As the college football transfer portal officially opens this Friday, the quarterback carousel is already spinning - and it’s shaping up to be one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory. With hundreds of players across the country looking for new opportunities, the quarterback position, as always, is front and center.
Among the names to watch, several SEC quarterbacks are drawing early attention, including a potential surprise in Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss. While Chambliss hasn’t formally entered the portal, his situation is worth monitoring closely.
He’s set to lead the Rebels into a high-stakes Sugar Bowl matchup against Georgia on Thursday night - a College Football Playoff quarterfinal that kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Chambliss is also seeking a sixth year of NCAA eligibility, which would allow him to play through the 2026 season. If that waiver is granted, it opens the door for a potential transfer.
That’s a big “if,” but the possibility alone has evaluators keeping tabs. He’s shown flashes of high-level talent and leadership, and if he becomes available, he’d be one of the most experienced and battle-tested quarterbacks on the market.
Another SEC signal-caller who is officially on the move: Florida’s DJ Lagway. After a standout freshman season under Billy Napier, Lagway’s sophomore year was derailed by injuries.
Still, his body of work over two years is nothing to overlook. He leaves Gainesville with a 10-9 record as a starter, 4,179 passing yards, 237 rushing yards, 29 total touchdowns, and 24 turnovers.
The numbers tell the story of a quarterback who’s flashed both promise and volatility - but the talent is undeniable. With two years of eligibility remaining, Lagway is looking for a fresh start and could be a high-upside pickup for a program in need of a dynamic playmaker.
While not all of the quarterbacks on ESPN’s radar have officially entered the portal yet, the list of potential targets is already turning heads. Here are the top names to watch this offseason:
- Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati - A physical passer with a big arm who brings toughness and upside.
- Sam Leavitt, Arizona State - A young QB with mobility and a quick release, Leavitt has shown flashes of creativity and poise.
- Drew Mestemaker, North Texas - A sleeper pick with solid production and leadership traits.
- Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss - Pending his eligibility waiver, Chambliss could be a veteran addition with College Football Playoff experience.
- Byrum Brown, South Florida - Dual-threat ability and a knack for making plays off-script make Brown an intriguing option.
- Josh Hoover, TCU - A cerebral quarterback who’s shown he can manage a game and deliver in clutch moments.
- Rocco Becht, Iowa State - Brings a strong arm and a competitive edge; Becht has the tools to thrive in a new system.
- Dylan Raiola, Nebraska - A former five-star recruit with high-level pedigree and untapped potential.
- DJ Lagway, Florida - A proven playmaker looking to reset and reestablish his trajectory at a new program.
- CJ Bailey, NC State - A developing prospect with solid fundamentals and room to grow.
As the portal opens, expect movement - and fast. Quarterback-needy programs will be aggressive, and with bowl season wrapping up and coaching staffs finalizing their 2026 plans, the next few weeks will be critical for both players and teams looking to reshape their futures.
This is the new era of college football: free agency with shoulder pads. And if this early list is any indication, the quarterback market is about to get very, very interesting.