The college football transfer portal has sparked significant quarterback movement as the offseason window opens, with top players like Brendan Sorsby and Sam Leavitt leading the rankings of available talent. This flurry of activity is set to reshape rosters for the 2026 season, with programs aggressively pursuing experienced passers to bolster their chances.
Brendan Sorsby, transferring from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, emerges as the most coveted quarterback in the portal. Over two seasons with the Bearcats, Sorsby amassed 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing yards, and 63 total touchdowns, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025. Scouts praise his dual-threat capabilities, arm strength, and elite processing skills, making him a potential first-round NFL draft prospect. His move to Texas Tech positions the Red Raiders as preseason Big 12 favorites, providing a proven starter to lead an already potent offense.
Sam Leavitt, formerly of Arizona State, ranks highly despite an injury-shortened 2025 season. After leading the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title in 2024, Leavitt battled foot issues but still showcased his talent, including a 319-yard performance against Texas Tech. With two years of eligibility left, he offers a combination of mobility and downfield passing ability, though his completion percentage has room for improvement. His availability attracts attention from programs seeking a dynamic playmaker.
Other notable quarterbacks on the move include DJ Lagway from Florida, a former five-star recruit with untapped potential, and Dylan Raiola from Nebraska, who is recovering from a broken fibula but remains highly sought-after due to his pedigree and production. Byrum Brown of USF, who broke school passing records, and Drew Mestemaker of North Texas, the American Conference Offensive Player of the Year, add depth to the quarterback market, each bringing unique skills to potential suitors.
The transfer portal window, open from January 2 to 16, 2026, allows players one opportunity to change schools, prompting teams to act swiftly. This system has created a competitive landscape where quarterbacks can command high name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, influencing their decisions. Programs like Texas Tech and Oklahoma State have already secured key transfers, highlighting the strategic importance of quarterback acquisitions in modern college football.
Contextually, the portal’s impact extends beyond individual players, affecting team dynamics and conference hierarchies. For instance, Sorsby’s arrival at Texas Tech could shift power in the Big 12, while Leavitt’s next destination might determine a contender’s offensive ceiling. Coaches and general managers emphasize the value of experience and fit, as seen in the detailed scouting reports from ESPN, which assess traits like arm accuracy, mobility, and football IQ.
Looking ahead, these quarterback movements will have ripple effects on the 2026 season, influencing playoff races and draft stocks. Players like Sorsby and Leavitt could elevate their teams immediately, while others may use the transfer as a stepping stone to the NFL. The portal’s role in roster construction continues to evolve, with this cycle showcasing a deep pool of talent that promises to keep fans and analysts engaged throughout the offseason.
