College Football Playoff and Transfer Portal Shifts
As we look forward to Monday’s national championship clash between Miami and Indiana, the 2026 season is already shaping up with several prominent players making moves via the transfer portal, which opened on January 2. Teams are hustling to finalize their rosters before the portal shuts down on January 16. Notably, Miami and Indiana players will have a five-day grace period following the championship.
Currently, over nine elite classes have emerged. Evaluating 247 Sports’ Transfer Portal Rankings, there’s a strong possibility that a few of these teams may contend for the national title next year.
For instance, Lane Kiffin has inherited a hefty NIL budget of $25-30 million at LSU. His arrival could not have been better timed—LSU is positioned for the top transfer class, with 26 new players coming onboard since the portal opened. This influx is crucial for a program eager for a quick turnaround. Among the notable pickups are Ole Miss receiver Winston Watkins and Boise State safety Ty Benefield, along with key retention in running back Kayden Durham, who has topped the team’s rushing stats for the previous two years.
Notably, highly sought-after Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt has joined the Tigers after a foot surgery sidelined him last season. Ranked as a leading prospect, he helped guide the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals in 2024. He’ll need until September to recuperate fully but has the potential to emerge as a star in 2026, known for having CFP experience. Kiffin is also preparing for a possible transition by acquiring former USC five-star QB Husan Longstreet as a backup.
Texas, once atop the preseason rankings, concluded the 2025 season at a disappointing 10-3. Determined to reclaim their position, they’ll be active in the transfer portal. The Longhorns have made significant additions to bolster their lineup, including Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman, who partners with All-SEC standout Ryan Wingo. The running back situation was shaky last season due to injuries, but adding first-team all-conference backs like Hollywood Smothers from NC State and Lareek Brown from Arizona State should help strengthen their depth. Additionally, Pittsburgh linebacker Rasheem Biles could become a vital defensive asset.
Penn State experienced significant turnover after firing James Franklin, compelling new coach Matt Campbell to rapidly recruit through the portal. He has already brought in 35 transfers, 22 of whom are from Iowa State. Notable names include quarterback Rocco Becht and top producers like Carson Hansen and Brett Eskildsen.
The approach of directly reaching out to former players is becoming more common, as seen at Indiana, with numerous ex-James Madison players now contributing.
Kentucky’s new coach Will Stein has crafted a top-10 portal class, highlighted by Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey. His offensive line acquisitions from schools like Tennessee and Ohio State are expected to provide solid protection.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M aims to recreate the success that took them to the playoffs in 2025. Though they were in the running for the standout Cam Coleman, they secured Alabama receiver Isaiah Horton instead. Their defensive lineup also sees the addition of Northwestern edge rusher Ant Saka, who looks set to make waves.
Texas Tech, fresh off winning the Big 12, is again investing heavily in the portal, aiming to build a strong class. They’ve managed to attract Cincinnati quarterback Brandon Thorsby, who might be a standout next season, alongside defensive prospects like Mateen Ibirogba from Wake Forest.
In Indiana’s case, head coach Curt Cignetti is already focused on building for the future, bringing in experienced players like TCU’s Josh Hoover as the new quarterback. He will have dynamic targets such as Nick Marsh, who has notable performance stats from Michigan State.
