Top 10 NCAA Quarterbacks in the Transfer Portal to Watch This Season
By Jason Bolton January 07, 2026 09:24
As the calendar flips to 2026 and the echoes of bowl games fade, the college football landscape is already reshaping itself through the transfer portal a chaotic bazaar where quarterbacks, the sport's most coveted commodities, seek new homes and fresh starts. This offseason, over 2,000 players have entered the portal, but it's the signal-callers who dominate headlines, with programs desperate for that elusive spark under center. "The portal has become the great equalizer," says ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill. "These guys aren't just backups; they're proven talents who can flip a program's fortunes overnight." With the spring window looming and commitments rolling in, here are the top 10 quarterbacks from the portal to keep an eye on in 2026 ranked by potential impact, based on their track records, scouting buzz, and new opportunities.
10. Kenny Minchey (Notre Dame to Kentucky)
The former ESPN 300 recruit heads to Lexington with two years left, bringing untapped upside to a Wildcats team hungry for SEC contention. In limited action at Notre Dame, Minchey went 20-of-26 for 196 yards, adding 84 rushing yards and a score. "He's got a strong arm and good mobility can drop it into go routes and make off-platform throws," Luginbill notes. A Tennessee native, Minchey competed with CJ Carr but saw just five blowouts. At Kentucky, under coordinator Bush Hamdan's pro-style offense, he could blossom into a starter. Watch for him to challenge Brock Vandagriff in camp.
9. DJ Lagway (Florida, two years remaining)
Florida's sophomore sensation entered the portal amid a 4-8 campaign, but his raw tools scream stardom. Over two seasons, Lagway amassed 4,179 passing yards, 237 rushing yards, 29 total touchdowns, and 24 turnovers, including 14 picks in 2025. At 6-3, 247 pounds, he's a physical marvel: "Rare size, mobility, arm strength he drops the ball in the bucket and hits receivers in stride," per Luginbill. Injuries (shoulder, core) hampered him, but as a top-10 recruit, Lagway's 59.5 QBR ranked 14th in the SEC. Potential suitors like Florida State or Texas A&M could unlock his ceiling expect a bidding war.
8. Dylan Raiola (Nebraska, two years remaining)
The five-star flip from Georgia brings pedigree and production to the market. In 2025, Raiola threw for 2,000 yards on 72% completion with 18 touchdowns and eight turnovers in nine games before a fibula injury. His freshman year set an FBS record with 2,819 yards. "Accurate with layered throws over the middle; effective rolling right with eyes downfield," Luginbill scouts. At 6-3, 230, he's built for Big Ten battles. Nebraska's 27 sacks in his starts highlight protection needs, but Raiola led them to their first bowl since 2016. Programs like Oregon or USC might pounce for his arm talent.
7. Rocco Becht (Iowa State to Penn State)
Landing at Happy Valley with one year left, Becht brings veteran savvy to a Nittany Lions squad eyeing a playoff run. A 39-game starter with 26 wins, he posted 2,584 yards on 60.5% completion, 24 total scores, and 10 turnovers in 2025 despite injuries (torn labrum, AC sprain). "Most experienced Power 4 starter; sound adjustments, quick to second read; beats zone with timing," Luginbill says. His 16 rushing TDs over two years add dual-threat pop. At Penn State, replacing Drew Allar, Becht could thrive in Mike Yurcich's system watch him orchestrate upsets.
6. Josh Hoover (TCU to Indiana)
The Hoosiers, fresh off a Heisman run with Fernando Mendoza, snag Hoover for his final year. With 9,629 career passing yards and 71 touchdowns (most among returning QBs), Hoover set a school record with 3,949 yards in 2024. Career 65.2% passer, but 42 turnovers loom. "Zip on passes for tight windows; quick release, strong base; eyes downfield in pocket," per Luginbill. At 6-2, 200, he's ideal for air-raid schemes. Two-time captain with 31 starts, Hoover's Big 12 top-5 QBR could elevate Indiana's offense post-Mendoza.
5. Demond Williams Jr. (Washington, two years remaining)
The undersized sophomore (5-11, 190) packs a punch, entering the portal after a 9-win season with 3,676 total yards, 31 scores, and 11 turnovers on 69.5% completion (top-10 FBS). "Explosive runner, elusive; live arm with zip; excellent feel for the game," Luginbill raves. Williams broke Washington's single-game total offense record (538 vs. Rutgers). A former ESPN 300, he followed his coach but now seeks greener pastures spread/RPO teams like Ole Miss or Louisville could maximize his dynamism.
4. Byrum Brown (South Florida to Auburn)
Auburn lands a Group of 5 star with one year left, injecting electricity into the Tigers' attack. Brown led FBS QBs with 42 regular-season TDs, amassing 9,955 career total yards and 92 scores, including 1,008 rushing yards and six 100+ games in 2025. "Strong arm with excellent frame and mobility; poised in pocket, extends plays," Luginbill notes. No. 1 QBR and PFF grade among G5 starters, his offense averaged 43 points (fourth nationally). At 6-3, 231, Brown's unorthodox style could thrive in Hugh Freeze's scheme SEC defenses beware.
3. Drew Mestemaker (North Texas to Oklahoma State)
The former walk-on turned American Conference Offensive Player of the Year heads to Stillwater with three years left. In 2025, Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards and 34 TDs, leading the No. 1 scoring offense to 12 wins and a title game. "Poise and offense control; gets ball out on time, through progressions; good touch downfield," per Luginbill. At 6-4, 211, his quirky mechanics yield results 448 total yards in last year's bowl. Oklahoma State, post-Ollie Gordon, gets a proven winner to steady the ship.
2. Sam Leavitt (Arizona State, two years remaining)
The Big 12 preseason Offensive Player of the Year seeks a reboot after a foot injury derailed 2025 (319 yards in seven games). Over two seasons: 4,513 passing yards, 34 TDs on 61.4% completion, plus 3,328 total yards and 29 scores in 2024. "Quick feet, eyes downfield; off-platform throws, good touch on downfield passes," Luginbill scouts. Top-10 QBR (80.0) pre-injury, Leavitt's All-Big 12 nod in 2024 highlights his potential. At 6-2, 205, he's a fit for up-tempo offenses watch powerhouses like Miami or Clemson pursue.
1. Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati to Texas Tech)
The portal's crown jewel commits to Lubbock, bringing one year of elite production. Over two seasons: 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing, 63 total TDs, and 16 turnovers; 3,380 total yards, 36 scores, five picks in 2025. "Excellent size, arm strength, mobility; makes off-platform throws, anticipates well," Luginbill praises. Top-10 in QBR and PFF, second-team All-Big 12, Sorsby led a 7-1 start. At 6-3, 235, the Texas native could chase NFL dreams post-2026 Texas Tech's air-raid revival starts here.
In a portal era where loyalty is fluid, these QBs represent the next wave of difference-makers. As Luginbill sums: "The right fit can turn a good quarterback into a legend." With NIL deals sweetening pots and rosters in flux, 2026 promises fireworks stay tuned as these arms rewrite narratives.
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