The 2026 college football transfer portal has been a hotbed of activity, with some of the biggest names in the sport switching programs. ESPN has named the top 10 college football transfers to watch in 2026, and it's an exciting list that promises to shake up the landscape of college football. From quarterback transfers to wide receivers, these players are poised to make a significant impact on their new teams. Let's dive into the top 10 transfers and explore why they matter, what makes them fascinating, and how they could shape the future of their respective programs.
Sam Leavitt, LSU
Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State quarterback, is the first starting quarterback of Lane Kiffin's era at LSU. Leavitt's mobility and creativity are key assets, as modern defenses are built to suffocate structure. With 4,513 passing yards and 34 touchdowns in two seasons at ASU, Leavitt was tabbed as the No. 1-ranked player in the Transfer Portal by On3. He's expected to be a full go for summer camp after having pins removed from his foot in early April. In my opinion, Leavitt's transfer to LSU is a fascinating development, as it presents an opportunity for the Tigers to rebuild their offense under Lane Kiffin. The question remains: can Leavitt take the next step and lead LSU to success?
Cam Coleman, Texas
Cam Coleman, the former Auburn wide receiver, is one of the most sought-after players in the Transfer Portal this offseason. With the opportunity to catch passes from the projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, Arch Manning, Coleman quickly committed to Steve Sarkisian and Texas. In 23 games for the Tigers, Coleman hauled in 93 receptions for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns. Texas absolutely loaded up this offseason with all eyes on returning to the College Football Playoff. Coleman will be a massive piece of that effort, and I'm excited to see how he performs in the Longhorns' offense.
Darian Mensah, Miami
Darian Mensah, the former Duke quarterback, will enter the 2026 campaign as one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Mensah's 3,973 passing yards ranked second most in the country, while his 34 passing touchdowns were tied for second most in the country. Miami head coach Mario Cristobal raves about Mensah's accuracy, sense, and pocket awareness. With Mensah leading the Hurricanes, Miami is poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff and the Heisman Trophy.
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Drew Mestemaker's transfer to Oklahoma State this offseason has gone a bit under the radar, but it's a fascinating development. As a freshman in 2025, Mestemaker passed for 4,379 yards with 34 touchdowns and just nine interceptions. Oklahoma State head coach Eric Morris raves about Mestemaker's anticipation and ability to process information on the field. With Mestemaker leading the Cowboys, Oklahoma State is poised to make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Josh Hoover, Indiana
Josh Hoover has the extremely difficult task of succeeding a Heisman-winning quarterback at Indiana. Hoover has spent the past four seasons at TCU, serving in the starting role over the past three. With 9,629 passing yards and 71 touchdowns in 36 career games, Hoover is a talented quarterback who will become the third starting quarterback of the Curt Cignetti era at Indiana. I'm curious to see how Hoover performs in the Hoosiers' offense and whether he can lead Indiana to success.
Nick Marsh, Indiana
Nick Marsh, the former Michigan State wide receiver, is one of Hoover's go-to targets this season. Across two seasons in East Lansing, Marsh compiled 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns. Marsh is ready to be a catalyst for the Hoosiers' second consecutive National Championship. I'm excited to see how Marsh performs in the Hoosiers' offense and whether he can help Indiana reach its goals.
Jordan Seaton, LSU
Jordan Seaton was one of the most high-profile transfers in the Portal this offseason after making the decision to depart Deion Sanders' Colorado program. New head coach Lane Kiffin hauled in Seaton as part of his stellar class, and he will be playing his (likely) final season of college football in Baton Rouge. Seaton will be blocking for Sam Leavitt, who also entrusted his career in Kiffin. I'm curious to see how Seaton performs in the Tigers' offense and whether he can help LSU reach its goals.
Damon Wilson II, Miami
Damon Wilson II, the former Missouri defensive end, is one of two Hurricanes on this list. Miami has always been an attractive destination for portal players and recruits, and its run to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game has only boosted its appeal. Wilson II, a projected First Round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, was named Second Team All-SEC at Missouri in 2025. I'm excited to see how Wilson II performs in the Hurricanes' defense and whether he can help Miami reach its goals.
Koi Perich, Oregon
Koi Perich, the former Minnesota safety, became known nationally by college football fans due to his highly talented player in EA Sports' College Football video game. Now, he'll have a chance to shine on the field for Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks, as they look to break through the glass ceiling and finally win a National Championship. Perich was named a Second Team All-American in 2024, and has earned All-Big Ten honors across the past two seasons. I'm curious to see how Perich performs in the Ducks' defense and whether he can help Oregon reach its goals.
Adam Trick, Texas Tech
Finally, Adam Trick, the former Miami (OH) outside linebacker, rounds out this list. Trick committed to Texas Tech, as the Red Raiders seek a second consecutive trip to the College Football Playoff. The Dayton, Ohio native dominated across his past two seasons of MAC play, recording 96 tackles, 13 sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. I'm excited to see how Trick performs in the Red Raiders' defense and whether he can help Texas Tech reach its goals.
In my opinion, the 2026 college football transfer portal has been a fascinating development, with some of the biggest names in the sport switching programs. These 10 transfers are poised to make a significant impact on their new teams, and I'm excited to see how they perform in the coming season. The future of college football is bright, and these transfers are a big part of that future.
