College Football Programs, December 28, 2025
As the 2026 college football season approaches, several notable quarterbacks have entered the NCAA transfer portal, indicating a shift in player dynamics. Key players, including Dylan Raiola and Brendan Sorsby, are seeking new opportunities amidst changing team strategies and personal circumstances. The transfer portal has become a pivotal aspect of college football, highlighting the fluid nature of player movement and the substantial financial stakes involved, with some quarterbacks expected to command significant NIL compensation.
Quarterbacks Entering Transfer Portal Ahead of 2026 Season
December 28, 2025 – In a notable shift in the college football landscape, several prominent quarterbacks have confirmed their entry into the NCAA transfer portal, paving the way for significant changes as the 2026 season approaches. This movement is indicative of the increasingly fluid nature of college athletics, driven by a mixture of personal decisions and the evolving dynamics of team strategies.
Dylan Raiola Departs Nebraska
Dylan Raiola, a sophomore quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. Despite a solid performance that saw Nebraska finishing the season with a 6-3 record before his season-ending injury in November, Raiola’s departure comes amid family changes, including his uncle’s dismissal as the offensive line coach and his younger brother’s decommitment from the program.
Brendan Sorsby Leaves Cincinnati
Brendan Sorsby, serving as the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats, has also opted to enter the transfer portal. Sorsby made a significant impact this past season by setting a school record for touchdowns, tying the total at 36.
Colton Joseph Seeks New Opportunity
Colton Joseph, the starting quarterback for Old Dominion University, has announced his intent to enter the transfer portal. Joseph had a remarkable 2025 season, throwing for more than 2,600 yards and rushing for over 1,000 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Josh Hoover’s Transfer Plans
Josh Hoover, the quarterback from TCU, also plans to enter the transfer portal. With one season of eligibility remaining, Hoover is expected to attract around $2 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation from prospective schools in the 2026 offseason.
Anthony Colandrea’s Transfer Announcement
Anthony Colandrea, previously with UNLV, is set to enter the transfer portal for the second time after having previously transferred from Virginia. His search for a new opportunity highlights the competitive nature of college football.
Byrum Brown’s Transfer Intentions
Byrum Brown, quarterback for the University of South Florida, led the nation in total touchdowns in 2025 and is now pursuing a new team by entering the transfer portal.
Sam Leavitt’s Transfer Plans
Sam Leavitt, a quarterback from Arizona State, has declared his intentions to depart and enter the NCAA Transfer Portal on January 2. Leavitt had an impressive season in 2024, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Rocco Becht’s Transfer Announcement
Rocco Becht, quarterback for Iowa State University, is seeking new opportunities as he plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal. With a significant record of 26 wins over the past three seasons, Becht’s decision is poised to impact the search for talent among collegiate teams.
Market Dynamics in the Transfer Portal
The surge in quarterback activity within the transfer portal has sparked discussions about the financial dynamics at play. Reports suggest that the market for top quarterbacks could escalate to $5 million for just one season, marking a transformative era in college football player movement.
Conclusion
The impending transfer portal window is likely to create ripples across college football rosters, with many high-profile quarterbacks seeking new avenues to showcase their talents. As teams look to bolster their quarterback positions for the 2026 season, this trend exemplifies the resilience and adaptability of players within the sport. Observers and fans alike will want to stay engaged as this narrative unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dylan Raiola?
Dylan Raiola is a sophomore quarterback who played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He led Nebraska to a 6-3 record before sustaining a season-ending injury in November 2025. His uncle, Donovan Raiola, was recently dismissed as Nebraska’s offensive line coach, and his younger brother, Dayton Raiola, de-committed from the Huskers in November.
What is the significance of the transfer portal in college football?
The transfer portal allows college football players to explore opportunities to transfer to other programs. It has become a significant aspect of roster management, enabling players to seek better fits for their skills and aspirations, while teams can acquire talent to strengthen their rosters.
How does NIL compensation affect player decisions?
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation allows college athletes to earn money from their personal brand. This has introduced new dynamics in player decisions, with some quarterbacks expected to command significant NIL deals, influencing their choices to enter the transfer portal.
Key Features of the Transfer Portal Quarterback Movement
| Player | Previous Team | Projected NIL Compensation | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Raiola | Nebraska Cornhuskers | Not specified | Led Nebraska to a 6-3 record before injury |
| Brendan Sorsby | Cincinnati Bearcats | Not specified | Tied school record with 36 total touchdowns in a season |
| Colton Joseph | Old Dominion University | Not specified | Threw for over 2,600 yards and rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2025 |
| Josh Hoover | TCU | Approximately $2 million | Expected to have one season of eligibility left |
| Anthony Colandrea | UNLV | Not specified | Transferred from Virginia to UNLV |
| Byrum Brown | University of South Florida | Not specified | Led the nation in total touchdowns during the 2025 season |
| Sam Leavitt | Arizona State | Not specified | Threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024 |
| Rocco Becht | Iowa State University | Not specified | Started past three seasons, compiling 26 wins |
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