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Max Olson
The NCAA transfer mechanism has officially commenced for collegiate football athletes, following several weeks of lead-up and preliminary disclosures.
The designated offseason period for FBS and FCS players to enter the transfer system began at 12:00 AM ET on January 2nd and will conclude on January 16th. With no spring transfer window available this cycle, teams are presented with a singular, crucial opportunity to finalize their squad compositions for the upcoming 2026 season.
Which athletes are gaining prominence as highly sought-after prospects, positioned to significantly influence the upcoming season? Presented below are ESPN’s assessments of the premier talents within the portal, complemented by analytical evaluations from Steve Muench and Tom Luginbill.
This list will undergo regular revisions during January, reflecting the entry of additional prominent individuals into the portal and their subsequent declarations. The evaluations are determined by factors such as on-field output, time played, future promise, market interest, and input gathered from various team leaders and executives across the athletic landscape.
Transferring from: Cincinnati
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 235 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Previously moving from Indiana, this player evolved into a leading quarterback within collegiate football during his tenure at Cincinnati. He is an outstanding dual-threat athlete, accumulating 5,613 yards through the air and an additional 1,027 yards on the ground across two campaigns with the Bearcats, achieving a combined 63 scores while committing 16 turnovers. Sorsby achieved a top-10 ranking among quarterbacks this season in both QBR and PFF assessments, securing second-team All-Big 12 recognition from conference coaches.
Sorsby guided Cincinnati to an initial 7-1 record, elevating them to the 17th spot in the AP Top 25 poll and positioning the Bearcats in contention for the Big 12 championship as November approached. He held the third position within the conference for total offense, amassing 3,380 yards, 36 touchdowns, and merely five interceptions. Should Sorsby receive projections for a first-round selection, he might opt for the NFL draft; however, this relocation is anticipated to establish him among the most financially compensated quarterbacks in college football for the 2026 season.
Scout’s take: Sorsby has been a starting player for three seasons, possessing impressive physical stature, throwing power, and agility. He demonstrates the capability to execute throws from unconventional stances, precisely deliver passes deep downfield, and swiftly release the ball on run-pass option plays. His anticipation is exceptional, enabling him to place throws that facilitate open receivers. As a ball-carrier, he exhibits significant strength, good size, and commendable swiftness. Within the pocket, he is an intuitive athlete, displaying superior decision-making and evasion abilities under duress. — Tom Luginbill
Transferring from: Auburn
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 201 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Coleman, identified as the No. 5 overall prospect in the 2024 ESPN 300, stands out as one of college football’s most gifted wide receivers. He has converted 93 receptions into 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns across his initial two seasons in the SEC. He led the Tigers in receiving during his sophomore year and demonstrated an ability to dominate games, including a remarkable 10-catch, 143-yard performance against Vanderbilt. Having played with five distinct starting quarterbacks on the Plains, Coleman is expected to significantly benefit from a more consistent environment with a College Football Playoff contender and could certainly emerge as a first-round draft selection in 2027.
Scout’s take: This assessment is grounded in unmatched future potential. Coleman represents one of the most talented pass-catchers nationwide, boasting an exceptional highlight reel, and maintained an average of 14 yards per reception throughout his two years at Auburn. While he occasionally drops passes and could improve his consistency in this aspect, he presents a large target, possesses acrobatic body control, and is capable of securing contested, difficult catches. He exhibits a secondary gear to outrun defensive backs and tracks deep passes effectively. He can elude defenders, and his velocity makes him a formidable threat after making a catch. — Steve Muench
Transferring from: Arizona State
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-2 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Leavitt played a crucial role in Arizona State’s remarkable 2024 season and was recognized as the Big 12’s preseason Offensive Player of the Year heading into 2025. He garnered widespread acclaim as a redshirt freshman, partnering with running back Cam Skattebo to secure a Big 12 championship for Arizona State and nearly achieving an upset against Texas in the CFP quarterfinals. The former Michigan State transfer accumulated 3,328 total yards, 29 combined touchdowns, and only six interceptions, alongside a top-10 QBR (80.0), earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in his team’s inaugural conference season.
His subsequent season in Tempe was cut short due to a foot injury sustained against Baylor in the Big 12 opener, which persisted for weeks and ultimately necessitated season-ending surgery. Leavitt participated in only seven games, yet commendably persevered against eventual Big 12 champion Texas Tech, throwing for 319 yards and orchestrating a decisive 75-yard touchdown drive in a 26-22 upset victory.
Scout’s take: Leavitt, a two-year starter, achieved a 61.4% completion rate for 4,513 yards and 34 touchdowns over the past two seasons, despite being sidelined for five games in 2025. He evades pressure with nimble footwork, maintains focus downfield while maneuvering within the pocket, and executes throws from various platforms. He can layer intermediate passes across the middle and applies appropriate touch to deep throws outside the hash marks. His quickness and resilience make him a threat both when scrambling and on designed quarterback runs. He is prone to taking chances with the football, which also contributes to a below-average completion percentage. — Luginbill
Transferring from: Wake Forest
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 296 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Following two seasons as a starter for FCS Georgetown, where he played as an edge defender weighing 250 pounds, Ibirogba transitioned to the ACC in 2024. He redshirted his first year, increasing his weight to over 290 pounds to concentrate on playing interior defensive line. This season, he experienced a breakout year, recording 21 tackles, 19 pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble for the Demon Deacons, concluding with the third-highest pass rush grade among starting ACC defensive tackles in Pro Football Focus evaluations.
Scout’s take: Ibirogba is an impactful run defender, performing optimally when he evades blocks and penetrates gaps. He pursues with commendable effort and possesses the explosive force to push back zone blockers as he moves along the line. His hands are active, he generates good forward momentum, and he closes effectively for his size when rushing the passer. Although he primarily aligns internally, his versatility allows him to play across any position on the defensive front. — Muench
Transferring from: Louisville
Years remaining: 2
HT: 5-9 | WT: 190 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Brown stands out as one of collegiate football’s most agile and dynamic playmakers. As the ACC’s Rookie of the Year in 2024, Brown has already accumulated 2,057 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns over his first two seasons. His average of 7.73 yards per carry since 2024 leads all FBS running backs, and he already boasts nine career carries exceeding 50 yards. Brown brings exceptional pace and evasiveness to the position. He ranks among the top five nationally in all four key athleticism metrics—linear speed, acceleration, change of direction, and overall play speed—according to data provided by Teamworks, having reached a maximum speed of 22.1 mph. Brown aspires to be the top running back selected in the 2027 draft and seeks to join a contending team that can facilitate this goal.
Scout’s take: Brown represents a potential “home run” whenever he handles the ball. He is explosive with excellent speed, capable of eluding defenders in confined spaces, and possesses deceptive power. He demonstrates strong receiving skills, having caught 43 passes over the past two seasons. Although he missed the final four regular-season games due to an injury, he rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns against Toledo in the Bush’s Boca Raton game. — Muench
Transferring from: Utah
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-4 | WT: 255 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Daley achieved All-America honors in his debut season as a full-time starter for the Utes, ranking among the top five nationally in tackles for loss (17.5) and sacks (11.5), despite participating in only 11 games before a season-ending lower-body injury. The first-team All-Big 12 performer also recorded the fourth-highest pressure rate on edge rushes (19.6%) among all FBS pass rushers this season, as per ESPN Research. Daley confirms he will be fully recovered in time for spring activities to build upon his breakthrough season.
Scout’s take: He is a proven, immediately effective veteran and a highly productive edge defender. He is robust and exceptionally physical in run defense, excels at maintaining gap integrity, and understands how to engage aggressively in the run game. Daley is very skilled at destroying blocks and comprehending offensive edge attacks. As a pass rusher, he relies more on strength than on elite bending and speed around the corner. Daley exhibits a high motor in his pass rush, with powerful hands and relentless footwork. — Muench
Transferring from: Minnesota
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Few collegiate football players rival Perich in dynamism. A native of Esko, Minnesota, he was rated as the No. 172 overall recruit in the 2024 ESPN 300, turning down several prominent offers to remain in his home state and play for the Gophers. Perich earned Freshman All-American and first-team All-Big Ten honors after recording five interceptions in his inaugural season. As a sophomore, he contributed as a three-way player, adding snaps at receiver while achieving another All-Big Ten season at safety and accumulating 617 yards as a kickoff and punt returner.
Scout’s take: Perich is an exceptionally athletic individual with outstanding performance statistics on both defense and special teams. He possesses a good physical build with potential for increased mass and power. He is a versatile playmaker who excelled in basketball and track and field during high school. He also performed effectively as a running back. He demonstrates excellent field vision as a kick returner and exhibits superb acceleration. As a defensive player, he covers a wide range in the deep middle. He is a ball-hawk patrolling the secondary, anticipating passes and closing rapidly on them. His recognition skills make him very active around the ball. He is exceptionally dependable and efficient in run support, quickly moving downhill to assist in the box. Perich is a reliable tackler who brings intensity and embraces physical contact. — Muench
Transferring from: North Texas
Years remaining: 3
HT: 6-4 | WT: 211 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: The nation’s leading passer is entering the transfer portal after a highly productive season steering the top-scoring offense in college football. Mestemaker, named the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns, guiding the Mean Green to the conference title game and a school-record 12 victories. He has been one of the standout revelations of the 2025 season, a former walk-on who had not started a game at quarterback since his freshman year of high school before a breakout performance of 448 total yards in North Texas’ bowl game last season. He will have the chance to further develop into a top NFL prospect as he moves up to the Power 4 level this offseason.
Scout’s take: Mestemaker’s command of the offensive scheme and composure are remarkable, considering he was his high school’s backup quarterback. He releases the ball punctually when his primary option is available and progresses through his reads effectively when it is not. He applies good touch to his downfield passes. He maintains vision and delivers accurate throws while maneuvering within the pocket. Mestemaker possesses unconventional mechanics and delivery, but the outcome is favorable. He has operated within a highly quarterback-friendly system at North Texas and is not a rushing threat. — Luginbill
Transferring from: Penn State
Years remaining: 3
HT: 6-4 | WT: 250 | Class: Freshman
Background: This ESPN 300 recruit impressed Penn State coaches during his initial offseason with the program, generating considerable buzz that he possessed all the attributes to evolve into a future first-round draft selection. Coleman played 144 snaps in his debut season, showcasing glimpses of his potential with 12 pressures, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 strip sack against FIU, which he returned 39 yards. He also achieved the sixth-best get-off score among all Power 4 edge rushers in Teamworks’ tracking data. He played a limited role once the Nittany Lions commenced their Big Ten schedule, but his developmental potential is undeniably compelling.
Scout’s take: Coleman is an improving pass rusher capable of keeping blockers’ hands away, turning the corner as a speed rusher, and driving tackles when he transitions from speed to power. He can shift inside when tackles attempt to negate the edge and is agile enough to succeed with weave moves. He eludes blocks, bursts through gaps, and closes effectively when pursuing from the backside as a run defender. — Muench
Transferring from: Florida
Years remaining: 3
HT: 6-3 | WT: 248 | Class: Freshman
Background: Rated as the No. 261 overall recruit in last year’s ESPN 300, he secured a significant role in his true freshman season with the Gators, accumulating 28 tackles, 13 pressures, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception against Ole Miss, which he returned 25 yards. Woods demonstrated the capability to play substantial snaps immediately in the SEC—averaging 36 per game this season—and earned three starts.
Scout’s take: Woods is a dynamic athlete boasting an exceptional physical build. He was an all-state discus and shot put competitor in high school and an accomplished wrestler at 230 pounds. Now weighing 248 pounds, he is as explosive as any young edge defender in the country. He combines extraordinary foot quickness with a powerful base, which is uncommon given his high-cut physique. Woods possesses long arms with swift, strong hands to disengage from and defeat blockers before they are set. He bends effectively off the edge without losing balance or momentum, exhibiting a potent closing burst. His extended reach disrupts passing lanes. Woods is developing his repertoire of pass-rush moves but effectively dips and rips with significant potential in this area. — Muench
Transferring from: Colorado
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-2 | WT: 210 | Class: Junior
Background: The former four-star recruit quickly found playing time with quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the Buffaloes, delivering an impressive 197-yard receiving performance against USC as a true freshman in 2023. After a leg injury ended his sophomore season prematurely, Miller returned strongly in 2025 with 45 catches for 808 yards and eight touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors.
Scout’s take: Miller averaged 18 yards per reception and led Colorado in all three receiving categories in 2025, even though inconsistent quarterback play affected his output. His speed makes him a threat to exploit deep coverage and create separation after the catch. He tracks and adjusts to deep passes effectively. He dropped too many passes in 2025, but he is capable of plucking the ball out of the air and possesses sufficient strength to secure contested 50-50 balls. — Muench
Transferring from: Michigan State
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 203 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Marsh, a former ESPN 300 recruit from Detroit, recorded 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns over his two seasons with the Spartans, leading the team in receiving for consecutive years. He accumulated 194 receiving yards in his inaugural Big Ten game against Maryland, surpassed the program’s true freshman receiving records in 2024, and received honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition this season.
Scout’s take: Marsh’s velocity makes him a threat to bypass coverage, and he tracks deep passes effectively. He runs with determination and breaks some tackles after receiving the ball. He had too many dropped passes in 2025 and could improve his hand-eye coordination in attacking the ball, but he presents a taller target with the build to shield defenders underneath and win contested 50-50 balls downfield. — Muench
Transferring from: San Diego State
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-2 | WT: 255 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: White has been a dominant force for the Aztecs and one of the premier pass rushers in college football, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors in back-to-back seasons while accumulating a combined 29 tackles for loss and 19.5 sacks. The preseason Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year generated 41 pressures this season, placing him in the top 10 among all Group of 5 defenders. White served as a two-time captain for the Aztecs and has opted to elevate his competition level rather than declare for the NFL draft.
Scout’s take: He is an exceptionally productive G5 edge rusher. He is a relentless pass rusher with active hands, making it challenging for blockers to establish a grip on his frame as he drives upfield. He exhibits twitchiness with a quick initial burst off the line. He tracks the quarterback and sheds blocks at the culmination of his rush. He can move inside when offensive tackles attempt to neutralize the edge. White possesses a strong repertoire of pass-rush techniques. He is a disruptive run defender capable of slipping blocks and penetrating gaps. He can also engage and shed blockers effectively. He is a very sound, productive football player. — Muench
Transferring from: South Florida
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 231 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Brown led all FBS quarterbacks with 42 total touchdowns during the regular season and achieved the top QBR and PFF grade among all Group of 5 starters, while orchestrating an offense that averaged 43 points, ranking fourth nationally. He has enjoyed a prolific tenure as the signal-caller for coach Alex Golesh’s rapid and explosive offensive scheme, accumulating 9,955 career total yards and 92 combined touchdowns. He is dangerous when in motion, rushing for 1,008 yards this season with six performances exceeding 100 rushing yards, primarily contributing damage on designed runs. Now, the 32-game starter is prepared to demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level in his senior year.
Scout’s take: Brown’s powerful arm complements his excellent physical frame and mobility. He maintains composure and throws with a solid base within the pocket, extending plays, keeping his vision downfield, and locating receivers late when displaced from his original spot. He is an outstanding runner, showcasing an impressive combination of quickness, power, and speed. Brown has an unconventional passing style with a lengthy, idiosyncratic release, but he has been highly productive and is an overall dynamic player. — Luginbill
Transferring from: TCU
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-2 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Hoover assumed the starting role after Chandler Morris’s injury during his redshirt freshman season in 2023 and never relinquished it, starting 31 consecutive games for the Horned Frogs and evolving into one of the Big 12’s most productive passers. The two-time team captain shattered TCU’s single-season passing record with 3,949 yards in 2024, and his 9,629 career passing yards and 71 passing touchdowns lead all FBS quarterbacks slated to return for 2026.
Hoover had extensive opportunities to pass the ball at TCU and has maintained a 65.2% career completion rate with a top-five QBR in the Big 12 in each of his three seasons as a starter. He will need to reduce turnovers to achieve greater success at his next destination, having accumulated 42 (33 interceptions, nine fumbles) during his time with the Horned Frogs.
Scout’s take: Hoover possesses sufficient velocity on his passes to throw into tight windows when he releases the ball promptly and throws with a strong foundation. He can quickly deliver the ball and connect with receivers on run-pass option plays. He is adept at maintaining vision downfield while navigating the pocket and can make accurate throws when moving outside the pocket. He has limited physical size and is not an explosive athlete, but he possesses enough agility to escape trouble. Hoover is an ideal fit for any Air Raid system and plays very similarly to Morris at Virginia. — Luginbill
Transferring from: Iowa State
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-1 | WT: 210 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Becht will be the most seasoned returning Power 4 starter in the sport next season, a 39-game veteran with significant experience in high-stakes contests who significantly surpassed three-star expectations throughout his career with the Cyclones. He has secured 26 wins as a starter and guided Iowa State to the Big 12 title game in 2024, as well as the program’s inaugural 11-win season. Becht experienced an inconsistent year in 2025, throwing for 2,584 yards on 60.5% passing with 24 total touchdowns and 10 turnovers, but he played most of the season with a partially torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder and also contended with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder.
Scout’s take: Becht has participated in a substantial amount of football. He makes sound adjustments at the line of scrimmage, releases the ball promptly when his primary read is open, and quickly shifts to his secondary read when the first option is unavailable. He can defeat zone coverages with precision and soft touch. He moves effectively within the pocket, scrambles for crucial first downs, and follows his blocks on designed quarterback runs. He has tallied 16 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. He is highly effective and consistent in his methodology. — Luginbill
Transferring from: Boston College
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-5 | WT: 217 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Harris, a three-star standout from Montana, evolved into a two-year starter for the Eagles, converting 57 career receptions into 1,161 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He represents an explosive threat, averaging a remarkable 28.6 yards per reception in 2024, with 486 receiving yards and four touchdowns on merely 17 catches, and Harris leads all ACC wide receivers with eight receptions of 40-plus yards over the past two seasons.
Scout’s take: Harris is physically imposing and presents a mismatch for defenses due to his large stature; he can play both in the slot or on the outside. He averaged 17.3 yards per catch this season and was a threat after the catch because of his size and ability to break tackles. Harris can overcome press coverage on the boundary and gain favorable positioning. He is a valuable asset for an offense given his build and physicality to block key opponents in the run game, along with sufficient speed to exploit deep coverage on play-action plays. — Muench
Transferring from: Auburn
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-2 | WT: 269 | Class: Sophomore
Background: The former top-100 recruit arrived at Auburn with significant expectations and is still striving for a breakthrough after two years with the Tigers. Williams participated in 196 snaps as a sophomore, recording 14 tackles, 8 pressures, 6 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks while operating in a rotational capacity behind projected first-round pick Keldric Faulk and managing a shoulder injury. Williams nearly entered the portal after the 2024 season and is now making a move following the Tigers’ change in coaching staff.
Scout’s take: Williams excels with explosive power, maintaining a low pad level, and exhibiting violent hand usage as a run defender. He possesses a strong motor and closes effectively when pursuing from the backside. He is a relentless pass rusher who gets off the ball well and drives blockers when he transitions from speed to power. — Muench
Transferring from: Arkansas
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-5 | WT: 387 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: The exceptionally large defensive tackle started all 12 games for the Razorbacks, credited with 25 tackles, 5 pressures, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 pass breakup. Geffrard logged 446 snaps during the season, an impressive total given his size, and was effective against the run with nine run stops at or behind the line of scrimmage, according to ESPN Research.
Scout’s take: Geffrard is an outstanding run defender with rare physical dimensions and long arms. He engages blockers, identifies the ball, and disengages from blocks promptly to make plays. He recorded four tackles for loss in 2025 and can execute plays in the backfield. He has participated in 28 games and has yet to register a sack but possesses the ability to overpower blockers and displace the quarterback from his position. — Muench
Transferring from: Texas
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-0 | WT: 192 | Class: Junior
Background: Moore, a top-100 recruit emerging from St. John Bosco in California, put together two productive seasons with the Longhorns, accumulating 77 career receptions for 988 yards and 11 touchdowns. He delivered several standout performances in his inaugural season in the SEC, including a nine-catch, 114-yard display against Georgia in the SEC championship game. He was Arch Manning’s second-leading receiver this season with 38 catches and 532 receiving yards on 51 targets.
Scout’s take: Moore is capable of lowering his hips and accelerating out of breaks at the apex of routes. He runs effectively and excels at executing deep crossing routes. As an explosive, open-field ball-carrier, Moore can elude the initial defender and pose a threat after the catch. He employs a hands-on catching technique, tracks the ball well, and managed to reduce his dropped passes in 2025. — Muench
Transferring from: North Texas
Years remaining: 3
HT: 6-2 | WT: 200 | Class: Freshman
Background: In his debut collegiate season, Hawkins led all FBS players with 29 combined touchdowns and amassed 1,804 yards from scrimmage (third most in FBS) to earn All-America honors and American Conference Rookie of the Year. The Shawnee, Oklahoma, native surpassed 200 total yards in six games for the Mean Green, including a 223-yard performance in their bowl victory over San Diego State. Hawkins led all FBS backs with 63 broken tackles, according to ESPN Research, and gained 983 rushing yards after contact.
Scout’s take: Hawkins adheres closely to his blockers and drives towards the front side, then cuts and accelerates through the opening when he identifies daylight. He breaks tackles through explosive power, balance upon contact, and persistent effort. He exhibits strong receiving skills, quickly reaching his maximum speed, and is challenging to tackle in open space as a receiver out of the backfield. — Muench
Transferring from: NC State
Years remaining: 2
HT: 5-11 | WT: 195 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: The former ESPN 300 recruit from Charlotte spent one redshirt season at Oklahoma before returning home and developing into a burgeoning talent for the Wolfpack. The first-team All-ACC performer accounted for 1,128 yards from scrimmage and seven combined touchdowns this season, surpassing 100 total yards in 11 of his 22 career games in Raleigh. Smothers led the ACC and ranked among the top 10 in FBS for forced missed tackles (71), according to ESPN Research.
Scout’s take: Smothers is a patient ball-carrier who can navigate through traffic between the tackles and redirect runs to the outside. He demonstrates quickness through the hole as an inside runner, and when he turns the corner on outside runs, he possesses enough speed to pull away once an opening appears. He is a dependable receiver with strong hands, and he presents more of a threat after the catch than his yards per catch average in 2025 (5.1) might indicate. — Muench
Transferring from: Nebraska
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 230 | Class: Sophomore
Background: The former five-star recruit switched his commitment from Georgia to Nebraska in December 2023, anticipating an immediate starting role as a true freshman. He led all FBS freshmen and broke the program’s freshman record with 2,819 passing yards in 2024, guiding the Huskers to their first bowl game since 2016.
Nebraska invested heavily in acquiring offensive talent through the portal to support him and aim for significant progress in his second year. However, an initial 5-1 start disintegrated with losses in four of Nebraska’s final six games. Raiola sustained a season-ending broken right fibula against USC in early November. He struggled at times operating behind a weak offensive line, enduring 27 sacks over nine games, but still managed to throw for 2,000 yards on 72% passing with 18 touchdowns and eight turnovers.
Scout’s take: Raiola exhibits accuracy and can deliver layered throws over the middle when he releases the ball punctually and throws with a solid foundation. He is effective when rolling to his right and maintains vision downfield as he navigates the pocket. He moves sufficiently well to scramble for an occasional first down. Raiola changed his commitment multiple times as a recruit and is now transferring after two seasons in Lincoln. Despite his talent, he will need to demonstrate commitment to improving a team. — Luginbill
Transferring from: Florida
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 247 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Lagway, once a top-10 recruit, compiled a 10-9 record as Florida’s primary quarterback, accumulating 4,179 passing yards, 237 rushing yards, 29 combined touchdowns, and 24 turnovers over the past two seasons. His 14 interceptions in 2025 were the highest among all Power 4 passers, and his 59.5 QBR ranked 14th among SEC starters.
Throughout his two years in college, Lagway has contended with shoulder, core muscle, groin, hamstring, and calf injuries, which have resulted in missing valuable offseason practice and development opportunities. These challenges, combined with an intensely scrutinized coaching situation, a head coach assuming offensive play-calling duties, and receiver injuries, created a chaotic environment and a disappointing 4-8 sophomore season. Lagway is seeking a fresh start and a renewed opportunity to conclude his collegiate career.
Scout’s take: Lagway’s uncommon combination of size, agility, and arm strength indicates significant future potential. He can deliver the ball with precision and hit receivers in stride when throwing downfield. He possesses quickness for his size and is difficult to tackle once in space, making him a greater threat as a runner and scrambler than his statistics might imply. He has started 19 games, with 13 of those starts occurring against SEC opponents. Lagway might be the most physically gifted player at his position available in the portal. — Luginbill
Transferring from: Tennessee
Years remaining: 1
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Class: Junior
Background: Heard, a former top-100 recruit who commenced his collegiate career at LSU, has re-entered the transfer portal after evolving into a two-year starting left tackle for Tennessee. He demonstrated notable improvement as a junior after ranking among the bottom five SEC starting tackles in pressures allowed (20) and blown block percentage (3.8%) in his initial season with the Volunteers, according to ESPN Research. Heard allowed pressure on only 1.7% of snaps in pass protection in 2025, which ranked fifth best among SEC tackles and contributed to him earning third-team All-SEC recognition.
Scout’s take: Heard is an imposing figure capable of being a physical, dominant blocker. He can cover and seal off defenders, and at his peak, he can overpower and drive opponents off the line. He occasionally loses his pad level and plays too high, which can diminish his effectiveness. He moves adequately to cut off backside linebackers ascending to the second level and to kick out defenders when pulling. He possesses good balance and footwork, and exhibits a powerful punch in pass protection. He has the physical build and foot speed to develop into an outstanding pass blocker. His reach and quickness make it difficult for speed rushers to turn the corner against him. This is a large, physical tackle with SEC starting experience who, despite occasional technique flaws, has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform and will be an appealing transfer candidate as an immediate starter. — Muench
