In today’s college football world, the offseason isn’t just a break-it’s a battleground. Thanks to the transfer portal and NIL, rosters can be reshaped overnight, and a few key additions can turn a good team into a title contender. This year’s Big Ten programs didn’t just dip into the portal-they dove in headfirst, with several teams making aggressive moves to fill holes, reload, and reload fast.
Let’s take a look at the Big Ten’s biggest winners from the 2026 transfer portal cycle-programs that didn’t just chase stars, but added impact players at premium positions, addressed immediate needs, and positioned themselves to make serious noise this fall.
Indiana Hoosiers: The Champs Reload
The defending national champions weren’t going to rest on their laurels-and they couldn’t afford to. Indiana had major shoes to fill after Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza declared for the NFL Draft. Add in the need for more depth at wide receiver and help on the edge, and this portal cycle became critical.
Enter Josh Hoover, one of the top returning passers in the country, coming in from TCU. He’s not just a replacement-he’s a potential star in his own right.
The Hoosiers also added wide receiver Nick Marsh (Michigan State), explosive running back Turbo Richardson (Boston College), and edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State). That’s not just filling gaps-that’s reloading with starting-caliber talent.
Curt Cignetti’s system has proven it can turn transfers into title winners. With this group, Indiana isn’t just aiming to defend its Big Ten crown-it’s eyeing another national title run.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Reloading the Arsenal
Ohio State took some serious hits this offseason. Between the NFL Draft and the portal, the Buckeyes lost depth across the board-especially at wide receiver, offensive line, and in the secondary.
But they hit back in a big way.
Defensive line and edge talent came in from Alabama in the form of James Smith and Qua Russaw-two blue-chip defenders who can make an immediate impact. Safety help arrived via Earl Little Jr.
(Florida State) and Terry Moore (Duke), while kicker Connor Hawkins (Baylor) shores up special teams. And don’t overlook wide receiver Devin McCuin (UTSA), who brings playmaking ability to a retooled receiver room.
Ohio State also managed to retain key players, which is no small feat in today’s portal era. With these additions and a brutal schedule ahead, the Buckeyes look battle-ready and built to last.
Oregon Ducks: Staying Loaded
Oregon didn’t have a ton of glaring needs after a strong 2025 campaign, but that didn’t stop them from getting even deeper.
The Ducks added quarterback Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), giving them one of the most talented QB rooms in the country. On defense, they brought in safety Koi Perch (Minnesota), cornerback Aaron Scott Jr.
(Ohio State), and defensive back Carl Williams IV (Baylor). Up front, defensive lineman Jerome Simmons (ULM) adds more size and strength.
And Iverson Hooks (UAB) adds another weapon to the wide receiver corps.
Dan Lanning continues to build a roster that’s not just deep, but dangerous. With the Big Ten expanding, Oregon looks more than ready to stay among the elite.
Penn State Nittany Lions: A Portal Overhaul
After a frustrating 2025 season, Penn State needed a reset. And they got one.
New head coach Matt Campbell wasted no time revamping the roster, pulling in a wave of talent-many of them from his old stomping grounds at Iowa State. Quarterback Rocco Becht leads the charge, giving the Nittany Lions a proven signal-caller. He’s joined by running back James Peoples (Ohio State), tight end Benjamin Brahmer, safety Marcus Neal Jr., and a trio of wide receivers and offensive linemen.
Linebacker Caleb Bacon adds toughness to the defensive front seven, while Brock Riker (Texas State) brings experience to the offensive line.
This isn’t just a patch job-it’s a full-scale reboot. And with Campbell at the helm and a loaded portal class, Penn State is back in the playoff conversation.
Bottom Line: Big Ten Arms Race
What separates these teams? They didn’t just add depth-they added starters.
Game-changers. Players who can step in and elevate the level of play immediately.
With four straight national titles already in the Big Ten’s hands, the conference is showing no signs of slowing down. And with the kind of talent these programs just pulled in, don’t be surprised if the streak hits five.
