The transfer portal cycle is essentially wrapped up, making this a good time to rank the ten best classes entering next season. Several notable players changed schools, including quarterbacks Sam Leavitt, Drew Mestemaker and Josh Hoover, star receiver Cam Coleman, and 15 players from North Texas all heading to the same destination. The biggest name, however, is former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who was granted an injunction to play for Texas Tech this season despite his gambling issues. Sorsby being cleared to play changes a great deal in college football, including where Texas Tech lands on this list.
All player rankings come from 247 Sports
1. LSU (41 Commits)
Key Additions: QB Sam Leavitt OT Jordan Seaton EDGE Princewill Umanmielen WR Eugene Wilson III
Lane Kiffin checked every box on his wishlist once in Baton Rouge, landing the top quarterback, offensive tackle and edge rusher in the portal. Leavitt is a dual-threat who led Arizona State to the 12-team College Football Playoff in 2024 and should thrive under Kiffin's system. Seaton and Umanmielen each have the potential to transform a position group that was a clear weakness a year ago. Wilson III has had an inconsistent career, but his speed and route running give Kiffin and Leavitt a viable weapon to deploy.
2. Indiana (17 Commits)
Key Additions: QB Josh Hoover WR Nick Marsh RB Turbo Richard EDGE Tobi Osunsanmi
Curt Cignetti brings in his strongest class since arriving at Indiana. Hoover was his top quarterback target and has genuine big-play ability, though his decision-making still needs refinement. Marsh and Richard are fantastic adds, with Marsh operating as a large boundary receiver and Richard as a shifty, compact running back. Osunsanmi is a converted safety who brings a useful blend of athleticism and coverage instincts when attacking off the edge.
3. Texas (22 Commits)
Key Additions: WR Cam Coleman RB Hollywood Smothers DL Ian Geffrard
Part of Arch Manning's struggles last year stemmed from a thin supporting cast of playmakers. That should not be a concern heading into this season. Coleman is the portal's top receiver and arguably the third best wideout in college football behind Jeremiah Smith and Malachi Toney. He is naturally gifted and uses his physicality to create vertical separation consistently. Smothers came within reach of 1,000 receiving yards and brings additional pass-catching ability out of the backfield. Geffrard addresses what was Texas's most glaring defensive weakness: the interior line.
4. Ole Miss (29 Commits)
Key Additions: WR Darrell Gill Jr. OT Carius Curne LB Keaton Thomas
Ole Miss's most significant move was securing another season from Trinidad Chambliss, but they added meaningful pieces around him as well. Gill projects as the immediate starter at receiver thanks to his speed and ability to win contested catches at a high rate. Curne has experience at multiple positions, though he projects best on the offensive line. Thomas is a well-rounded, high-impact linebacker capable of filling multiple roles.
5. Texas A&M (19 Commits)
Key Additions: CB Ricky Gibson III WR Isaiah Horton OT Wilkin Formby
A&M moved quickly to rearm after a disappointing playoff exit, starting with a purposeful portal class. Gibson is the top cornerback available, a player who never received a real opportunity in Tennessee's secondary but now has a clear runway. Horton will not replicate what K.C. Concepcion provided in the slot, but he is a physical, reliable X-receiver that Marcel Reed can lean on. Reed also absorbed too many sacks a year ago, a problem Formby should help fix.
6. Miami (13 Commits)
Key Additions: EDGE Damon Wilson II QB Darian Mensah WR Cooper Barkate
Miami's class remains elite despite its size. No single player can replicate the production of their edge duo from a year ago, but Wilson comes as close as anyone in this portal cycle. He is the best pure pass-rusher available and has the versatility to play linebacker in certain packages. Mensah is among the best decision-makers in college football, throwing 34 touchdowns against just six interceptions. Barkate is not a featured option, but he complements Malachi Toney well and arrives with existing chemistry alongside Mensah.
7. Texas Tech (21 Commits)
Key Additions: QB Brendan Sorsby DL Mateen Ibirogba LB Austin Romaine WR Malcolm Simmons
Sorsby winning his NCAA injunction sets a troubling precedent institutionally, but it is an enormous benefit to the Red Raiders. He is a dual-threat with a strong arm and sharper instincts than his reputation might suggest. Ibirogba and Romaine add further depth to what is already one of the better defenses in the country. Simmons was not a high-profile portal name, but gives Sorsby a more than capable target.
8. Penn State (38 Commits)
Key Additions: QB Rocco Becht TE Ben Brahmer
New head coach Matt Campbell is expected to push Penn State back toward the top of the college football landscape, and much of that will depend on this class delivering. He arrives with a strong offensive foundation in Iowa State transfers Becht and Brahmer. Brahmer is the top tight end in the portal, a high-ceiling prospect whose primary concern is an injury history that has interrupted his development. Becht is a genuine talent who operates best when given room to move. If Penn State is going to contend immediately under Campbell, these two will be a major reason why.
9. Louisville (34 Commits)
Key Additions: WR Tre Richardson TE Brody Foley QB Lincoln Kienholz
Louisville may be a quiet contender for a playoff berth, and their portal work is a significant reason why. Richardson is a well-rounded slot receiver who should go a long way toward filling the production gap left by Chris Bell. Foley leans toward receiving rather than blocking, able to create yards through traffic with consistency. Kienholz saw limited action at Ohio State but comes from a program with a strong track record of developing quarterbacks.
10. Oklahoma State (55 Commits)
Key Additions: QB Drew Mestemaker RB Caleb Hawkins WR Wyatt Young
The 2026 Cowboys unsurprisingly will bear a strong resemblance to the 2025 North Texas squad, with 15 Mean Green players following coach Eric Morris to Stillwater. Mestemaker led the country in passing yards, throwing for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns. Joining him are his top target, 1,000-yard receiver Young, and bruising 1,400-yard rusher Hawkins. All three should power a high-scoring offense for the Pokes.
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