The transfer portal has become the most powerful tool in college football’s modern era - a fast track for programs to reload, retool, and in some cases, completely reinvent themselves. Just ask Indiana, who rode a wave of transfer talent all the way to the 2025 national championship, or Texas Tech, which used the portal to dominate the trenches and capture a Big 12 title.
And they’re not alone. Across the Big 12, teams are leaning hard into the portal to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Utah is a prime example. The Utes brought in quarterback Devon Dampier along with playmakers Wayshawn Parker and Ryan Davis - key additions that helped turn their offense into one of the most productive units in the country.
It’s no longer just about recruiting high school talent and developing over time. In today’s game, if you want to compete for a College Football Playoff spot, you need to win in the portal. That means identifying not just talent, but fit - and doing it quickly.
So where does that leave us heading into 2026? The answer: The Big 12 is loaded. According to Sam Khan Jr.’s recent ranking of the top 25 transfer portal classes, five Big 12 teams made the cut, showcasing the league’s growing depth and adaptability.
Texas Tech Leads the Way
Texas Tech came in at No. 4 on the list - the highest-ranked Big 12 team - and it’s easy to see why. The Red Raiders made a major splash by securing Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who figures to be the centerpiece of their offense moving forward. But the real story might be what they did on defense.
San Diego State’s Trey White and Miami (OH)’s Adam Trick - both described as two of the best edge rushers available - will give Tech’s defensive front a serious boost. Add in linebacker Austin Romaine, who was one of the most consistent defenders in the Big 12 last season, and you’re looking at a team that’s not just reloading, but upgrading.
Oklahoma State Starts a New Chapter
Oklahoma State checks in at No. 7, kicking off a new era under head coach Eric Morris, who made the move from North Texas. Morris wasted no time bringing some familiar faces with him - quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins, and wide receiver Wyatt Young.
This trio could be the spark the Cowboys need to revitalize their offense. Mestemaker knows Morris’ system inside and out, and Hawkins brings explosive playmaking ability out of the backfield. If the chemistry carries over, Oklahoma State could surprise a lot of people in 2026.
Arizona State, Colorado, and Houston Round Out the Big 12 Contenders
Arizona State landed at No. 17 in the rankings, with Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley stepping in to fill the void left by Sam Leavitt’s transfer to LSU. Boley won’t have to do it alone - the Sun Devils added Colorado’s Omarion Miller and Boston College’s Reed Harris to bolster the receiving corps.
Colorado, at No. 18, continues to lean heavily on the portal under Deion Sanders. The Buffaloes lost a lot of players, but they brought in reinforcements - especially on defense.
Vanderbilt’s Randon Fontenette (DB), Tulane’s Santana Hopper (DL), and linebacker Liona Lefau headline a group that should help stabilize the unit. Offensively, Texas receiver DeAndre Moore and San Jose State’s Danny Scudero give likely five-star freshman quarterback Julian Lewis some intriguing weapons to work with.
Houston rounds out the Big 12’s portal standouts at No. 22.
After a 10-3 season capped by a bowl win over LSU, the Cougars are looking to take the next step. They’ve added offensive linemen expected to start right away, UTSA tight end Patrick Overmyer, and Tulane cornerback Javion White - all pieces that could help them contend in 2026.
What’s Next?
The transfer portal has fundamentally reshaped the way college football teams build rosters. It’s no longer just about high school recruiting classes and redshirt years. The best programs are treating the portal like NFL free agency - plugging holes, adding experience, and finding impact players who can contribute right away.
For the Big 12, that approach is paying off. With five teams ranked among the top portal classes in the country, the conference is proving it can adapt and thrive in the new era. And as we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: the teams that win the portal are the ones that will be playing deep into December and beyond.