Overview
- The portal opens Jan. 2–16 with an added Jan. 20–24 window for national title participants, and the scrapped spring period makes January the only chance to add transfers in 2026.
- National trackers flag a crowded quarterback field expected to enter on Jan. 2, including Brendan Sorsby, Josh Hoover, DJ Lagway, Dylan Raiola, Drew Mestemaker, Rocco Becht and Byrum Brown.
- Some outlets rate Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby as the top available passer after a 2025 season of roughly 2,800 yards with 27 touchdowns and five interceptions.
- Coverage describes NIL-driven deals turning transfers into de facto free agency, with donor-backed programs positioned to move fastest on established talent.
- James Madison must replace all 11 starters from its College Football Playoff game after graduations and portal entries, and coach Bob Chesney has departed for UCLA.