Image Source: Cody Nagel
Key Takeaways:
- The 2026 college football transfer portal cycle has seen a high volume of movement, with 4,760 Division I players entering the portal in the first week.
- Over half of the top 50 players in Cooper Petagna’s 247Sports transfer portal rankings have committed or signed, leaving a strong group of high-level talent still available.
- The top available transfers include quarterback Sam Leavitt, wide receiver Cam Coleman, edge rusher Chaz Coleman, pass rusher Damon Wilson II, and defensive lineman James Smith.
- Programs have only until January 16 to close on their top targets, with no spring transfer window to provide a second chance at roster correction.
Introduction to the Transfer Portal Cycle
The 2026 college football transfer portal cycle is in full swing, with a condensed window leading to a flurry of activity. As noted by CBS Sports, "the urgency has been reflected in the sheer volume of movement: 4,760 Division I players entered the portal during the first week alone." This early surge has already reshaped the board, with over half of the top 50 players in Cooper Petagna’s 247Sports transfer portal rankings either committing or signing. Despite this, a strong group of high-level talent remains available, including impact players in the trenches and a handful of quarterbacks capable of immediately altering a program’s trajectory.
Top Available Transfers
One of the most sought-after players in the portal is quarterback Sam Leavitt, who spent the past two seasons at Arizona State. Leavitt has two years of eligibility remaining and is being pursued by top teams in need of an experienced quarterback. As CBS Sports’ Chris Hummer reports, Leavitt "continues to take visits a week into this transfer window with a trip to Miami expected following stops at LSU and Tennessee." Leavitt’s impressive record at Arizona State, including a 16-4 record as a starting quarterback and a Big 12 Championship, makes him a highly coveted prospect.
Wide Receiver and Edge Rusher Prospects
Another highly talented player available in the portal is wide receiver Cam Coleman, who needs a fresh start to reach his potential. Coleman has accumulated 1,306 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns on 93 catches across 25 games at Auburn. As Cooper Petagna notes, Coleman "ranks as the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 4 overall prospect in Cooper Petagna’s 247Sports transfer portal rankings." Edge rusher Chaz Coleman, who saw limited action at Penn State, is also a highly sought-after prospect. Despite only playing in nine games, Coleman totaled eight tackles, including three for loss, and added a sack, forced a fumble, and recovered two more.
Pass Rusher and Defensive Lineman Prospects
Pass rusher Damon Wilson II is another top prospect in the portal, having played for Missouri and Georgia. Wilson has 49 total tackles, including 15.5 for loss with 12.5 sacks, an interception, and two fumble recoveries in 39 career games. Defensive lineman James Smith, who appears to be a package deal with former Alabama teammate Qua Russaw, is also a highly coveted prospect. Smith has combined to make 48 total tackles, including 10 for loss with 3.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery for the Crimson Tide.
Conclusion and Time Sensitivity
As the transfer portal cycle hits its midpoint, programs are under pressure to close on their top targets. With no spring transfer window to provide a second chance at roster correction, teams have only until January 16 to secure their desired players. As CBS Sports notes, "once the clock expires, that’s it. No more entries." This sense of urgency has led to a flurry of activity, with players and programs alike cramming visits into back-to-back-to-back days. The next few days will be crucial in shaping the 2026 college football landscape.
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-transfer-portal-best-available-players-2026-cycle/