The January 2026 college football transfer portal continues to reshape rosters across the country. More than 4,500 players have entered the portal nationwide, creating opportunities for programs to land immediate impact talent.
Quarterbacks are driving much of the buzz this cycle.
DJ Lagway headlines the available signal-callers after his freshman season at Florida. Despite the Gators’ struggles, Lagway showed the arm strength and athleticism that made him a top recruit. Multiple programs are pursuing the dynamic quarterback as a long-term solution.
Dylan Raiola from Nebraska represents another marquee name. The former five-star recruit’s portal entry has become one of the cycle’s biggest storylines, with several programs monitoring his situation closely.
NEW: Florida transfer QB DJ Lagway is set to visit Baylor on Wednesday, @PeteNakos reports
Intel: https://t.co/Gg3fS3KUX1 pic.twitter.com/9SxjYqBPzZ
— On3 (@On3sports) January 6, 2026
Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt is attracting interest as one of the most reliable options available. His ability to manage an offense and make consistent plays has caught the attention of multiple programs.
Brendan Sorsby already completed his move from Cincinnati to Texas Tech. The Red Raiders’ pursuit signals their commitment to upgrading the offense through the portal.
Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles is seeking a fresh start with one year of eligibility remaining. The former top recruit brings experience that could benefit a program needing immediate help at quarterback.
Skill position players are also making significant moves.
Caleb Hawkins transferred from North Texas to Oklahoma State after setting FBS freshman records for touchdowns and points in 2025. His production makes him one of the portal’s top running back additions.
Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman is expected to enter the portal soon. He would immediately rank among the top receiving options available once he makes his move official.
Omarion Miller’s transfer from Colorado to Arizona State gives the Sun Devils speed and playmaking ability on the outside. Penn State tight end Benjamin Brahmer also stands out as a high-upside target at his position.
The running back position has seen several notable commitments already.
CFBNation’s Top Committed RBs In The Portal:
Caleb Hawkins: North TexasOklahoma State
Quintrevion Wisner: TexasFlorida State
Carson Hansen: Iowa StatePenn State
Turbo Richard: Boston CollegeIndiana
Nykahi Davenport: USFAuburn
Abu Sama II: Iowa… pic.twitter.com/foQWMk9i2P— CFB Nation (@TheCFBNation) January 5, 2026
Quintrevion Wisner moved from Texas to Florida State, bringing proven production to the Seminoles’ backfield. Carson Hansen transferred from Iowa State to Penn State, while Turbo Richard went from Boston College to Indiana.
Defensive players are also changing programs in significant numbers.
Louisville defensive lineman AJ Green and linebacker Robert Woodyard Jr., who transferred from Auburn to Missouri, lead the available defenders. Cornerback Jontez Williams moved from USC to Oklahoma State, adding to the Cowboys’ portal haul.
Programs like Oklahoma State and Penn State are making aggressive moves to upgrade their rosters. The decisions made in the coming weeks will determine which teams benefit most from the portal’s talent pool.
The transfer portal continues to serve as one of college football’s most powerful roster-building tools. With thousands of players still available, the reshaping of programs nationwide is far from complete.
