NCAAF · 1 hour ago

Top 15 Players Who Entered the College Football Transfer Portal on New Years Eve & New Years Day

John Canady

Host · Writer

15) WR Nitro Tuggle, Purdue
Nitro Tuggle transferred to Purdue last offseason after opting to depart from George, where he committed as a highly recruited prospect out of high school. Searching for a larger role, the wideout landed with the Boilermakers, where he went on to reel in 34 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns. Now, Tuggle heads back to the portal, looking to prove what he can offer on a larger stage.

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1) RB Isaac Brown, Louisville
Isaac Brown announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after two impressive seasons at Louisville, where he totaled 2,057 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 266 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. The shifty running back is an absolute weapon out of the backfield and will immediately become a top player in the portal when the window opens. However, Brown appears with a "do not contact" designation next to his name, suggesting his next team may already be determined.

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2) QB Lincoln Kienholz, Ohio State
Lincoln Kienholz committed to Ohio State as a four-star recruit out of high school, hoping to eventually become the starting quarterback for the Buckeyes offense. Unfortunately, after losing a tight QB competition in the offseason to another former top recruit and eventual Heisman finalist, Julian Sayin. After serving as a backup at OSU for the last three years, Kienholz has entered the transfer portal, hoping to find an opportunity to lead his own offense in 2026.
3) EDGE CJ Hicks, Ohio State
C.J. Hicks committed to Ohio State as a five-star recruit out of high school, with many believing he could be the next dominant pass rusher for the Buckeyes. Nonetheless, in four seasons at OSU, the six-foot-three defender has only shown flashes of his potential, totaling 42 tackles, two sacks, and a pass defense through four years in a limited role. Hoping to prove his high upside is still there for the taking, Hicks enters the portal seeking a fresh start.
4) WR Ian Strong, Rutgers
Ian Strong has spent the last three seasons at Rutgers, where he's quietly emerged as one of the most underrated wideouts in the nation. Coming off a career year, reeling in 52 receptions for 762 yards and five touchdowns, the New York native will likely have a robust market with several teams interested in his services.
5) LB Rasheem Biles, Pittsburgh
Rasheem Biles enters the transfer portal after proving to be one of the best defenders in the entire ACC conference over the last two seasons. The versatile linebacker put together a monster season at Pittsburgh in 2025, totaling 100 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass defenses, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles as a leader in the Panthers defense. Biles immediately becomes one of the top available defenders and will likely have several contenders in pursuit of him in the portal.
6) DB Javion White, Tulane
Javion White adds his name to the list of talented players set to depart from Tulane following the departure of former head coach Jon Sumrall. The defensive back put together a breakout season for the Green Wave this past season, totaling 50 tackles, six pass defenses, and three interceptions. The six-foot defender could be in line to follow his former head coach to the SEC, but don't rule out other P4 programs enticing White to use his fresh start to carve out a role in a new system.
7) WR Johntay Cook, Syracuse
Johntay Cook became one of the most interesting players in the transfer portal last offseason after deciding to depart from Texas, where he initially committed to out of high school as a five-star recruit. The wideout landed at Washington before eventually re-entering the portal after off-the-field issues led to a breakup before Cook ever saw the field, which led him to Syracuse, where he spent the 2025 season, reeling in 45 receptions for 549 yards and two touchdowns. Hoping a change of scenery will benefit him, the Texas native heads back to the portal.
8) WR Chance Robinson, Miami
Chance Robinson adds his name to the transfer portal after spending the last few seasons at Miami, where he's yet to carve out a role in the Hurricanes' offense. As a former highly touted recruit with immense upside considering his six-foot-two frame and route tree, it won't come as a shock to see Robinson emerge as a big-time playmaker wherever he lands next.
9) CB Bryce West, Ohio State
Bryce West joins the list of outgoing Buckeyes set to depart from Ohio State following the team's loss in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs. The Ohio native has spent the last two seasons at OSU, where he's struggled to carve out a consistent role after falling victim to the numbers game. Nonetheless, given his talent and remaining eligibility, West should have no trouble finding a new team in the portal.
10) DB Ja'Marley Riddle, East Carolina
Ja'Marley Riddle has quietly emerged as a dynamic secondary defender at East Carolina, where he's spent the last two seasons serving as a key piece to the Pirates' secondary. In two seasons at ECU, the six-foot corner has totaled 133 tackles, 10 pass defenses, and three interceptions. Looking to prove he can make the same impact, if not better, with a top program, Riddle joins the portal.
11) EDGE London Merritt, Colorado
London Merritt put together one of the best seasons of any freshman in the Big 12 this season, totaling 23 tackles and a sack as a core rotation piece on Colorado's defensive line. The Georgia native has the skillset and size to be an absolute disruptor on nearly any team in the country, and he looks to prove that in 2026 with a change of scenery.
12) EDGE Jalen Thompson, Michigan State
Jalen Thompson enters the transfer portal after spending the last three seasons at Michigan State. In three years with the Spartans, Thompson has combined for 65 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three pass defenses, and a forced fumble. Seeking a larger role with a more competitive program, Thompson adds his name to the portal.
13) QB Ethan Grunkemeyer, Penn State
Ethan Grunkemeyer committed to Penn State as a four-star recruit out of high school. He was unexpectedly thrown into the starting lineup following a mid-season injury to starting quarterback Drew Allar. After taking some time to adjust, Grunkemeyer finished the season leading the Nittany Lions on a four-game winning streak, while tossing for 1,339 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and only four interceptions along the way. Now, he hits the portal looking for the chance to find the right fit for him moving forward.
14) CB DJ McKinney, Colorado
DJ McKinney announced his intent to enter the transfer portal after spending the last few seasons at Colorado. Over the previous two years, the corner has totaled 97 tackles, 14 pass defenses, and four interceptions, serving as a key piece of the Buffaloes' secondary. Keep an eye on McKinney to find a new home quickly.
15) WR Nitro Tuggle, Purdue
Nitro Tuggle transferred to Purdue last offseason after opting to depart from George, where he committed as a highly recruited prospect out of high school. Searching for a larger role, the wideout landed with the Boilermakers, where he went on to reel in 34 receptions for 500 yards and four touchdowns. Now, Tuggle heads back to the portal, looking to prove what he can offer on a larger stage.

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1) RB Isaac Brown, Louisville
Isaac Brown announced his decision to enter the transfer portal after two impressive seasons at Louisville, where he totaled 2,057 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 266 carries, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. The shifty running back is an absolute weapon out of the backfield and will immediately become a top player in the portal when the window opens. However, Brown appears with a "do not contact" designation next to his name, suggesting his next team may already be determined.

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