As the 12-team College Football Playoff kicks off this weekend, the action on the field isn’t the only thing heating up. Behind the scenes, the transfer portal is starting to buzz - and while quarterbacks often dominate the headlines, several standout players at other positions are making waves with their plans to enter the portal when it officially opens from January 2 to January 16.
These aren't depth-chart fillers or developmental prospects. We're talking about top-tier talent - players who’ve already proven themselves at the Power Five level and are ready to make an immediate impact wherever they land next. Here’s a look at five of the most intriguing non-QBs expected to hit the portal next month, listed alphabetically.
Boo Carter, DB, Tennessee (Sophomore)
2025 Stats: 16 solo tackles, 25 total tackles, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups
247Sports Transfer Ranking: 4 stars, No. 10 overall, No. 1 safety
Schools in the mix: Alabama, Louisville, Miami, Nebraska, Texas Tech
Carter isn't just a name to watch - he's a playmaker with a knack for turning momentum in his team's favor. A former SEC All-Freshman selection, he showed his full skill set in a September game against UAB, where he racked up nine tackles, three of them for loss, added a sack, and forced two fumbles.
That kind of performance isn’t just eye-catching - it’s game-changing. Carter’s versatility in the secondary and his ability to create turnovers will make him one of the most coveted defensive backs in the portal.
Carius Curne, OL, LSU (Freshman)
247Sports Transfer Ranking: 4 stars, No. 5 overall, No. 1 offensive tackle
Potential landing spots: Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
Curne may only be a freshman, but he’s already logged meaningful SEC snaps - and that’s no small feat in the trenches. He played in seven games this season and started five, showing the kind of poise and physicality that usually takes linemen years to develop.
Whether lined up at left or right tackle, Curne held his own against high-level competition. LSU was counting on him to anchor the line in 2026, so this is a significant loss for the Tigers.
For programs looking to shore up their offensive front with a young, battle-tested tackle, Curne is going to be a top priority.
Mateen Ibirogba, DL, Wake Forest (Redshirt Junior)
2025 Stats: 7 solo tackles, 21 total tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble
247Sports Transfer Ranking: 4 stars, No. 2 overall, No. 1 defensive lineman
Ibirogba’s journey has been anything but typical - starting at Georgetown before transferring to Wake Forest, where he’s steadily developed into a force up front. After appearing in just four games in 2024, he became a regular contributor in 10 games this past season.
He’s a disruptive presence on the line with a high motor and NFL potential down the line. The fact that he’s the top-ranked defensive lineman in the portal says a lot - he’s got the size, skill, and experience to be a difference-maker on any defensive front.
Omarion Miller, WR, Colorado (Junior)
2025 Stats: 45 receptions, 808 yards, 8 touchdowns
247Sports Transfer Ranking: 4 stars, No. 7 overall, No. 1 wide receiver
Programs to watch: Arizona State, Texas Tech
Miller was a breakout star in 2025, emerging as one of Colorado’s most explosive offensive weapons. At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, he’s got the frame to win contested catches and the speed to stretch the field.
His eight touchdowns and 800+ yards weren’t just empty stats - they came in big moments, often flipping games with a single play. Losing him is a tough blow for Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, but Miller’s upside will have Power Five programs lining up.
He’s the kind of receiver who can instantly elevate an offense.
Devan Thompkins, DL, USC (Redshirt Junior)
2025 Stats: 18 solo tackles, 31 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 2 pass breakups
247Sports Transfer Ranking: 4 stars, No. 6 overall, No. 2 defensive lineman
Top suitors: Alabama, Georgia, Oregon
Thompkins was a cornerstone for USC’s defensive line this season, and his departure leaves a major hole in the Trojans' front seven. Named an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer, he brought consistency, leadership, and production to the table.
With 31 total tackles, three sacks, and a pair of pass breakups, he showed he could impact the game in multiple ways. Coaches love his work ethic, and teammates respect his voice in the locker room.
He’s the kind of veteran presence who can immediately upgrade a defensive unit.
Final Thoughts
While quarterbacks will always draw the most attention in the portal, these five players are proof that elite talent exists at every position.
Whether it’s a lockdown safety, a plug-and-play tackle, or a dynamic wideout, the transfer portal is becoming just as important as National Signing Day when it comes to reshaping rosters. And with programs across the country jockeying for position ahead of spring ball, expect the bidding wars for these names to heat up fast once the portal officially opens in January.