Indianapolis, January 8, 2026
A significant wave of quarterback transfers is altering the dynamics of college football. With players like Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway entering the transfer portal, teams are adapting to new challenges. The trend highlights a shift in collegiate sports as more athletes seek opportunities to enhance their careers. This movement is reshuffling talent and could have long-term implications for programs nationwide, as coaches and fans closely track these developments.
Quarterback Transfers Reshape College Football Landscape
January 8, 2026 – Indianapolis
The college football transfer portal has witnessed a surge in quarterback movement, an indication of an evolving landscape in college sports. High-profile players like Dylan Raiola from Nebraska and DJ Lagway from Florida are weighing their options as they enter the portal for the upcoming season. This shift not only affects team dynamics but also reflects the growing trend of players seeking new opportunities in their collegiate careers.
Dylan Raiola’s Departure from Nebraska
Dylan Raiola, a sophomore and former five-star recruit, has announced his intent to transfer from Nebraska. After a promising season where he completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards with 18 touchdowns and six interceptions over nine games, Raiola faced a setback with a season-ending leg injury. His decision is influenced by multiple factors, including the recent firing of his uncle, offensive line coach Donovan Raiola, and his younger brother’s decommitment from the recruiting class. With a recovery set for the 2026 season start, Raiola’s expertise and talent are set to draw attention from other programs.
DJ Lagway’s Exit from Florida
DJ Lagway, another talented sophomore quarterback, is also making headlines by entering the transfer portal. At Florida, he completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,264 yards and added 16 touchdowns, though he also contended with 14 interceptions over 12 games. The coaching change, with Jon Sumrall taking over after Billy Napier’s departure, has seemingly prompted Lagway’s decision to seek new opportunities elsewhere. Lagway showcased his potential as a significant contributor with two-year totals of 4,179 passing yards and 28 touchdowns in 24 games.
Other Notable Quarterback Transfers
In addition to Raiola and Lagway, several other quarterbacks are entering the transfer portal, indicating further changes within the college football landscape:
- Aidan Chiles from Michigan State, who has committed to Northwestern after two productive seasons.
- Beau Pribula from Missouri is exploring options after an ankle injury cut his season short, visiting with Washington.
- Jackson Arnold has transferred from Auburn to UNLV, marking another notable shift as he seeks to carve out a new path in the Mountain West.
Implications for College Football
The influx of quarterbacks into the transfer portal can influence not only individual programs but the overall competitive landscape of college football. Teams are recalibrating their rosters in response to these movements, allowing for a reshuffling of talent across many conferences. Coaches and fans are keenly observing these developments, recognizing that player decisions today could shape the success of programs in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Dylan Raiola?
Dylan Raiola is a sophomore quarterback at Nebraska who has declared his intention to enter the transfer portal. He completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and six interceptions over nine games in the 2025 season.
What is DJ Lagway’s background?
DJ Lagway is a sophomore quarterback at Florida who has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. He completed 63.2% of his passes for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 12 games during the 2025 season.
Which other quarterbacks are transferring?
Other quarterbacks entering the transfer portal include Aidan Chiles from Michigan State, who has committed to Northwestern; Beau Pribula from Missouri, who is visiting Washington; and Jackson Arnold from Auburn, who has signed with UNLV.
How does this affect college football?
The movement of these quarterbacks indicates a dynamic college football landscape, with player decisions impacting team rosters and conference standings. Programs are actively seeking to fill these vacancies, leading to a reshuffling of talent across the nation.
Key Features of This Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Player Transfers | Details on quarterbacks Dylan Raiola and DJ Lagway entering the transfer portal, along with other notable transfers. |
| Player Backgrounds | Information on the players’ previous performances and statistics. |
| Implications | Discussion on how these transfers may impact college football programs and the upcoming season. |
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HERE Resources
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
