NCAAF · 19 minutes ago

CBS Sports Ranks 26 Most Important College Football Transfers for 2026

John Canady

Host · Writer

26) Terry Moore
Terry Moore Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: S | Class: Senior
- Height: 6’1” | Weight: 196 lbs
- Former Team: Duke
- Current Team: Ohio State
Terry Moore gives Ohio State another experienced defensive back capable of fitting multiple roles in the secondary. His time at Duke showed he can play downhill and cover space, which should make him valuable in the Buckeyes’ defensive rotation.

Terry Moore 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 71
- Passes Defended: 5
- Sacks: 1
- Forced Fumbles: 2
- Interceptions: 4
1) Sam Leavitt
Sam Leavitt Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: QB | Class: RS-Sophomore
- Height: 6’2” | Weight: 195 lbs
- Former Team: Arizona State
- Current Team: LSU
Sam Leavitt heads to LSU with massive expectations after breaking out at Arizona State. His ability to extend plays and push the ball vertically feels like a natural fit in Baton Rouge, especially in an offense that thrives on explosive quarterback play.

Sam Leavitt 2025 Stats
- Completions: 145
- Passing Yards: 1,628
- Yards Per Pass: 6.8
- Passing Touchdowns: 10
- Interceptions: 3
- Sacks: 18
2) Josh Hoover
Josh Hoover Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: QB | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 6’1” | Weight: 205 lbs
- Former Team: TCU
- Current Team: Indiana
Josh Hoover gives Indiana a proven passer who already showed he can handle high-volume production at TCU. The Hoosiers needed stability at quarterback, and Hoover arrives with the experience and confidence to elevate an offense that struggled to threaten defenses through the air consistently.

Josh Hoover 2025 Stats
- Completions: 273
- Passing Yards: 3,472
- Yards Per Pass: 8.4
- Passing Touchdowns: 29
- Interceptions: 13
- Sacks: 18
3) Darian Mensah
Darian Mensah Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: QB | Class: RS-Sophomore
- Height: 6’3” | Weight: 215 lbs
- Former Team: Duke
- Current Team: Miami (FL)
Darian Mensah landing at Miami feels like one of the biggest upside swings of the portal cycle. He flashed real poise at Duke, and with Miami surrounding him with more speed and protection, the Hurricanes are betting on his talent translating into a breakout season.

Darian Mensah 2025 Stats
- Completions: 334
- Passing Yards: 3,973
- Yards Per Pass: 7.9
- Passing Touchdowns: 34
- Interceptions: 6
- Sacks: 27
4) Cam Coleman
Cam Coleman Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: WR | Class: Sophomore
- Height: 6’3.5” | Weight: 190 lbs
- Former Team: Auburn
- Current Team: Texas
Cam Coleman gives Texas another dangerous outside target with legitimate game-changing ability. His size and explosiveness should immediately open up the Longhorns’ offense, particularly in red zone situations where physical receivers tend to thrive in the SEC.

Cam Coleman 2025 Stats
- Receptions: 56
- Receiving Yards: 708
- Yards Per Catch: 12.6
- Receiving Touchdowns: 5
5) Mateen Ibirogba
Mateen Ibirogba Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: DL | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 6’4” | Weight: 290 lbs
- Former Team: Wake Forrest
- Current Team: Texas Tech
Mateen Ibirogba fills a major need for Texas Tech up front after showing disruptive flashes at Wake Forest. He brings toughness and versatility to a defensive line that needed more consistency against physical rushing attacks.

Mateen Ibirogba 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 21
- Passes Defended: 0
- Sacks: 2
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Interceptions: 0
6) John Henry Daley
John Henry Daley Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: EDGE | Class: Junior
- Height: 6’4” | Weight: 255 lbs
- Former Team: Utah
- Current Team: Michigan
John Henry Daley feels like a classic Michigan defensive addition because of his motor and physicality. After developing at Utah, he now joins a system that has consistently maximized edge defenders and turned them into difference makers.

John Henry Daley 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 48
- Passes Defended: 1
- Sacks: 11.5
- Forced Fumbles: 2
- Interceptions: 0
7) Terrance Green
Terrance Green Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: DL | Class: RS-Sophomore
- Height: 6’5” | Weight: 273 lbs
- Former Team: Oregon
- Current Team: Alabama
Terrance Green gives Alabama another powerful interior presence capable of changing games at the line of scrimmage. His experience at Oregon should help him transition quickly into a Crimson Tide defense that always demands depth and production in the trenches.

Terrance Green 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 15
- Passes Defended: 0
- Sacks: 0
- Forced Fumbles: 0
- Interceptions: 0
8) Jontez Williams
Jontez Williams Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: CB | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 5’11” | Weight: 185 lbs
- Former Team: Iowa State
- Current Team: USC
Jontez Williams adds experience and reliability to a USC secondary that badly needed both. He developed into a dependable corner at Iowa State, and the Trojans are counting on him to bring more toughness and discipline to the back end.

Jontez Williams 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 15
- Passes Defended: 2
- Sacks: 0
- Forced Fumbles: 0
- Interceptions: 1
9) Earl Little Jr.
Earl Little Jr. Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: S | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 5’11.5” | Weight: 161 lbs
- Former Team: Florida State
- Current Team: Ohio State
Earl Little Jr.'s move to Ohio State feels like one that could unlock his full potential. The Buckeyes have a history of developing elite defensive backs, and his athleticism gives them another versatile piece in the secondary.

Earl Little Jr. 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 76
- Passes Defended: 2
- Sacks: 0
- Forced Fumbles: 2
- Interceptions: 4
10) Jacarrius Peak
Jacarrius Peak Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: OT | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 6’5” | Weight: 310 lbs
- Former Team: NC State
- Current Team: South Carolina
Jacarrius Peak steps into a huge opportunity at South Carolina after proving himself at NC State. His size and physical style should translate well in the SEC, especially for a Gamecocks offense looking to become more balanced up front.
11) Byrum Brown
Byrum Brown Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: QB | Class: Senior
- Height: 6’3” | Weight: 193 lbs
- Former Team: USF
- Current Team: Auburn
Byrum Brown gives Auburn a quarterback with legitimate dual-threat ability and plenty of starting experience. His mobility should add another dimension to the Tigers’ offense while easing pressure on the passing game early in the season.

Byrum Brown 2025 Stats
- Completions: 226
- Passing Yards: 3,158
- Yards Per Pass: 9.3
- Passing Touchdowns: 28
- Interceptions: 7
- Sacks: 16
12) A.J. Harris
A.J. Harris Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: CB | Class: Junior
- Height: 6’1” | Weight: 193 lbs
- Former Team: Penn State
- Current Team: Indiana
A.J. Harris staying in the Big Ten with Indiana could end up being one of the conference’s sneakiest additions. He already understands the physicality of the league from his time at Penn State, and the Hoosiers needed a corner capable of matching up against top receivers.

A.J. Harris 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 33
- Passes Defended: 1
- Sacks: 0
- Forced Fumbles: 0
- Interceptions: 0
13) Princewill Umanmielen
Princewill Umanmielen Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: EDGE | Class: Junior
- Height: 6’4” | Weight: 245 lbs
- Former Team: Ole Miss
- Current Team: LSU
Princewill Umanmielen joining LSU adds another explosive athlete to an already talented defensive front. He showed flashes of being a disruptive edge presence at Ole Miss, and LSU will likely give him every opportunity to attack quarterbacks aggressively.

Princewill Umanmielen 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 45
- Passes Defended: 1
- Sacks: 9
- Forced Fumbles: 0
- Interceptions: 1
14) Damon Wilson II
Damon Wilson II Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: EDGE | Class: Junior
- Height: 6’4” | Weight: 230 lbs
- Former Team: Missouri
- Current Team: Miami (FL)
Damon Wilson II brings serious pass-rushing upside to Miami’s defense. Missouri tapped into his athletic tools at times, but the Hurricanes are hoping a larger role will help him become a consistent difference-maker off the edge.

Damon Wilson II 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 23
- Passes Defended: 2
- Sacks: 9
- Forced Fumbles: 0
- Interceptions: 1
15) D.J. McKinney
D.J. McKinney Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: CB | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 6’2” | Weight: 180 lbs
- Former Team: Colorado
- Current Team: Notre Dame
D.J. McKinney gives Notre Dame another long and physical corner who fits the identity Marcus Freeman wants defensively. After competing in Colorado’s aggressive scheme, he should transition smoothly into a defense that values versatility in coverage.

D.J. McKinney 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 34
- Passes Defended: 5
- Sacks: 0
- Forced Fumbles: 0
- Interceptions: 1
16) Isaiah Horton
Isaiah Horton Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: WR | Class: RS-Junior
- Height: 6’3” | Weight: 205 lbs
- Former Team: Alabama
- Current Team: Texas A&M
Isaiah Horton arrives at Texas A&M with the potential to become a major target in the passing game. His frame and ball skills stand out immediately, and the Aggies needed another receiver capable of creating matchup problems on the outside.

Isaiah Horton 2025 Stats
- Receptions: 42
- Receiving Yards: 511
- Yards Per Catch: 12.2
- Receiving Touchdowns: 8
17) Xavier Gilliam
Xavier Gilliam Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: DL | Class: RS-Freshman
- Height: 6’2” | Weight: 302 lbs
- Former Team: Penn State
- Current Team: Texas
Xavier Gilliam strengthens Tennessee’s defensive line rotation with a player who already understands high-level competition from Penn State. The Volunteers needed more depth in the trenches, and Gilliam brings both experience and physicality.

Xavier Gilliam 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 16
- Passes Defended: 0
- Sacks: 0.5
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Interceptions: 1
18) Nick Marsh
Nick Marsh Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: WR | Class: Sophomore
- Height: 6’3” | Weight: 200 lbs
- Former Team: Michigan State
- Current Team: Indiana
Nick Marsh could become a huge piece of Indiana’s offensive rebuild after showing intriguing upside at Michigan State. His playmaking ability should pair well with Josh Hoover and give the Hoosiers another legitimate weapon in the passing game.

Nick Marsh 2025 Stats
- Receptions: 59
- Receiving Yards: 662
- Yards Per Catch: 11.2
- Receiving Touchdowns: 6
19) Ethan Grunkemeyer
Ethan Grunkemeyer Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: QB | Class: RS-Freshman
- Height: 6’2” | Weight: 207 lbs
- Former Team: Penn State
- Current Team: Virginia Tech
Ethan Grunkemeyer gives Virginia Tech a talented young quarterback with plenty of long-term upside. Penn State recruited him for a reason, and the Hokies are betting his arm talent can eventually develop into the centerpiece of the offense.

Ethan Grunkemeyer 2025 Stats
- Completions: 123
- Passing Yards: 1,339
- Yards Per Pass: 7.5
- Passing Touchdowns: 8
- Interceptions: 4
- Sacks: 13
20) Da'Shawn Womack
Da'Shawn Womack Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: EDGE | Class: Junior
- Height: 6’4.5” | Weight: 250 lbs
- Former Team: Ole Miss
- Current Team: Auburn
Da'Shawn Womack heading to Auburn gives the Tigers another athletic edge defender with SEC experience already under his belt. His length and burst make him an intriguing fit in a defense that wants to create more pressure off the edge.

Da'Shawn Womack 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 27
- Passes Defended: 0
- Sacks: 2
- Forced Fumbles: 1
- Interceptions: 0
21) Kolt Dieterich
Kolt Dieterich Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: OT | Class: RS-Sophomore
- Height: 6’5” | Weight: 280 lbs
- Former Team: Sam Houston State
- Current Team: Washington
Kolt Dieterich is the kind of under-the-radar offensive line addition that could pay off quickly for Washington. After proving himself at Sam Houston State, he now steps into a much bigger spotlight, protecting against Big Ten defensive fronts every week.
22) Isiah Canion
Isiah Canion Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: WR | Class: Sophomore
- Height: 6’3” | Weight: 190 lbs
- Former Team: Georgia Tech
- Current Team: Georgia
Isiah Canion, staying in-state with Georgia, gives the Bulldogs another explosive receiver option. His speed and ability after the catch should fit naturally into an offense that always looks for ways to stress defenses horizontally and vertically.

Isiah Canion 2025 Stats
- Receptions: 33
- Receiving Yards: 480
- Yards Per Catch: 14.5
- Receiving Touchdowns: 4
23) Cayden Lee
Cayden Lee Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: WR | Class: Junior
- Height: 5’11” | Weight: 172 lbs
- Former Team: Ole Miss
- Current Team: Missouri
Cayden Lee brings proven SEC production to Missouri’s receiver room after a solid run at Ole Miss. With the Tigers replacing key offensive pieces, Lee’s experience and route running should make him a reliable target right away.

Cayden Lee 2025 Stats
- Receptions: 44
- Receiving Yards: 635
- Yards Per Catch: 14.4
- Receiving Touchdowns: 3
24) Justice Haynes
Justice Haynes Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: RB | Class: Junior
- Height: 5’9.5” | Weight: 200 lbs
- Former Team: Michigan
- Current Team: Georgia Tech
Justice Haynes, heading to Georgia Tech, adds instant juice to the Yellow Jackets’ backfield. Michigan never fully unlocked his talent, but his vision and explosiveness give Georgia Tech a runner capable of handling a major workload right away.

Justice Haynes 2025 Stats
- Carries: 121
- Rushing Yards: 857
- Yard Per Carry: 7.1
- Touchdowns: 10
25) Carius Curne
Carius Curne Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: OT | Class: Freshman
- Height: 6’4” | Weight: 320 lbs
- Former Team: LSU
- Current Team: Ole Miss
Carius Curne staying in the SEC with Ole Miss feels significant because experienced offensive tackles are always in demand. After developing at LSU, he now steps into an offense that should allow him to play aggressively in both the run and pass game.
26) Terry Moore
Terry Moore Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: S | Class: Senior
- Height: 6’1” | Weight: 196 lbs
- Former Team: Duke
- Current Team: Ohio State
Terry Moore gives Ohio State another experienced defensive back capable of fitting multiple roles in the secondary. His time at Duke showed he can play downhill and cover space, which should make him valuable in the Buckeyes’ defensive rotation.

Terry Moore 2025 Stats
- Tackles: 71
- Passes Defended: 5
- Sacks: 1
- Forced Fumbles: 2
- Interceptions: 4
1) Sam Leavitt
Sam Leavitt Transfer Portal Profile
- Position: QB | Class: RS-Sophomore
- Height: 6’2” | Weight: 195 lbs
- Former Team: Arizona State
- Current Team: LSU
Sam Leavitt heads to LSU with massive expectations after breaking out at Arizona State. His ability to extend plays and push the ball vertically feels like a natural fit in Baton Rouge, especially in an offense that thrives on explosive quarterback play.

Sam Leavitt 2025 Stats
- Completions: 145
- Passing Yards: 1,628
- Yards Per Pass: 6.8
- Passing Touchdowns: 10
- Interceptions: 3
- Sacks: 18