The college football transfer portal doesn’t officially open until January 2nd, but the action is already heating up-and fast. We’re still weeks away from the window opening, but several high-profile quarterbacks have already made it clear they’re on the move, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
DJ Lagway Enters the Portal: A Major Domino Falls
Let’s start with the big headline: DJ Lagway, Florida’s five-star signal-caller and a preseason Heisman favorite, is hitting the portal. The 6-3, 247-pound sophomore from Willis, Texas, is coming off a roller-coaster season in Gainesville-completing 63 percent of his passes for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns, but also throwing 14 interceptions. After two seasons with the Gators and the recent firing of head coach Billy Napier, Lagway is looking for a fresh start.
Lagway’s decision instantly reshapes the quarterback market. He’s a two-year SEC starter with elite physical tools, and while the arm talent is there, his decision-making still needs refinement-23 interceptions in two years is a red flag for any offensive coordinator. He’ll need to land in a system that knows how to develop QBs, not just showcase them.
He joins a growing list of quarterbacks expected to enter the portal early, including Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles, Oregon native Sam Leavitt, East Carolina’s Katin Houser, and Louisville’s Brady Allen. But make no mistake-Lagway is the headliner here, and his next move will be one of the most closely watched of the offseason.
Dante Moore’s Decision Looms Large in Eugene
While Lagway’s departure is official, the biggest question mark in the quarterback landscape is still hanging over Oregon: Will Dante Moore return for another season?
Moore’s stock couldn’t be higher. He’s projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and Mel Kiper has him going No. 1 overall.
That kind of projection comes with serious financial implications-think $50 million guaranteed, with a signing bonus north of $30 million. That’s generational wealth, and it’s hard to walk away from.
But Moore has more than just dollar signs to consider. There’s the chance to chase a national championship, the value of a college degree, and the opportunity to hit that 20-start threshold that often separates successful NFL quarterbacks from those who struggle out of the gate. Oregon fans are clinging to hope that Moore returns for one more run, and based on the whispers around Eugene, that possibility is very much alive.
If Moore does come back, it reshapes the Ducks’ 2026 outlook entirely. If he leaves, Oregon’s quarterback room gets a lot more uncertain.
The Rest of Oregon’s QB Room: Novosad, Moga, and Smith
Behind Moore, the Ducks have some intriguing but unproven options. Austin Novosad, a former 9,000-yard passer from Dripping Springs, Texas, has spent two years learning behind Dillon Gabriel and Moore. He missed most of this season with an injury and has only two pass attempts to his name-one of them a 40-yard strike to Kyler Kasper-but he’s a name to watch, especially if he follows offensive coordinator Will Stein to Kentucky.
Then there’s Luke Moga, a track-speed athlete with a 10.5-second 100-meter dash, and Akili Smith Jr., a 6-6 freshman with NFL bloodlines. Both have upside, but neither looks ready to lead a national title contender just yet.
Developmental guys with tools, yes. Plug-and-play starters?
Not today.
Oregon’s Offensive Line: A Rebuild in Progress
Regardless of who’s under center, Oregon has work to do up front. The offensive line is bracing for turnover, with as many as four starters headed to the NFL.
Seniors Isaiah World, Emmanuel Pregnon, and Alex Harkey are all moving on, and junior Iapani Laloulu could join them. Laloulu has the kind of pass protection skills and leadership that NFL scouts love, and if he declares, he could go early.
There’s hope in Eugene that some of the team’s top talent-like Laloulu, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Kenyon Sadiq-might return, especially after defensive lineman Bear Alexander announced he’s coming back. But nothing’s official yet, and the Ducks are already scanning the portal for reinforcements.
Portal Targets: Big Names on the Move
The Ducks won’t be alone in their search for offensive linemen. Hundreds of players are expected to hit the portal, and some notable names are already in.
Former Oregon lineman Shaq McRoy is back on the market after a stint at Arkansas. Michigan’s Bear McWhorter (yes, another Bear) is also entering the portal. He’s a three-star prospect from White, Georgia, and could be a developmental piece with upside.
But the biggest name to watch is Colorado’s Jordan Seaton. The 6-5, 305-pound left tackle was a five-star recruit out of IMG Academy and started all season for the Buffaloes. With Deion Sanders dealing with health issues and Colorado stumbling to a 3-9 finish, Seaton could be looking for a more stable situation to polish his NFL résumé.
Another intriguing name is Auburn’s DeAndre Carter. The 6-4, 345-pound redshirt freshman played in every game this season and was a four-star recruit out of Mater Dei High School in California. He’s already declared his intent to transfer and will be one of the most sought-after linemen in the portal.
The Big Picture
We’re still weeks away from the official opening of the transfer portal, but the early movement is already reshaping the college football landscape. DJ Lagway’s decision kicks off what could be a wild ride at quarterback, and Dante Moore’s looming choice could swing the fortunes of a national title contender.
Meanwhile, Oregon’s offensive line is in flux, and the Ducks-like so many other programs-will be looking to the portal to reload and retool. Expect more names to emerge, more surprises to drop, and more dominoes to fall. The offseason chess match is just getting started.