DJ Lagway is looking elsewhere after two enticing but inconsistent years at Florida. Megan Briggs / Getty Images
Your team’s next starting quarterback is just as likely to come from the transfer portal as he is through high school recruiting. That’s the reality of modern-day college football.
In the 12-team College Football Playoff field, seven starting quarterbacks arrived at their current teams via the portal, including the Heisman Trophy winner, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza. There are many reasons for this, from frequent coaching changes to the start-or-depart mentality that has become routine to the enticing paydays that await talented passers at other programs.
When the portal officially opens on Jan. 2, the transfer quarterback market will be filled with quarterbacks. Some of them are names you know, others are backups seeking a starting job.
Which transfer quarterbacks could make a big impact in 2026? Throughout the portal window, we’re ranking the best QBs who will be on the move, monitoring where they could be headed and gathering intel from coaches, general managers and scouts on what these players can bring to their new teams.
Because the portal isn’t yet open, none of these quarterbacks are officially in, but they’ve all either declared their intention to enter the portal or are expected to do so. As more quarterbacks enter, we’ll update this list as needed.
Position QB
Availability Uncommitted
Pre-committment Team Arizona State Sun Devils Cincinnati Bearcats East Carolina Pirates Florida Gators Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Iowa State Cyclones Michigan State Spartans Missouri Tigers Nebraska Cornhuskers North Texas Mean Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Old Dominion Monarchs South Florida Bulls TCU Horned Frogs
Post-committment Team
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The most coveted transfer quarterback is not a guarantee to play college football in 2026. Sorsby is about “60/40” in favor of staying in school and transferring, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, leaving the door open to the 2026 NFL Draft depending on the feedback he receives from pro scouts. If Sorsby is firmly in the top 50, there’s a decent chance he jumps.
If not, he’ll exhaust his final year of college eligibility and make a lot of money while doing so. As the quarterback market rises this offseason, offers for Sorsby are believed to be climbing above $4 million. The favorite to land him is Texas Tech, which needs a quarterback because incumbent starter Behren Morton is out of eligibility and his heir apparent, Will Hammond, is recovering from an ACL injury that puts his availability for the start of 2026 in question.
Sorsby is enticing to both NFL and college scouts because of his size, arm strength and mobility. He accounted for 36 touchdowns in 2025 and averaged 9.8 air yards per attempt, both the most by any Power 4 QB who currently intends to transfer.
“I thought he was the best player on the field for Cincinnati,” said a personnel director who faced Sorsby last season. “He elevated their offense and they kind of went as he went. You could tell they didn’t have enough weapons around him.”
The most coveted transfer quarterback is not a guarantee to play college football in 2026. Sorsby is about “60/40” in favor of staying in school and transferring, according to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, leaving the door open to the 2026 NFL Draft depending on the feedback he receives from pro scouts. If Sorsby is firmly in the top 50, there’s a decent chance he jumps.
If not, he’ll exhaust his final year of college eligibility and make a lot of money while doing so. As the quarterback market rises this offseason, offers for Sorsby are believed to be climbing above $4 million. The favorite to land him is Texas Tech, which needs a quarterback because incumbent starter Behren Morton is out of eligibility and his heir apparent, Will Hammond, is recovering from an ACL injury that puts his availability for the start of 2026 in question.
Sorsby is enticing to both NFL and college scouts because of his size, arm strength and mobility. He accounted for 36 touchdowns in 2025 and averaged 9.8 air yards per attempt, both the most by any Power 4 QB who currently intends to transfer.
“I thought he was the best player on the field for Cincinnati,” said a personnel director who faced Sorsby last season. “He elevated their offense and they kind of went as he went. You could tell they didn’t have enough weapons around him.”
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,012)
QB
Uncommitted
Cincinnati Bearcats
Leavitt hasn’t yet announced that he intends to enter the portal, but all signs have pointed in that direction since November. Leavitt skipped Arizona State’s season-ending team banquet, and some of the top members of his supporting cast, receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Raleek Brown, are also departing (both are headed to the NFL Draft).
With two years of eligibility left, Leavitt will attract plenty of interest, even with the foot injury that sidelined him for the second half of the season. He’s electric outside the pocket, able to create off-schedule plays. He processes quickly and has a live arm. And he oozes the confidence coaches want in their quarterback.
He’s remembered most for taking Arizona State to the Big 12 championship and to the brink of an upset of Texas in the Peach Bowl in the 2024 season, but an injury-plagued 2025 kept him from enjoying a full encore. Don’t be surprised to see Miami get aggressive here. The Hurricanes will need a quarterback after Carson Beck moves on and have done well importing QBs with Beck and Cam Ward.
Leavitt hasn’t yet announced that he intends to enter the portal, but all signs have pointed in that direction since November. Leavitt skipped Arizona State’s season-ending team banquet, and some of the top members of his supporting cast, receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Raleek Brown, are also departing (both are headed to the NFL Draft).
With two years of eligibility left, Leavitt will attract plenty of interest, even with the foot injury that sidelined him for the second half of the season. He’s electric outside the pocket, able to create off-schedule plays. He processes quickly and has a live arm. And he oozes the confidence coaches want in their quarterback.
He’s remembered most for taking Arizona State to the Big 12 championship and to the brink of an upset of Texas in the Peach Bowl in the 2024 season, but an injury-plagued 2025 kept him from enjoying a full encore. Don’t be surprised to see Miami get aggressive here. The Hurricanes will need a quarterback after Carson Beck moves on and have done well importing QBs with Beck and Cam Ward.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 311)
QB
Uncommitted
Arizona State Sun Devils
A year ago, Mestemaker was unknown to even diehard college football fans. The former walk-on, whose last full-time starting quarterback job was as a high school freshman, opened some eyes with a 393-yard performance in the 2024 First Responder Bowl, his first career start.
After winning the starting job going into 2025, Mestemaker took off, leading the FBS with 4,129 passing yards and displaying the physical talent that had Power 4 programs drooling over the potential of landing him. “Incredible arm talent,” a P4 personnel director said. “He’s a future pro.” But some do have questions like, how big a step up in competition can Mestemaker handle? Of his 11 turnovers this season, eight came against his two toughest opponents, USF and Tulane.
Many assume Mestemaker will follow his former coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State, but it’s not a foregone conclusion considering how coveted he is by quarterback-needy teams. “I think he’d be a really good Big 12 quarterback,” said a GM who faced Mestemaker this year. “I’m not sure he can be an SEC/Big Ten quarterback at a high level. The Big 12 is the right level for him to take that next step up.”
A year ago, Mestemaker was unknown to even diehard college football fans. The former walk-on, whose last full-time starting quarterback job was as a high school freshman, opened some eyes with a 393-yard performance in the 2024 First Responder Bowl, his first career start.
After winning the starting job going into 2025, Mestemaker took off, leading the FBS with 4,129 passing yards and displaying the physical talent that had Power 4 programs drooling over the potential of landing him. “Incredible arm talent,” a P4 personnel director said. “He’s a future pro.” But some do have questions like, how big a step up in competition can Mestemaker handle? Of his 11 turnovers this season, eight came against his two toughest opponents, USF and Tulane.
Many assume Mestemaker will follow his former coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State, but it’s not a foregone conclusion considering how coveted he is by quarterback-needy teams. “I think he’d be a really good Big 12 quarterback,” said a GM who faced Mestemaker this year. “I’m not sure he can be an SEC/Big Ten quarterback at a high level. The Big 12 is the right level for him to take that next step up.”
QB
Uncommitted
North Texas Mean Green
Hoover was considered one of the 2025’s best returning quarterbacks and had a productive, though not quite elite, season at TCU. Since taking over as the starter midway through the 2023 season, Hoover has consistently produced, throwing for more than 9,600 yards and 71 touchdowns in 36 games (31 starts).
Opposing scouts see Hoover as someone with legitimate arm talent but concerning turnover issues. Since 2022, Hoover’s 41 turnovers are tied for third-most in the FBS among active QBs. Still, he will have plenty of suitors.
It doesn’t seem likely that he’ll follow his offensive coordinator at TCU, Kendal Briles, to South Carolina because LaNorris Sellers is expected to return to the Gamecocks. The team to watch in this race is Indiana. The Hoosiers will likely need a quarterback with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza on track to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And Hoover is familiar with the Hoosiers: He committed to Indiana as a recruit in the summer of 2021 before flipping to TCU shortly after Sonny Dykes’ arrival.
Hoover was considered one of the 2025’s best returning quarterbacks and had a productive, though not quite elite, season at TCU. Since taking over as the starter midway through the 2023 season, Hoover has consistently produced, throwing for more than 9,600 yards and 71 touchdowns in 36 games (31 starts).
Opposing scouts see Hoover as someone with legitimate arm talent but concerning turnover issues. Since 2022, Hoover’s 41 turnovers are tied for third-most in the FBS among active QBs. Still, he will have plenty of suitors.
It doesn’t seem likely that he’ll follow his offensive coordinator at TCU, Kendal Briles, to South Carolina because LaNorris Sellers is expected to return to the Gamecocks. The team to watch in this race is Indiana. The Hoosiers will likely need a quarterback with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza on track to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And Hoover is familiar with the Hoosiers: He committed to Indiana as a recruit in the summer of 2021 before flipping to TCU shortly after Sonny Dykes’ arrival.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 709)
QB
Uncommitted
TCU Horned Frogs
Brown holds 15 school records at USF and was one of the country’s most productive quarterbacks, accounting for 4,166 total yards (second in the FBS) and responsible for 42 touchdowns (first) with just 11 turnovers. He’s a true dual threat, a real weapon when running the ball.
His throwing motion is unconventional, but he gets it there: he completed 66.3 percent of his throws and his off-target rate (10.6 percent per PFF) was in the top 25 nationally. “He can run, he can throw, he’s big and durable,” a Power 4 GM said. “He’s built to play in any conference.”
With his former coach at USF, Alex Golesh, now at Auburn, all eyes will be on the Tigers as Brown’s potential destination.
Brown holds 15 school records at USF and was one of the country’s most productive quarterbacks, accounting for 4,166 total yards (second in the FBS) and responsible for 42 touchdowns (first) with just 11 turnovers. He’s a true dual threat, a real weapon when running the ball.
His throwing motion is unconventional, but he gets it there: he completed 66.3 percent of his throws and his off-target rate (10.6 percent per PFF) was in the top 25 nationally. “He can run, he can throw, he’s big and durable,” a Power 4 GM said. “He’s built to play in any conference.”
With his former coach at USF, Alex Golesh, now at Auburn, all eyes will be on the Tigers as Brown’s potential destination.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,178)
QB
Uncommitted
South Florida Bulls
Raiola possesses great size, a strong arm and a tremendous ability to improvise. He flashes his potential but has yet to consistently put it all together. He did some good things in two seasons at Nebraska, throwing for 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading the Cornhuskers to back-to-back bowl games after a seven-season bowl drought, but he has yet to consistently put it all together.
Critics point to his knack for holding onto the ball too long, which leads to unnecessary sacks (he was sacked seven times against Michigan and nine times against Minnesota). Raiola’s season ended after he suffered a broken fibula against USC, which limited him to just nine games. He will likely need to land in a situation with a good support system, particularly with solid pass protection.
Raiola possesses great size, a strong arm and a tremendous ability to improvise. He flashes his potential but has yet to consistently put it all together. He did some good things in two seasons at Nebraska, throwing for 4,819 yards and 31 touchdowns while leading the Cornhuskers to back-to-back bowl games after a seven-season bowl drought, but he has yet to consistently put it all together.
Critics point to his knack for holding onto the ball too long, which leads to unnecessary sacks (he was sacked seven times against Michigan and nine times against Minnesota). Raiola’s season ended after he suffered a broken fibula against USC, which limited him to just nine games. He will likely need to land in a situation with a good support system, particularly with solid pass protection.
Recruiting rank
5-star (No. 21)
QB
Uncommitted
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Becht seemed certain to finish his career with the Cyclones until head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State. The three-year starter, in announcing his intentions on Dec. 20, said he had “meaningful” conversations with new Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers but ultimately decided to transfer.
Penn State is the clear frontrunner here, given Becht’s relationship with Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who also made the move from Ames to State College.
Becht doesn’t possess some of the imposing physical traits that other quarterbacks on this list have. But teams know what they’re getting with Becht: a steady, experienced, high-floor quarterback. He has good touch and ball placement, manages the offense well and makes his teammates better. He can also move the chains with his legs and had eight rushing touchdowns this season. He has started 39 consecutive games and led the Cyclones to a program-record 11 wins in 2024.
Becht seemed certain to finish his career with the Cyclones until head coach Matt Campbell left for Penn State. The three-year starter, in announcing his intentions on Dec. 20, said he had “meaningful” conversations with new Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers but ultimately decided to transfer.
Penn State is the clear frontrunner here, given Becht’s relationship with Campbell and offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, who also made the move from Ames to State College.
Becht doesn’t possess some of the imposing physical traits that other quarterbacks on this list have. But teams know what they’re getting with Becht: a steady, experienced, high-floor quarterback. He has good touch and ball placement, manages the offense well and makes his teammates better. He can also move the chains with his legs and had eight rushing touchdowns this season. He has started 39 consecutive games and led the Cyclones to a program-record 11 wins in 2024.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 572)
QB
Uncommitted
Iowa State Cyclones
There’s no questioning Lagway’s physical tools. “Most talented out of the group (of quarterbacks),” a Big Ten personnel staffer said. “Built like a defensive end, arm talent (is) elite, swings the b—-.”
But Lagway has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his two-year career and has been far too inconsistent when healthy. He has passed for 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions across two seasons, with 14 interceptions coming this fall.
Despite the inconsistencies and durability concerns, Lagway’s talent is immense. So even though there are red flags, Lagway will be heavily pursued by high-profile programs.
There’s no questioning Lagway’s physical tools. “Most talented out of the group (of quarterbacks),” a Big Ten personnel staffer said. “Built like a defensive end, arm talent (is) elite, swings the b—-.”
But Lagway has dealt with multiple injuries throughout his two-year career and has been far too inconsistent when healthy. He has passed for 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions across two seasons, with 14 interceptions coming this fall.
Despite the inconsistencies and durability concerns, Lagway’s talent is immense. So even though there are red flags, Lagway will be heavily pursued by high-profile programs.
Recruiting rank
5-star (No. 7)
QB
Uncommitted
Florida Gators
Several high-profile decision makers were high on Pribula’s competitive makeup when he went through the transfer process last offseason. Results from his first season as a starter were mixed. He ranked 11th in the SEC in passer efficiency rating, threw 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions and suffered a nasty ankle injury that forced him to miss two starts. Pribula did not throw a touchdown in the two games after his return from injury.
Virginia Tech needs a quarterback, and the Hokies just hired Pribula’s former coach, James Franklin. So we’ll see if any potential reunions may be in store for Pribula. If not, there should still be a good market for a former SEC starting QB.
Several high-profile decision makers were high on Pribula’s competitive makeup when he went through the transfer process last offseason. Results from his first season as a starter were mixed. He ranked 11th in the SEC in passer efficiency rating, threw 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions and suffered a nasty ankle injury that forced him to miss two starts. Pribula did not throw a touchdown in the two games after his return from injury.
Virginia Tech needs a quarterback, and the Hokies just hired Pribula’s former coach, James Franklin. So we’ll see if any potential reunions may be in store for Pribula. If not, there should still be a good market for a former SEC starting QB.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 464
QB
Uncommitted
Missouri Tigers
Joseph stuffed the stat sheet this season with 2,624 passing yards, 1,007 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns. He’s still a work in progress as a passer — he completed just 59.7 percent of his passes and threw 10 interceptions this year — but he’s a dynamic athlete.
Joseph won Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year honors and has been monitored by several Power 4 programs since the preseason. There is a good chance he ends up at that level in the next few weeks.
Joseph stuffed the stat sheet this season with 2,624 passing yards, 1,007 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns. He’s still a work in progress as a passer — he completed just 59.7 percent of his passes and threw 10 interceptions this year — but he’s a dynamic athlete.
Joseph won Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year honors and has been monitored by several Power 4 programs since the preseason. There is a good chance he ends up at that level in the next few weeks.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 1,857)
QB
Uncommitted
Old Dominion Monarchs
Chiles has the talent and athleticism to be a solid Power 4 starter. That potential has always been enticing for coaches and personnel staffers, but Chiles has not developed into a consistent player. He has spent three seasons with former Oregon State/Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith, who has a good reputation with quarterbacks.
“I didn’t feel like his skill set fit the offense at all,” a Big Ten personnel staffer said. “It was odd.”
So it’ll be curious to see where Chiles, who passed for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions this season, lands and what sort of scheme he looks for. With just one year of eligibility left, Chiles has to maximize his final opportunity.
Chiles has the talent and athleticism to be a solid Power 4 starter. That potential has always been enticing for coaches and personnel staffers, but Chiles has not developed into a consistent player. He has spent three seasons with former Oregon State/Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith, who has a good reputation with quarterbacks.
“I didn’t feel like his skill set fit the offense at all,” a Big Ten personnel staffer said. “It was odd.”
So it’ll be curious to see where Chiles, who passed for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions this season, lands and what sort of scheme he looks for. With just one year of eligibility left, Chiles has to maximize his final opportunity.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 168)
QB
Uncommitted
Michigan State Spartans
Despite three years at Notre Dame, Minchey is light on game experience, with just 10 appearances (no starts) and 108 offensive snaps. Minchey lost a tight preseason QB battle to CJ Carr, but scouts love what Minchey offers: a strong arm, a quick release and the mobility to create outside the structure of an offense. He showed all those things in the snaps he got, along with a natural feel for the position.
Some believe Minchey could have the type of impact that Notre Dame transfer QB Steve Angeli had on Syracuse before his injury, but with a higher ceiling because of Minchey’s traits. He just needs starter reps.
Despite three years at Notre Dame, Minchey is light on game experience, with just 10 appearances (no starts) and 108 offensive snaps. Minchey lost a tight preseason QB battle to CJ Carr, but scouts love what Minchey offers: a strong arm, a quick release and the mobility to create outside the structure of an offense. He showed all those things in the snaps he got, along with a natural feel for the position.
Some believe Minchey could have the type of impact that Notre Dame transfer QB Steve Angeli had on Syracuse before his injury, but with a higher ceiling because of Minchey’s traits. He just needs starter reps.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 170)
QB
Uncommitted
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Don’t mistake Houser’s place on the list for any shortcomings. It’s the byproduct of a deep transfer class at the position. Houser was one of the more accurate passers in the country this season, with a 10.3 percent off-target rate according to Pro Football Focus, 20th-best in the FBS.
Houser threw for 3,300 yards and was responsible for 28 touchdowns (19 passing, nine rushing) with 10 turnovers, giving him an above-average touchdown-to-turnover ratio. “He’s pretty salty,” said a personnel director who faced Houser this year. Coming into this season, Houser was being closely watched by Power 4 programs that were considering taking a transfer quarterback. He still figures to get attention from P4 schools, but where the dominoes fall above him figures to play a role in where he ends up.
Don’t mistake Houser’s place on the list for any shortcomings. It’s the byproduct of a deep transfer class at the position. Houser was one of the more accurate passers in the country this season, with a 10.3 percent off-target rate according to Pro Football Focus, 20th-best in the FBS.
Houser threw for 3,300 yards and was responsible for 28 touchdowns (19 passing, nine rushing) with 10 turnovers, giving him an above-average touchdown-to-turnover ratio. “He’s pretty salty,” said a personnel director who faced Houser this year. Coming into this season, Houser was being closely watched by Power 4 programs that were considering taking a transfer quarterback. He still figures to get attention from P4 schools, but where the dominoes fall above him figures to play a role in where he ends up.
Recruiting rank
4-star (No. 215)
QB
Uncommitted
East Carolina Pirates
Philo is intriguing. Because he was behind Haynes King, he took fewer offensive snaps in 2025 (63) than any of the players above him on this list. But what he has shown in his limited duty over the last two seasons has antennas up. In 180 snaps over the last two seasons, Philo is responsible for 29 explosive plays, a 3.4 percent explosive play rate, according to TruMedia. If he were a full-time starter, that would put him in the top 30 nationally in that time frame.
What he’ll look like in a QB1 role remains an open question. He’s a solid passer, both from the pocket and on the run, with good ability to create outside the pocket. He’s not quite the battering ram King was, but he’s more than capable of moving the chains as a runner. With former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner joining Jon Sumrall’s staff at Florida, the Gators appear to be the likely destination.
Philo is intriguing. Because he was behind Haynes King, he took fewer offensive snaps in 2025 (63) than any of the players above him on this list. But what he has shown in his limited duty over the last two seasons has antennas up. In 180 snaps over the last two seasons, Philo is responsible for 29 explosive plays, a 3.4 percent explosive play rate, according to TruMedia. If he were a full-time starter, that would put him in the top 30 nationally in that time frame.
What he’ll look like in a QB1 role remains an open question. He’s a solid passer, both from the pocket and on the run, with good ability to create outside the pocket. He’s not quite the battering ram King was, but he’s more than capable of moving the chains as a runner. With former Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner joining Jon Sumrall’s staff at Florida, the Gators appear to be the likely destination.
Recruiting rank
3-star (No. 841)
QB
Uncommitted
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets