The transfer portal window has officially closed, and with the NCAA streamlining the process into a single winter period, Big Ten programs wasted no time loading up. With the conference chasing its fourth straight national title, the arms race is in full swing.
Indiana’s the hunted, but several teams are coming hard for the crown. Let’s break down the top transfer classes in the Big Ten this offseason - and what they mean for the 2026 season ahead.
1. Indiana: The Champs Reload, Not Rebuild
Curt Cignetti isn’t just riding the wave of a national championship - he’s paddling straight into another one. Even during Indiana’s title run, Cignetti was already working the portal like a coach who knew the job was far from done. The Hoosiers brought in 16 transfers, and the headliners are names that could define the 2026 campaign.
Quarterback Josh Hoover (TCU), wide receiver Nick Marsh (Michigan State), and running back Turbo Richard (Boston College) are expected to start right away. Hoover becomes the third straight transfer QB to lead Cignetti’s offense - a clear sign that the Hoosiers are embracing experience over development at the game’s most important position.
That said, Hoover steps into a massive spotlight, replacing Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. No pressure.
Marsh brings Big Ten experience and big-play potential to the receiver room, while Richard adds a dynamic presence in the backfield. This trio could form the backbone of an offense that doesn’t just want to repeat - it wants to dominate.
2. Penn State: Cyclone Connection Comes to State College
Call them the Penn State Cyclones if you want - it’s hard to ignore the Iowa State influence now flowing through Happy Valley. New head coach Matt Campbell didn’t just bring his playbook from Ames - he brought a significant chunk of his roster, too. A whopping 22 former Cyclones transferred to Penn State, giving Campbell a familiar foundation as he builds his version of the Nittany Lions.
Quarterback Rocco Becht is the centerpiece. Campbell needed a field general who knows his system, and Becht fits the bill. He’s poised to take the reins of the offense from day one.
Defensively, Penn State added impact players like cornerback Jeremiah Cooper, running back Carson Hansen, and safety Marcus Neal - all from Campbell’s former squad. Beyond the talent, there’s a real advantage to having players who already understand the coach’s expectations. That kind of continuity could be a difference-maker in Year One.
3. Ohio State: Plug-and-Play Veterans to Fill the Gaps
Ohio State saw a mass exodus this offseason - 31 players entered the portal. But here’s the key: nearly all of them were backups.
The Buckeyes’ response? Bring in battle-tested veterans who can contribute immediately.
They signed 16 transfers, and the focus was clearly on defense. Safeties Earl James (Florida State) and Terry Moore (Duke) bring experience and versatility to the secondary. Up front, Ohio State added three defensive linemen who can rotate in right away: John Walker (UCF), and Alabama duo Qua Russaw and James Smith.
This wasn’t a rebuild. It was a recalibration. The Buckeyes lost depth, but they may have gained starters - and that’s a trade any contender will take.
4. Oregon: Quietly Building a Powerhouse
Oregon’s been one of the most consistent programs in the portal era, and this offseason was no exception. The Ducks added key pieces to bolster their defense - safety Koi Perich (Minnesota), defensive lineman D’Antre Robinson (North Carolina), and defensive back Carl Williams (Baylor) all bring Power Five experience and should compete for starting roles.
But the biggest long-term move? Quarterback Dylan Raiola.
The highly touted signal-caller is expected to redshirt behind Donte Moore this season, but make no mistake - Raiola is the future in Eugene. Head coach Dan Lanning just landed his quarterback of tomorrow while reinforcing his defense for today.
That’s how you build a sustainable contender.
5. UCLA: Chesney Brings His Guys West
First-year head coach Bob Chesney wasted no time putting his stamp on the Bruins. Much like Curt Cignetti did at Indiana, Chesney brought a chunk of his James Madison roster with him to Los Angeles - 10 players, to be exact.
The most notable addition is running back Wayne Knight, a do-it-all weapon who should see immediate touches in UCLA’s offense. On the defensive side, edge rusher Sahir West brings high motor and production. In total, Chesney added 14 players with starting experience - a crucial boost for a program undergoing a culture shift.
The Bruins may not be ready to challenge for the Big Ten title just yet, but they’ve laid a foundation. And if Chesney’s JMU formula translates to the Power Five, UCLA could be a problem sooner than expected.
Final Thoughts:
The Big Ten isn't just stacking talent - it's evolving. Whether it’s Indiana refining a championship formula, Penn State importing a ready-made culture, or Ohio State plugging holes with proven veterans, the league is adapting to the new era of roster building. With the portal now a one-shot opportunity each winter, every move matters - and these five programs made theirs count.