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Max Olson
Multiple Authors
The 2025 season highlighted the power of elite portal recruiting, demonstrating that it can elevate a program to national championship potential. Miami, Ole Miss, and Oregon reached the College Football Playoff semifinals largely due to their success in snagging top transfer talent. but, they fell short against an undefeated Indiana team, led by a Heisman Trophy winner and 16 other starters acquired through the portal.
As the offseason transfer window has wrapped up, with over 3,200 FBS scholarship players making moves in January, we present key portal pickups for each Way-Too-Early Top 25 team.
2025 record: 16-0, 9-0 Big Ten
Top portal addition: Josh Hoover, QB, TCU
Hoover provides the Hoosiers with a well-qualified successor to Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, projected as the No. 1 NFL draft pick. A starting QB for 31 games, Hoover’s 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdowns are the highest among FBS passers returning in 2026. He had initially committed to Indiana as a high school recruit in 2021 and is now ready to collaborate with receivers Charlie Becker and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh for a potent passing game. Under Coach Curt Cignetti, Hoover will aim to maintain the impressive track record of quarterback excellence, with five of their QBs receiving conference Offensive Player of the Year awards since 2019.
2025 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
Top portal addition: Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
The Longhorns made significant moves in January to pursue top talents in the transfer portal, winning a competitive recruitment against Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Alabama for Coleman, ranked No. 2 in ESPN’s transfer rankings. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, the junior tallied 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 TDs across two seasons at Auburn. Coleman, a potential first-round draft pick, is eager to contribute to a national title chase under Coach Steve Sarkisian alongside Arch Manning. His arrival, coupled with two of the top running backs available—Hollywood Smothers (NC State) and Raleek Brown (Arizona State)—raises expectations for Texas as Manning enters his second year as starter.
2025 record: 10-2
Top portal addition: Tionne Gray, DT, Oregon
Gray, one of the top young defensive linemen available, made three starts for the Ducks during his redshirt freshman season. This 6-6, 336-pound interior lineman secured 18 tackles, two for loss, and blocked a field goal while playing primarily rotationally (15-20 snaps per game) behind A’Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander. The Irish have high hopes that he’ll step up to play a significant role in a defensive front bolstered by other strong transfer talents like Francis Brewu (Pitt) and Keon Keeley (Alabama).
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 SEC
Top portal addition: Amaris Williams, Edge, Auburn
If he hits his potential, Williams could become one of the standout stars of this portal cycle while in Athens. The No. 88 recruit from the 2024 ESPN 300 played only 310 snaps over two years at Auburn, accumulating modest stats of 20 tackles, 12 pressures, 7.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. But he has shown flashes of being an explosive pass rusher while working behind projected first-round pick Keldric Faulk. Now, he aims to prove he can be a reliable full-time starter and a key asset for the Bulldogs.
2025 record: 13-2, 8-1 Big Ten
Top portal addition: Koi Perich, S, Minnesota
Having a strong season at Oregon helped Purdue transfer Dillon Thieneman solidify his status as a top-three safety in the upcoming draft. Perich looks to emulate that success at the Ducks. He’s among the sport’s most dynamic young defensive playmakers, tallying six interceptions over two seasons at Minnesota and accumulating 1,119 yards as a kickoff and punt returner. Perich earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a true freshman in 2024 and is a candidate for All-America recognition in his junior year.
2025 record: 12-2, 9-0 Big Ten
Top portal addition: James Smith, DT, Alabama
Ranked as the No. 3 defensive tackle in ESPN’s transfer rankings, Smith joined the Crimson Tide as a top-25 recruit and transitioned into a starting role in 2025. The 6-3, 297-pound junior had a solid year with 28 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks across 398 snaps. He’s stepping in for Kayden McDonald, who was named Big Ten’s Defensive Lineman of the Year, as part of a Buckeyes defense that has acquired four top-100 transfers in ESPN’s rankings, including Smith and Alabama edge Qua Russaw along with safeties Earl Little Jr. (Florida State) and Terry Moore (Duke).
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 Big 12
Top portal addition: Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati
The Red Raiders were focused on acquiring the top quarterback available when the portal opened in January, successfully outbidding Lane Kiffin and LSU for Sorsby, the No. 1-ranked transfer QB according to ESPN. The second-team All-Big 12 honoree finished with a top-10 QBR (81.4) last season, throwing for 2,800 yards, rushing for 580, and scoring 36 total TDs in his second year as the Bearcats’ starter. Sorsby contemplated going pro before deciding to join the defending Big 12 champions for another run in the College Football Playoff.
2025 record: 13-3, 6-2 ACC
Top portal addition: Darian Mensah, QB, Duke
The Hurricanes shocked many by making Mensah an offer he couldn’t refuse at portal eviction time, pulling him from the defending ACC champs to lead a team that just reached the CFP national title. Mensah excelled during his year with the Blue Devils, leading the ACC with 3,973 passing yards and 34 TDs, earning second-team all-conference distinction after transferring from Tulane. He’s bringing Duke transfer wide receiver Cooper Barkate, joining a star-studded offense that also features receiver Malachi Toney and running back Mark Fletcher Jr.
2025 record: 13-2, 7-1 SEC
Top portal addition: Carius Curne, OT, LSU
New head coach Pete Golding faced numerous needs to fulfill in the January transfer window and expertly utilized their CFP momentum to gather a formidable portal haul. even if Curne may not have the accolades of some of Ole Miss’s top portal additions, he possesses the potential to be one of the top offensive linemen this cycle if he develops properly. The 6-5, 320-pound sophomore was the No. 133 recruit in the 2025 ESPN 300, making four starts at left tackle and one at right tackle during his freshman year at LSU. It remains to be seen whether the Rebels will deploy him at tackle or guard in his second season, yet he is expected to make a significant impact this fall. Golding also excelled in restocking their defense, bringing in numerous potential new starters, such as linebackers Keaton Thomas and Luke Ferrelli, and defensive backs Jay Crawford, Edwin Joseph, and Joenel Aguero.
2025 record: 11-2, 7-1 SEC
Top portal addition: Isaiah Horton, WR, Alabama
The Aggies found the need to replace standout receiver KC Concepcion during this transfer window and succeeded in landing a prime asset in Horton to complement Mario Craver. Standing at 6-4 and 208 pounds, he amassed 112 receptions for 1,301 yards and 14 touchdowns during his tenure at Miami and Alabama, being ranked as the No. 5 transfer receiver by ESPN. Horton now has the chance in College Station to prove he is a genuine No. 1 option after having ranked third on the Crimson Tide for targets in his only season with Alabama.
2025 record: 12-2, 8-1 Big 12
Top portal addition: Cade Uluave, LB, Cal
Uluave became one of the most productive linebackers in the nation during his three years at Cal, earning the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honor and first-team All-ACC accolades after amassing 237 tackles, 21.5 TFLs, six sacks, ten pass breakups, and three interceptions with the Bears. After the coaching change at Cal, the Utah native entered the portal and returns home to bolster a BYU program eager to advance and reach the CFP after a successful 12-win season.
2025 record: 10-3, 6-2 SEC
Top portal addition: Trell Harris, WR, Virginia
The Sooners sought to enhance their passing game weapons around John Mateer during the transfer window, achieving substantial success by adding wide receivers Harris, Parker Livingstone (Texas), and Mackenzie Alleyne (Washington State), along with tight ends Rocky Beers (Colorado State), Hayden Hansen (Florida), and Jack Van Dorselaer (Tennessee). Harris brings with him 113 career catches for 1,604 yards and nine touchdowns from his time at Virginia and Kent State, previously serving as the primary receiver for an 11-win Cavaliers squad last season, where he earned third-team All-ACC honors with a career-high 847 receiving yards.
2025 record: 9-4, 7-2 Big Ten
Top portal addition: Jontez Williams, CB, Iowa State
The 5-11, 200-pound cornerback shone as one of the Big 12’s emerging defensive stars in 2024, recording interceptions in four straight games and received second-team All-Big 12 honors as a redshirt sophomore. Unfortunately, Williams’ junior year was cut short after five games due to a torn ACL. Once he returns to full health, he should be a significant contributor for new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson and a Trojans secondary needing to replace senior starter DeCarlos Nicholson.
2025 record: 9-4, 4-4 ACC
Top portal addition: Tre Richardson, WR, Vanderbilt
Richardson transitioned from Division II Washburn to the SEC in 2025, immediately catching attention as Diego Pavia’s top target, racking up 806 yards and seven touchdowns on 46 receptions, while also adding 427 yards as a kickoff returner. Ranked as the No. 4 wide receiver in ESPN’s transfer rankings, he is positioned to be new Cardinals QB Lincoln Kienholz’s primary receiving option in a passing attack that will need to compensate for the loss of top wideouts Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy.
2025 record: 7-6, 3-5 SEC
Top portal addition: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
Securing Leavitt was critical in a fierce recruitment against Miami and Tennessee as Lane Kiffin and LSU searched for a top-tier QB1 for 2026. Ranked as the No. 3 player in ESPN’s transfer rankings, Leavitt was among the top 10 passers in QBR during 2024, amassing 3,328 total yards and 29 touchdowns while leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title and a CFP spot as a redshirt freshman. After being limited to seven games in 2025 due to a foot injury, he is poised for a major comeback with the retooled Tigers in the SEC. LSU also signed eight players from the top 100 in ESPN’s transfer rankings, including No. 1 tackle Jordan Seaton (Colorado) and No. 1 edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss) joining Leavitt in Baton Rouge.
2025 record: 9-4, 6-3 Big Ten
Top portal addition: L.J. Phillips Jr., RB, South Dakota
The Hawkeyes landed an FCS All-American to enhance their running game for 2026. Phillips enjoyed a stellar season at South Dakota, rushing for 1,920 yards at 6.5 yards per carry, in addition to 195 receiving yards on 28 receptions and a total of 20 touchdowns. The 5-9, 225-pound back rushed for 301 yards in his season opener, achieving eight more games with over 100 rushing yards. With two years of eligibility remaining, Phillips will team up with Kamari Moulton, Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil to reinforce Iowa’s run-heavy offensive scheme.
2025 record: 9-4, 6-2 ACC
Top portal addition: Kendrick Raphael, RB, Cal
The Mustangs needed to fill the void left by their top two running backs ahead of the 2026 season and found an excellent veteran back in Raphael. Coming off a career year at Cal with 943 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns, he received honorable mention All-ACC recognition, having previously totaled 734 yards over two seasons at NC State. Head coach Rhett Lashlee and his team have effectively stocked up on playmakers for third-year starting QB Kevin Jennings, welcoming Raphael along with receivers Yannick Smith (ECU), Jalen Hale (Alabama), and tight ends Randy Pittman Jr. (Florida State) and Theo Melin Öhrström (Texas A&M) this offseason.
2025 record: 9-4, 7-2 Big Ten
Top portal addition: John Henry Daley, Edge, Utah
New head coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff arrived with some skilled players from Salt Lake City for their inaugural year in the Big Ten. Daley established himself as one of the Big 12’s standout pass rushers, earning All-America honors in 2025 after recording 17.5 TFLs and 11.5 sacks in just 11 games as a redshirt sophomore. even if he is recovering from a season-ending injury, he is expected to make a significant impact when healthy. He is one of five Utah transfers, along with CB Smith Snowden, TE JJ Buchanan, DL Jonah Lea’ea, and WR recruit Salesi Moa, all capable of making an immediate difference for the Wolverines.
2025 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big Ten
Top portal addition: Jayden Limar, RB, Oregon
Limar is set to return home to Washington with an opportunity to become the Huskies’ featured back after being in crowded, talented backfields at Oregon. He finished last season ranked fourth on the team in rushing, carrying the ball 46 times for 262 yards and totaling 649 yards and five touchdowns during his three years with the Ducks. With Jonah Coleman graduating and Adam Mohammed moving to Cal, Limar’s experience will bolster the Huskies’ offense, pairing well with rising redshirt sophomore Jordan Washington.
2025 record: 9-4, 5-4 Big 12
Top portal addition: Jaden Craig, QB, Harvard
The Horned Frogs acted swiftly to replace Josh Hoover after his commitment to Indiana, bringing in Craig, the top FCS passer in the portal. A two-time finalist for the Walter Payton Award as the best offensive player in the subdivision, Craig threw for 6,074 yards, scored 63 total touchdowns, and only threw 12 interceptions during his two-year starting stint at Harvard. TCU coach Sonny Dykes aims to transition to a more pro-style offense under new offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis, making Craig a fitting addition to this strategy.
2025 record: 11-4, 7-1 SEC
Top portal addition: Devan Thompkins, DT, USC
Thompkins evolved into a starting force for the Trojans after entering the program as a 230-pound edge rusher, eventually bulking up to 290 pounds to tackle defensive duties inside. Over four years, he accounted for 30 pressures, nine TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and five pass breakups. Eager for a strong senior season in the SEC, he joins a Crimson Tide front that has added depth with several portal acquisitions, including Thompkins, Terrance Green (Oregon), Desmond Umeozulu (South Carolina), Caleb Smith (Washington), and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (Mississippi State).
2025 record: 7-6, 3-6 Big Ten
Top portal addition: Rocco Becht, QB, Iowa State
Becht was part of the wave of transfers from Iowa State to Penn State when head coach Matt Campbell departed, transitioning to lead the Nittany Lions. As one of the most seasoned returning quarterbacks in college football, Becht has been a starter for 39 games and has secured 26 career wins. He led the Cyclones to just one win shy of a Big 12 title and CFP appearance in 2024, accumulating 9,274 passing yards, 499 rushing yards, and 83 total touchdowns throughout his career. In his senior season, Becht aims for a rapid turnaround, supported by 23 former Iowa State teammates joining him at State College.
2025 record: 8-5, 6-3 Big 12
Top portal addition: Omarion Miller, WR, Colorado
The Sun Devils are undergoing a major offensive transformation entering 2026 with Sam Leavitt, Raleek Brown, and projected first-round pick Jordyn Tyson moving on. Head coach Kenny Dillingham and his staff took decisive action in the transfer portal, acquiring Kentucky transfer QB Cutter Boley and landing two top wideouts in Miller and Boston College’s Reed Harris. Miller, ranked No. 14 in ESPN’s transfer rankings, produced a standout junior season at Colorado, registering a team-best 45 receptions for 808 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him second-team All-Big 12 honors while averaging 19.1 yards per catch throughout his career.
2025 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC
Top portal addition: Chaz Coleman, Edge, Penn State
Ranked as the No. 4 edge in ESPN’s transfer listings, Coleman logged only 144 snaps during his freshman year at Penn State but showcased his potential with 12 pressures, three TFLs, and a strip sack he returned for 39 yards against Florida International. He successfully added 25 pounds during his first offseason with the Nittany Lions to reach 250 pounds. Now it’s time for him to advance in his development and demonstrate he can fulfill a three-down role in the SEC. The Vols also brought in his DC Jim Knowles along with three other Penn State defenders—Xavier Gilliam, Amare Campbell, and Dejuan Lane—this offseason, which should help ease his transition to SEC play as a promising young pass rusher.
2025 record: 11-2, 7-2 Big 12
Top portal addition: Braden Pegan, WR, Utah State
The 6-3, 210-pound wide receiver kicked off a new chapter at Utah State in 2025, after having recorded just one catch in three years at UCLA, and he certainly maximized that opportunity. Pegan emerged as the Mountain West’s third-leading receiver, posting 60 catches for 926 yards and six touchdowns, which earned him first-team all-conference honors. He will reunite with his OC Kevin McGiven in Utah, amplifying an offense that has also added Kyri Shoels (San José State) and Ricky Johnson (Mississippi State) to their receiver lineup, augmenting the Devon Dampier-led passing game.
