The college football offseason hasn’t officially arrived yet, but the transfer portal buzz is already in full swing. While the portal doesn’t open until January 2-after the College Football Playoff semifinals-plenty of players have wasted no time announcing their intentions to find a new home. With no spring window this year, this two-week stretch from Jan. 2 to Jan. 16 will be the only opportunity for student-athletes to make a move ahead of the 2026 season.
Some marquee names are staying put-Cal’s Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers among them-but with a wild coaching carousel this year, player movement is expected to spike. New systems, new staff, and new opportunities often mean new destinations for quarterbacks, skill players, and defensive standouts alike.
Here’s a closer look at some of the top names set to hit the portal this winter-and what they bring to the table.
Dylan Raiola - QB, Nebraska
2025 Stats: 72.4% completion, 2,000 yards, 18 TDs, 6 INTs
Dylan Raiola’s journey has already taken a few turns, and now it’s headed in a new direction. The former five-star quarterback originally committed to Georgia before flipping to Nebraska, following in his father’s footsteps. But with the firing of his uncle, Donovan Raiola, as Nebraska’s offensive line coach and his brother’s decommitment from the program, the sophomore is looking for a fresh start.
Even while battling through a season-ending leg injury in November, Raiola showed why he was one of the most coveted signal-callers in his class. He’s a high-efficiency passer with NFL-caliber tools, and he’ll be a hot commodity for any program seeking a quarterback who can elevate an offense immediately.
DJ Lagway - QB, Florida
2025 Stats: 63.2% completion, 2,264 yards, 16 TDs, 14 INTs
Florida’s coaching shakeup has opened the door for DJ Lagway to seek a new opportunity. The former five-star recruit had a rollercoaster year in Gainesville, leading a Gators offense that struggled in a tough SEC slate.
Lagway’s raw talent is undeniable-he’s mobile, has a live arm, and flashes playmaking upside-but turnovers have been an issue. Still, his ceiling remains high, and with the right coaching fit, he could take a big leap in his next stop.
Sam Leavitt - QB, Arizona State
2025 Stats: 60.7% completion, 1,628 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs; 73 carries, 306 yards, 5 TDs
Sam Leavitt is on the move again, entering the portal for the second time in his college career. After starting at Michigan State, he found a home at Arizona State, where he helped lead the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.
His 2025 season ended prematurely with a foot injury, but Leavitt’s dual-threat ability and experience under center make him a valuable addition for any team looking for a versatile, battle-tested quarterback.
Brendan Sorsby - QB, Cincinnati
2025 Stats: 61.6% completion, 2,800 yards, 27 TDs, 5 INTs; 100 carries, 580 yards, 9 TDs
Sorsby is one of the more intriguing names in the portal. After transferring from Indiana, he had a breakout year at Cincinnati, putting up big numbers both through the air and on the ground.
With nearly 3,400 total yards and 36 touchdowns in 2025, Sorsby brings proven production and dual-threat versatility. He’s poised to be a plug-and-play starter for a program in need of a dynamic offensive leader.
Aidan Chiles - QB, Michigan State
2025 Stats: 63.1% completion, 1,392 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs; 81 carries, 227 yards, 6 TDs
Aidan Chiles is back in the portal after stints at Oregon State and Michigan State. With two seasons of starting experience and one year of eligibility left, Chiles offers a strong mix of athleticism and poise.
He’s not just a runner-his efficiency as a passer has steadily improved, and he’s shown he can manage an offense and make plays when it matters.
CJ Baxter - RB, Texas
2025 Stats: 54 carries, 196 yards (3.6 ypc)**
Injuries have limited CJ Baxter over the past two seasons, but don’t let the recent numbers fool you-this is a back with serious upside. As a freshman in 2023, he ran for 659 yards and five scores, flashing the vision and burst that made him a top recruit.
Now healthy and ready for a fresh start, Baxter will look to recapture that early-career form and become a featured weapon in a new backfield.
Dylan Edwards - RB, Kansas State
2025 Stats: 34 carries, 205 yards, 2 TDs (6.0 ypc)**
Edwards redshirted in 2025 after battling injuries, but when he’s on the field, he’s electric. After transferring from Colorado, he’s spent the last two years at Kansas State and averaged an impressive 6.0 yards per carry this past season.
With speed and agility in the open field, Edwards could thrive in a system that emphasizes space and tempo.
Nick Marsh - WR, Michigan State
2025 Stats: 59 receptions, 662 yards, 6 TDs**
Back-to-back seasons with over 600 receiving yards have put Nick Marsh on the radar as one of the top wideouts in the portal. The Michigan native has been a steady presence in the Spartans’ passing game and brings a strong frame and reliable hands.
Marsh could be a go-to option for a team looking to bolster its receiving corps with a proven, physical target.
Brody Foley - TE, Tulsa
2025 Stats: 37 catches, 528 yards, 7 TDs**
Foley made the most of his move to Tulsa, turning in one of the best statistical seasons by a tight end in the country. After three quiet years at Indiana, he exploded in 2025, finishing second among FBS tight ends in touchdowns and seventh in receiving yards.
He’s a mismatch nightmare-too fast for linebackers, too big for safeties-and will be a coveted addition in today’s tight end-heavy offensive schemes.
Connor Stroh - OL, Texas
After three seasons in Austin, Connor Stroh is set to move on. The redshirt sophomore didn’t see action his first two years, but in 2025, he started five games at left guard and played in ten overall.
With size, experience, and SEC reps under his belt, Stroh offers depth and upside for teams looking to solidify their interior offensive line.
Adam Trick - EDGE, Miami (Ohio)
2025 Stats: 59 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 4 PBUs**
Trick is one of the most productive pass rushers in the portal. At 6-foot-4, he brings length, burst, and a knack for making game-changing plays-whether it’s getting to the quarterback, forcing turnovers, or disrupting passing lanes.
He’s got three years of experience and a motor that doesn’t quit. Expect Power Five programs to come calling.
Christian Alliegro - LB, Wisconsin
2025 Stats: 49 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 PBU**
Alliegro has been a steady force for Wisconsin’s defense and was recognized with All-Big Ten honorable mention honors this season. He started eight games and showed he can be a sideline-to-sideline presence with pass-rushing upside.
With three years of Big Ten experience, he’ll be a plug-and-play linebacker for a team needing leadership and production in the middle.
Boo Carter - DB, Tennessee
2025 Stats: 25 tackles, 3 PBUs, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles**
Boo Carter’s 2025 season was cut short due to injury and a dismissal from Tennessee, but his talent isn’t in question. A member of the 2024 SEC All-Freshman Team, Carter made his mark early with physical play and a nose for the football.
He’s a high-upside defensive back who can contribute right away-if he finds the right fit and stays healthy.
Edwin Joseph - S, Florida State
2025 Stats: 37 tackles, 5 PBUs, 1 FF, 3 INTs**
Joseph has been a rising star in Florida State’s secondary over the past three years. A former four-star recruit, he emerged as a starter and playmaker, showing great instincts and ball skills.
With three picks this season, Joseph has proven he can be a difference-maker on the back end, and he’ll be one of the most sought-after safeties in the portal.
Final Thoughts
The portal window hasn’t even opened yet, but the movement is already heating up. With coaching changes, injuries, and depth chart battles all playing a role, this winter’s transfer