After weeks of anticipation and early announcements, then two wild weeks of being open, the NCAA transfer portal is now closed.
The offseason transfer portal window for FBS and FCS players opened at midnight ET on Jan. 2 and closed at midnight on Jan. 16. There is no spring transfer period this year.
Which players emerged as the most coveted and poised to make a major impact next season? Here are ESPN’s rankings of the top players in the portal, along with scouting reports provided by Steve Muench and Tom Luginbill.
We’ll update these rankings as the final players make commitments. These rankings are based on production, experience, potential, demand and feedback from coaches and general managers throughout the sport.
1. Brendan Sorsby, QB
Transferring from: Cincinnati
Transferring to: Texas Tech
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 235 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: The former Indiana transfer developed into one of the top passers in college football at Cincinnati. He’s a terrific dual-threat playmaker who produced 5,613 passing yards plus 1,027 rushing yards over his two seasons with the Bearcats, totaling 63 touchdowns and 16 turnovers. Sorsby was a top-10 QB this season in QBR and PFF grading and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors from the league’s coaches.
Sorsby led Cincinnati to a 7-1 start, climbing to No. 17 in the AP Top 25 and getting the Bearcats into the Big 12 title race entering November. He ranked third in the conference in total offense with 3,380 yards, 36 TDs and only five interceptions. Sorsby could enter the NFL draft if he receives first-round feedback, but this transfer should make him one of the highest-paid QBs in college football for 2026.
Scout’s take: Sorsby is a three-year starter with excellent size, arm strength and mobility. He can make off-platform throws, drop the ball in when throwing downfield and can get the ball out quickly on RPOs. He anticipates extremely well and helps players get open with his throws. He’s a powerful runner with excellent size and good quickness. This is an instinctive player in the pocket with elite processing and navigation skills when pressured. — Tom Luginbill
What he brings to Texas Tech: The Red Raiders were not going to be outbid in their battle with LSU for Sorsby. He was the Plan A all along for coach Joey McGuire and his staff, a proven Big 12 starter and Texas native who can elevate an offense that ranked No. 2 nationally in points per game this season before the shutout loss to Oregon in the CFP quarterfinal. The Red Raiders return a lot of playmakers around Sorsby entering 2026 and should be the preseason Big 12 favorite. Sorsby’s arrival also allows backup Will Hammond to recover from his torn ACL and prepare to take over as Tech’s starter in 2027.
2. Cam Coleman, WR
Transferring from: Auburn
Transferring to: Texas
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 201 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Coleman, the No. 5 overall recruit in the 2024 ESPN 300, is undoubtedly one of the most talented wide receivers in college football and has turned 93 catches into 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns over his first two seasons in the SEC. He led the Tigers in receiving as a sophomore and proved he can take over games, including a 10-catch, 143-yard performance at Vanderbilt. After playing with five different starting QBs on the Plains, Coleman should benefit greatly from playing in a more stable situation with a College Football Playoff contender and could absolutely be a first-round draft pick in 2027.
Scout’s take: This ranking is off unparalleled upside. Coleman is one of the most talented receivers in the country with one of the best highlight reels, and he averaged 14 yards per catch over his two seasons at Auburn. He drops some passes and he can be more consistent in this area, but he’s a big target with acrobatic body control and the ability to come down with contested circus catches. He has the second gear to run by corners, and he tracks the deep ball well. He can make defenders miss and his speed makes him a threat after the catch. — Steve Muench
What he brings to Texas: What a win for the Longhorns in a battle against Texas Tech, Texas A&M and Alabama for one of the top returning players in the sport. Arch Manning gets to play with two All-America caliber wideouts in 2026 in Coleman and Ryan Wingo in an offense that has added some serious firepower during this portal season.
3. Sam Leavitt, QB
Transferring from: Arizona State
Transferring to: LSU
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-2 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Leavitt helped lead the Sun Devils to a special season in 2024 and was the Big 12’s preseason Offensive Player of the Year entering 2025. He wowed everyone as a redshirt freshman, teaming with running back Cam Skattebo to lead Arizona State to a Big 12 title and near upset of Texas in the CFP quarterfinals. The former Michigan State transfer put up 3,328 total yards, 29 total TDs and only six interceptions with a top-10 QBR (80.0) while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in his squad’s first season in the conference.
His follow-up in Tempe was cut short by a foot injury he suffered against Baylor in the Big 12 opener that lingered for weeks and ultimately required season-ending surgery. Leavitt played in only seven games and did an impressive job toughing it out against eventual Big 12 champion Texas Tech, throwing for 319 yards and leading a decisive 75-yard touchdown drive in a 26-22 upset.
Scout’s take: Leavitt is a two-year starter who completed 61.4% of his passes for 4,513 yards and 34 touchdowns over the past two seasons despite sitting out five games in 2025. He evades pressure with his quick feet, he keeps his eyes downfield as he negotiates the pocket, and he makes off-platform throws. He can layer intermediate throws over the middle, and he puts good touch on downfield passes outside the hashes. His quickness and toughness make him a threat when he scrambles and on designed quarterback runs. He will take risks with the football, which also leads to a below-average completion percentage. — Luginbill
What he brings to LSU: After taking visits to Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee and Miami, Leavitt eventually arrived at the decision that playing for Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge was his best move. This became a must-win battle for Kiffin and the new Tigers staff and Leavitt is walking into a fascinating situation with a supporting cast that had to be rebuilt via the portal. But a prolific year with Kiffin and OC Charlie Weis Jr. could certainly elevate Leavitt to first-round status in next year’s draft.
4. Jordan Seaton, OT
Transferring from: Colorado
Transferring to: LSU
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-5 | WT: 330 | Class: Sophomore
Background: The former five-star was a monumental recruiting victory for coach Deion Sanders and Colorado and one of the highest-rated signees in program history. Seaton, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2024 ESPN 300, lived up to expectations as a two-year starter at left tackle for the Buffaloes and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors as a sophomore after surrendering just three pressures and zero sacks in pass protection, according to ESPN Research. It’s extremely rare to see a potential first-round draft pick at left tackle enter the transfer portal, but Seaton is leaving Boulder and making a big move ahead of his junior season.
Scout’s take: Seaton possesses rare range and mobility for his size. He is an aggressive run blocker with the quickness to reach linebackers and pull. His quickness, foot speed and frame make him an effective zone blocker. He drives defenders and blocks to the whistle once in position. Seaton still needs to refine hand technique and consistency as a run blocker, but will make his money on Sundays protecting the QB. He’s smooth kicking out of his pass set and meeting edge rushers. He can shoot his hands, lock on and stay in front. He’s athletic, can bend and possesses the traits to even get better in pass pro. Seaton is a potential first-round pick with more consistency. — Muench
What he brings to LSU: The Tigers’ No. 1 ranked portal class got even stronger when Seaton chose to play for Lane Kiffin and his staff over Miami, Oregon and Mississippi State. He’s a big-time addition to an offensive line that required a major overhaul during the January portal window with the addition of eight incoming transfers.
5. Darian Mensah, QB
Transferring from: Duke
Transferring to: Miami
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Mensah was one of ESPN’s highest-ranked transfers a year ago after a breakout redshirt freshman season at Tulane. He lived up to expectations in his debut season with the Blue Devils, leading the program to its first outright ACC championship since 1962 with an upset overtime victory over Virginia in the ACC title game. The second-team All-ACC performer had a conference-leading 3,973 passing yards on 67% passing with 35 total touchdowns and just 6 interceptions during a 9-5 run in 2025. He’d previously decided to return to Duke on Dec. 19 after considering going pro, but now Mensah is going back into the portal ahead of the transfer window deadline.
Scout’s take: A true dual-threat, Mensah has intelligence, instincts and a knack for passing nuance. He can layer the ball, throw across his body and on the move and drop the ball in a bucket in the vertical passing game. He does not have elite speed, but is very athletic and can get out of trouble to extend plays. There is good, but not elite, elite arm strength, but Mensah can make all of the necessary college-level throws. There were up-and-down moments throughout the year and some turnover issues, but when he gets hot like he did in the ACC title game, he can be really dangerous. — Luginbill
What he brings to Miami: The Hurricanes were hunting for another big-time transfer QB after their success with Cam Ward and Carson Beck and surprised everyone by pulling off a last-minute deal with Mensah before the portal window closed on Jan. 16. He’s teaming up with Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher Jr. to try to win a national title and prove he’s a first-round talent.
6. Princewill Umanmielen, Edge
Transferring from: Ole Miss
Transferring to: LSU
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-5 | WT: 245 | Class: Junior
Background: Umanmielen, a former ESPN 300 recruit and the younger brother of Carolina Panthers edge rusher Princely Umanmielen, flashed potential over two seasons at Nebraska before taking the next big step this season at Ole Miss. He produced 40 pressures, third-most in the SEC, on just 465 snaps and finished with a team-high 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks. The third-team All-SEC selection re-signed with the Rebels for 2026 before ultimately deciding to enter the portal at the deadline.
Scout’s take: Umanmielen is an ascending player coming off a breakout year. He’s long with strong, active hands and explosive off the snap. He’s a relentless pass rusher with the bend and burst to continue to get better. He closes well and makes plays chasing from the backside as a run defender. He holds the gap at the point of attack with a powerful shock and shed. His technique still needs refinement, but he has all the tools. — Muench
What he brings to LSU: Kiffin and the Tigers are trying to assemble an all-time great portal class, and Umanmielen was an important piece of the puzzle as a premium pass rusher. LSU has added premium talent along the D-line between pass rushers Umanmielen and Jordan Ross (Tennessee), defensive tackles Malik Blocton (Auburn) and Stephiylan Green (Clemson) and incoming No. 1 overall recruit Lamar Brown.
7. Jacarrius Peak, OT
Transferring from: NC State
Transferring to: South Carolina
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-4 | WT: 298 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: You rarely see offensive tackles as experienced as Peak pop up in the transfer portal. The former three-star recruit from Valdosta, Georgia, developed into a 33-game starter for the Wolfpack and earned honorable mention All-ACC recognition as a junior. Peak made the move from right to left tackle in 2025 and has surrendered only four sacks in more than 1,100 career snaps in pass protection, according to ESPN Research. He’ll have an opportunity to play his way into early-round pick status by returning in 2026.
Scout’s take: Peak has the ability to seal the edge, reach backside defensive tackles and work up to the second level as a zone blocker. He has explosive power, there’s an edge to his game and he can uncoil on defenders. He’s smooth getting set, and he can shoot his hands as a pass blocker. His footwork is inconsistent and he can give ground, but he recovers well and has the tools to develop into an elite pass blocker. — Muench
What he brings to South Carolina: This is a massive recruiting win for Shane Beamer and particularly for the protection of quarterback LaNorris Sellers as he enters his third year as the Gamecocks’ starter. Sellers was sacked 42 times in 2025, most among all Power 4 QBs, and pressured on 42% of his dropbacks according to ESPN Research. With tackles Josiah Thompson and Tree Babalade departing as transfers, South Carolina needed to find an upgrade at a high-value position and succeeded.
8. Mateen Ibirogba, DT
Transferring from: Wake Forest
Transferring to: Texas Tech
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 296 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: After two seasons as a starter at FCS Georgetown, where he was playing at 250 pounds off the edge, Ibirogba made his move to the ACC in 2024. He redshirted last season and bulked up past 290-plus pounds to focus on playing interior defensive line. This season, he put together a breakthrough year with 21 tackles, 19 pressures, 3.5 TFLs, 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble for the Demon Deacons while finishing with the third-best pass rush grade among starting ACC defensive tackles in Pro Football Focus grading.
Scout’s take: Ibirogba is a disruptive run defender at his best when slipping blocks and shooting gaps. He chases with good effort and has the explosive power to push zone blockers back as he scrapes down the line. His hands are active, he gets good push, and he closes well for his size rushing the passer. He primarily lines up on the inside, but he’s versatile enough to play anywhere along the defensive line. — Muench
What he brings to Texas Tech: This is another massive get for the Red Raiders as they add depth to their defensive line for 2026. They hit on all three of their defensive tackle additions a year ago with transfers Lee Hunter, A.J. Holmes Jr. and Skyler Gill-Howard (when healthy) all exceeding expectations. They’re determined to have one of the best defensive lines in the sport again and are aggressively making moves to back that plan up.
9. Damon Wilson II, Edge
Transferring from: Missouri
Transferring to: Miami
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-4 | WT: 250 | Class: Junior
Background: Wilson was a top-15 player in ESPN’s transfer portal rankings last offseason when he left Georgia after a promising sophomore season. He certainly played up to the hype with the Tigers, earning second-team All-SEC honors in a breakout year after generating 40 pressures and nine sacks, according to ESPN Research. It wouldn’t have been a shock if Wilson had declared for the NFL draft, but instead he’s going back into the portal ahead of his final season.
Scout’s take: He’s an explosive and relentless edge rusher with excellent length and closing burst. He excels at shooting his hands and ripping under offensive tackles. He can transition from speed to power. He tracks the quarterback and redirects well as he works upfield. He stacks and sheds tight ends in addition to making plays chasing from the back side as a run defender. — Muench
What he brings to Miami: The Hurricanes led FBS with 256 total pressures on defense in 2025 and were looking for difference-makers to help replace the production and disruption of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Wilson is an excellent get for this defense, and it wouldn’t be surprising if we’re talking about him as a first-round pick by the end of the year.
10. Drew Mestemaker, QB
Transferring from: North Texas
Transferring to: Oklahoma State
Years remaining: 3
HT: 6-4 | WT: 211 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: The nation’s leading passer entered the transfer portal after a prolific season leading the No. 1 scoring offense in college football. Mestemaker, the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns while leading the Mean Green to the conference title game and a school-record 12 wins. He has been one of the great revelations of the 2025 season, a former walk-on who hadn’t started a game at QB since his freshman year of high school before breaking out with 448 total yards in North Texas’ bowl game last season. He’ll have an opportunity to continue developing into a top NFL prospect as he makes the move up to the Power 4 level this offseason.
Scout’s take: Mestemaker’s control of the offense and poise are notable considering he was his high school’s backup quarterback. He gets the ball out on time when his first option is there, and he gets through his progressions when his first option isn’t there. He puts good touch on his downfield passes. He keeps his eyes up and he makes accurate throws as he climbs the pocket. Mestemaker has quirky mechanics and delivery, but the end result is positive. He has played in a very QB-friendly scheme at North Texas and is not a runner. — Luginbill
What he brings to Oklahoma State: The Cowboys will try to pull off one of the most ambitious roster flips in college football in 2026, and it was absolutely essential that coach Eric Morris get Mestemaker to Stillwater to help lead the turnaround. Had he wanted to open up his recruitment and take more visits, Mestemaker would’ve had a lot of options to choose from on the open market. Teams certainly tried to tamper during the season to get an early lead in this recruitment. Instead, Mestemaker stayed loyal to Morris and offensive coordinator Sean Brophy and trusted this is the best coaching and offensive system for his continued development.
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