The college football offseason transfer portal opened recently, and several programs are already making headlines with their impressive starts. With the portal season reduced to a two-week window this year, coaches across the nation are rapidly securing commitments from numerous players. Here are ten programs that are excelling in their efforts to build competitive rosters for the upcoming 2026 season.
Indiana Hoosiers
Commits (12): QB Josh Hoover (TCU), RB Turbo Richard (Boston College), WR Nick Marsh (Michigan State), TE Brock Schott (Miami), DL Tobi Osunsanmi (Kansas State), DL Joshua Burnham (Notre Dame), DL Joe Hjelle (Tulsa), DL Chiddi Obiazor (Kansas State), DB Preston Zachman (Wisconsin), DB Jiquan Sanks (Cincinnati), P Billy Gowers (Hawaii), LS Drew Clausen (Iowa State).
Under the leadership of new head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers are focused on strengthening their roster. Their latest portal class includes several impactful transfers from James Madison. Indiana previously secured quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, and this year they aim to build on that success. Hoover, a seasoned starter from TCU, is expected to lead the offense, while Marsh brings talent as a top-ranked transfer receiver. The addition of Richard will help fill the gap left by departing senior running backs, and experienced defensive backs Sanks and Zachman are set to enhance the secondary.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Commits (14): QB Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati), WR Donte Lee Jr. (Liberty), WR Kenny Johnson (Pitt), WR Jalen Jones (Alabama State), TE Jett Carpenter (Nevada), DL Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest), DL Trey White (San Diego State), DL Adam Trick (Miami (Ohio)), DL Julien Laventure (Akron), DL Bryce Butler (Washington), DL Jojo Johnson (Oregon State), DL Amarie Fleming (Allen), LB Austin Romaine (Kansas State), DB Davin Martin (UTSA).
After winning the Big 12 championship in 2025, head coach Joey McGuire and general manager James Blanchard are determined to prove that Texas Tech”s success was not a fluke. Their primary goals were to secure quarterback Sorsby, the top-ranked transfer, and to bolster their defensive line. With a strong receiving corps joining the team, the Red Raiders are well-positioned to maintain their competitive edge.
Penn State Nittany Lions
Commits (29): QB Rocco Becht (Iowa State), RB Carson Hansen (Iowa State), WR Brett Eskildsen (Iowa State), TE Benjamin Brahmer (Iowa State), OL Trevor Buhr (Iowa State), DL Alijah Carnell (Iowa State), LB Caleb Bacon (Iowa State), DB Marcus Neal Jr. (Iowa State), among others.
New head coach Matt Campbell faces the challenge of rebuilding Penn State”s roster after a decade at his previous institution. With a strong influx of talent from Iowa State, including several starters from last season, the Nittany Lions are looking to quickly reshape their team dynamics.
Ole Miss Rebels
Commits (8): OL Carius Curne (LSU), DL Jonathan Maldonado (Nevada), DL Michai Boireau (Florida), LB Keaton Thomas (Baylor), DB Jay Crawford (Auburn), among others.
As new head coach Pete Golding focuses on enhancing the defense, Ole Miss is making significant acquisitions to prepare for another playoff run. The Rebels have retained key players and are actively working to keep their roster intact for the 2026 season.
Texas A&M Aggies
Commits (14): TE Richie Anderson (Fresno State), OL Tyree Adams (LSU), DL Anto Saka (Northwestern), LB Ray Coney (Tulsa), DB Rickey Gibson III (Tennessee), among others.
Head coach Mike Elko is committed to keeping Texas A&M competitive. The Aggies have successfully recruited experienced offensive linemen and secondary players via the portal, aiming to elevate their performance in the SEC.
The transfer portal continues to play a crucial role in shaping college football rosters, with teams aggressively pursuing talent to enhance their chances for success in the upcoming season. As the window progresses, keep an eye on how these programs continue to develop their teams for 2026.
