Top 2026 College Football Transfer Classes: Nine Teams to Watch

As the college football landscape evolves, the 2026 season is taking shape with several teams making significant moves via the transfer portal. The portal opened on January 2, 2026, and teams will be active until it closes on January 16, 2026. Here’s a look at nine teams expected to have standout transfer classes that could impact their championship aspirations.

Top 2026 College Football Transfer Classes: Teams to Watch

LSU: Aiming for the Top Spot

Under head coach Lane Kiffin, LSU is poised to secure the top transfer class. They have attracted 26 players since the portal opened. This influx includes both high-profile talents and reliable starters, necessary for a quick program turnaround.

• Key Additions:
  • Sam Leavitt, quarterback from Arizona State.
  • Caden Durham, running back.
  • Winston Watkins, wide receiver from Ole Miss.
  • Ty Benefield, safety from Boise State.

Texas: Reloading for the Playoff Push

Texas is looking to build on a solid 2025 season. Several new additions through the portal aim to bolster their lineup. The Longhorns are focused on enhancing their roster, making them a strong playoff contender for 2026.

• Top Transfers:
  • Cam Coleman, wide receiver from Auburn.
  • Hollywood Smothers, running back from NC State.
  • Raleek Brown, running back from Arizona State.
  • Rasheem Biles, linebacker from Pitt.

Penn State: A New Era with Familiar Faces

Following a coaching change, Penn State has welcomed a significant number of transfers. Coach Matt Campbell has brought in 22 former Iowa State players to fortify the team. This strategy could provide a smooth transition into his coaching style.

• Notable Transfers:
  • Rocco Becht, quarterback.
  • Carson Hansen, running back.
  • Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell, wide receivers.

Oklahoma State: Revamping the Roster

Oklahoma State, under new coach Eric Morris, is actively reshaping its roster with 49 new transfers, including 17 from North Texas. This approach is aimed at revitalizing the program.

• Key Player:
  • Drew Mestemaker, quarterback from North Texas.

Ole Miss: Aiming for Stability

Ole Miss has made significant adjustments, adding key players such as a former five-star quarterback from Auburn. The new coach will also integrate a promising safety from Florida State into the lineup.

• Highlighted Transfers:
  • Auburn quarterback.
  • Safety Edwin Joseph from Florida State.

Kentucky’s Quiet Transformation

Kentucky boasts a top-10 transfer class, impressively built by newly appointed head coach Will Stein while he juggled previous commitments. Key players have been signed to enhance multiple areas of the team.

• Highlights:
  • Kenny Minchey, quarterback from Notre Dame.
  • Lance Heard, offensive lineman from Tennessee.

Texas A&M: Building on Recent Success

After an impressive 2025 season that saw Texas A&M reach the playoffs, the program is leveraging the transfer portal to address their roster needs for another strong season.

• Key Transfers:
  • Isaiah Horton, receiver from Alabama.
  • Wilkin Formby, offensive tackle from Alabama.

Texas Tech’s High Stakes Approach

Texas Tech aims to replicate its success with another strong transfer class, making headlines by investing significantly in new players. They’ve recently celebrated a key quarterback signing through innovative marketing strategies.

• Noteworthy Additions:
  • Brandon Sorsby, quarterback from Cincinnati.

Indiana’s Future Looks Promising

As they stand on the brink of the national championship, Indiana’s coach, Curt Cignetti, is ensuring that they have the right players to maintain their upward momentum.

• Key Signees:
  • Josh Hoover, quarterback from TCU.
  • Nick Marsh, wide receiver from Michigan State.

These teams are making strategic moves through the transfer portal, setting the stage for a competitive 2026 college football season. Keeping an eye on these developments will be essential for fans and analysts alike.