for the Vols prior to his dismissal from the program.

Koi Perich, committed to Oregon
2025 stats (Minnesota): 82 total tackles, one sack, one interception, one forced fumble and two pass breakups

Former Minnesota safety Koi Perich is heading to Oregon after spending two seasons with the Golden Gophers. Perich made first-team All-Big Ten as a freshman, and saw time at receiver in his sophomore campaign.

Edwin Joseph, committed to Ole Miss
2025 stats (Florida State): 37 total tackles, five pass breakups, one forced fumble and three interceptions

A former four-star recruit, safety Edwin Joseph is transferring to Ole Miss following three years with the Seminoles where he emerged as a starter and defensive playmaker for Florida State.

Jeremiah Cooper, committed to Penn State
2025 stats (Iowa State): nine total tackles, one interception and three pass breakups

Jeremiah Cooper will be using his final season of eligibility at Penn State after transferring to the Nittany Lions. A four-year starter for the Cyclones, Cooper was previously named first-team All-Big 12 back in 2023.

Ty Benefield, committed to LSU
2025 stats (Boise State): 105 total tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and three pass breakups

Lane Kiffin is boosting his new LSU defense with the addition of former Boise State safety Ty Benefield, who heads to Baton Rouge after three years with the Broncos. Benefield is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign which saw him earn All-Mountain West first team honors and win the Mountain West Championship defensive MVP award.

Tawfiq Byard, committed to Texas A&M
2025 stats (Colorado): 79 total tackles, four pass breakups, 0.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception

Deion Sanders & Co. are losing standout safety Tawfiq Byard, who is transferring to Texas A&M. The brother of All-Pro NFL safety Kevin Byard, Tawfiq was one of the top players on Colorado’s defense in 2025.

Jay Crawford, committed to Ole Miss
2025 stats (Auburn): 15 total tackles, four pass breakups, one interception

Starting cornerback Jay Crawford is leaving Auburn for SEC rival Ole Miss. Crawford wrapped up his sophomore season in 2025, and previously earned freshman All-American honors in 2024.

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