College Football Transfer Portal: Biggest Winners and Losers Revealed
The 2026 college football transfer portal season has unveiled significant shifts among various programs. It has highlighted the biggest winners and losers in the fiercely competitive landscape of college athletics. Notably, Penn State made substantial headlines under new head coach Matt Campbell, leveraging the transfer portal to enhance its roster like few others.
Biggest Winners in the Transfer Portal
Penn State’s aggressive strategy paid off, allowing the team to bring in 20 players from Iowa State. This included Quarterback Rocco Becht, positioning the Nittany Lions among the most cohesive teams in the portal cycle. Their preparation and execution during the January 2–16 window showcased their intent to solidify their roster continuity.
- Penn State: Transformed its roster with 20 Iowa State additions.
- Indiana: Secured TCU QB Josh Hoover (3,472 yards, 29 TDs) and receiver Nick Marsh.
- Texas: Boosted skill positions around QB Arch Manning and added top receiver Cam Coleman.
- Texas Tech: Improved rosters with Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby and a fortified defense.
Penn State’s Major Moves
Penn State’s careful planning led to a significant upgrade in depth. With the transition from Iowa State, the team is expected to maintain a smooth operational flow, crucial for competing at the highest levels in college football.
Notable Losers in the Transfer Portal
The transfer portal also revealed programs facing setbacks. Iowa State, in particular, faced a severe talent drain, losing over 20 players to Penn State and experiencing departures exceeding 50 scholarship players. This situation leaves the Cyclones in a challenging multi-year rebuild.
- Iowa State: Experienced significant player losses, struggling to retain talent.
- Auburn: Suffered major losses, including top players like QB Deuce Knight.
- Alabama: Faced quality departures that threaten their competitive edge.
- North Texas: Lost key offensive players following a successful 12-2 season.
Challenges for Iowa State and Auburn
The depth and foundational positions at Iowa State and Auburn were notably impacted. While Iowa State recovers from talent erosion, Auburn navigates gaps left by significant player departures in crucial roles.
Conference Insights: Big Ten and SEC Outlook
The Big Ten conference saw Indiana and Penn State leading the net gains, while programs like Wisconsin and Purdue executed successful portal strategies. In contrast, Michigan State faced more losses than additions.
Meanwhile, in the SEC, Texas A&M and Ole Miss effectively utilized the portal to enhance player impact without significant losses. Conversely, Auburn and Alabama struggled with departures that outnumbered roster improvements.
Stock Updates for Ohio Schools
Ohio State encountered more departures than arrivals, raising questions about depth, particularly at receiver and on the offensive line. Cincinnati lost a crucial player in Brendan Sorsby, impacting their future prospect for the upcoming season. Conversely, Toledo managed to retain a number of valuable players, ensuring competitiveness within the MAC context.
The 2026 transfer portal has thus painted a complex picture of college football, revealing the strategic maneuvers of programs aiming to enhance their prospects while highlighting the challenges others face in attempting to remain competitive.
