Sun Jan 04 21:20:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

The 2025 College Football Playoff showcased the importance of quarterback play, with all four semifinalists (Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami) acquiring their starting quarterbacks through the transfer portal. As teams prepare for the 2026 season, securing a capable quarterback via the portal is a high priority. Several teams, including Indiana, Miami, Penn State, Florida, and LSU, are in the market for a new signal caller. Key transfer portal quarterbacks include Leavitt, Sorsby, Mestemaker, Lagway, Raiola, Knight, Brown, Becht, Hoover, Simmons, Grunkemeyer, Minchey, Chiles, Pribula, Philo, Kienholz, Boley, Rogers, and Watson.

News Article:

Transfer Portal QBs Hold Key to 2026 College Football Playoff Hopes

[City, State] – The dust has barely settled from the 2025 College Football Playoff, but coaches are already strategizing for the 2026 season, and one position is drawing intense focus: quarterback. The undeniable success of transfer portal quarterbacks in leading Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami to the CFP semifinals has made the portal the go-to place for teams searching for a game-changing quarterback.

With teams like Indiana and Miami needing a QB for the upcoming season, and Oregon potentially in the market depending on Dante Moore’s decision, the competition for top talent in the transfer portal will be fierce. Programs undergoing coaching changes, such as Penn State, Florida, and LSU, will also be prioritizing the position.

Several quarterbacks are already drawing significant attention in the portal. Sam Leavitt, the top-ranked player, is generating considerable buzz, along with Cincinnati’s Sorsby, known for his dual-threat capabilities. Other notable names include Mestemaker (following his coach to Oklahoma State), Lagway (formerly of Florida), and Raiola (the former 5-star recruit).

The portal also features experienced players like Brown, who excelled in USF’s offense under Alex Golesh, and Becht, who followed his coach to Penn State. Even experienced quarterbacks like Hoover are looking for a new home.

The transfer portal frenzy is a testament to the evolving landscape of college football, where teams can quickly rebuild with proven talent at the most crucial position on the field. As programs vie for these coveted quarterbacks, the 2026 College Football Playoff could very well be decided by who wins the transfer portal quarterback lottery.

Read More