Ranking college football's top 100 newcomers for t...

If the upcoming 2026 college football season is anything like its predecessor, transfer quarterbacks and top freshmen will be crucial for many College Football Playoff runs.

>And by now, with less than 100 days until the start of the season, we can assess rosters and what players did during spring practice with their new teams. While we have analyzed the top newcomer for each Power 4 team, these rankings are regardless of teams. They give a more thorough account of which teams have best assessed their rosters and brought in top talent.

>Each player is ranked based on a team's need and what physical skill set they bring to their new team.

>Need: With Fernando Mendoza off to the NFL and backup Alberto Mendoza having transferred to Georgia Tech, the Hoosiers needed another experienced passer capable of sustaining College Football Playoff expectations in Bloomington. Indiana has become one of the portal's premier destinations for quarterbacks, and Hoover, who transferred from TCU, is next in line after Kurtis Rourke and national champion and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.

>Value: Hoover gives Curt Cignetti extensive experience, skill and production after throwing for 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU. He is a confident gunslinger who thrives pushing the ball vertically and operating within RPO concepts. His swagger and aggressiveness should unlock explosive plays through the air, albeit with some volatility. Hoover has 42 career turnovers and only one season without double-digit interceptions.

>Need: Texas addressed the departures of Parker Livingstone, DeAndre Moore Jr. and Jaime Ffrench Jr. by landing one of the most dynamic playmakers in the portal. The Longhorns needed another elite target opposite Ryan Wingo, and Coleman gives Arch Manning a proven SEC playmaker on the perimeter. Coleman will play a central role in one of the nation's most explosive offenses and gives Texas an All-SEC-caliber weapon to maximize Manning's development.

>Value: Coleman checks plenty of boxes. He was the No. 5 player in ESPN's SC Next 2024 rankings, then totaled 93 catches for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns at Auburn despite inconsistent quarterback play. At 6-foot-3, he offers excellent size, a wide catch radius, elite body control and the ability to track the deep ball at full speed. He excels in contested-catch situations, particularly on back-shoulder throws and in the red zone, where he can use his frame to create mismatches. Coleman also averaged 14 yards per reception and provides value after the catch with his ability to create explosive plays in space.

>Need: Leavitt is the centerpiece of Lane Kiffin's No. 1-ranked transfer portal class and a major addition for a Tigers team with CFP expectations. After leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title in 2024, Leavitt is capable of elevating the offense in Kiffin's first season. With improved talent around him and Jordan Seaton anchoring the offensive line, LSU is counting on Leavitt to stabilize and maximize the offense during its championship push.

>Value: In 2024, Leavitt accounted for 29 total touchdowns during Arizona State's Big 12 title and CFP run, throwing for 2,885 yards while adding 443 rushing yards. He brings dual-threat ability and toughness, which he displayed in a 319-yard performance against Texas Tech while playing through injury before ultimately undergoing foot surgery. Leavitt is an aggressive, confident passer who thrives off-platform while keeping his eyes downfield under pressure. Those traits should fit naturally within Kiffin's offensive system. Despite a 61% career completion percentage, his arm talent, mobility and playmaking instincts give him first-round NFL upside if he stays healthy and continues improving his efficiency.

>Need: Mensah immediately elevates a quarterbacks room that lacked proven depth entering the offseason. After successfully adding Cam Ward and Carson Beck through the portal, Miami is hoping to go 3-for-3 with Mensah. Fresh off leading Duke to an ACC title, Mensah steps into an offense loaded with playmakers at receiver and running back. His arrival keeps the Hurricanes firmly in the national title conversation.

>Value: Mensah is physically ready, poised and experienced, bringing proven production after throwing for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2025. He plays with efficiency and command while consistently showing the ability to manage and elevate the offense around him. Mensah is a proven winner and competitive presence who performs well in big moments. His reunion with former Duke receiver Cooper Barkate also provides continuity and chemistry. If Miami's offensive line holds up, Mensah has the tools to guide one of the ACC's most dangerous offenses.

>Need: Seaton fills both high value and need for LSU because of his plug-and-play ability at a premium position. LSU's offense must replace multiple starters up front while protecting Leavitt and jump-starting a deep skill group. Seaton is the centerpiece of that offensive line rebuild and provides immediate stability at tackle. Paired with experienced interior transfers, Seaton projects as a potential future first-round pick and a foundational piece for LSU's 2026 playoff push and long-term offensive identity.

>Value: A former five-star and the No. 1 offensive tackle in 2024, Seaton spent his freshman and sophomore campaigns as a starter at Colorado and now brings SEC-ready size, length and movement skills to Baton Rouge. At roughly 6-5 and 300-plus pounds, he combines light feet with a powerful punch that allows him to win in both pass protection and the run game. He has the tools to stabilize a tackle spot immediately and eventually develop into a long-term offensive line anchor.

>Need: Following Matt Campbell from Iowa State, Becht immediately stabilizes a Penn State quarterbacks room in need of a proven leader and is already familiar with Campbell's offensive system. He arrives at Penn State as one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the country, with 39 starts and 26 wins, including a Big 12 title game appearance and the first 11-win season in Iowa State history. Becht's operational consistency makes him a steadying presence capable of maximizing Penn State's supporting cast.

>Value: Becht's production at Iowa State (9,274 yards, 64 touchdowns) is comparable to other high-volume transfers like Hoover, and he has exceeded his three-star recruiting expectations with leadership and command. Despite an injury-riddled 2025 season, he remains a poised and experienced quarterback with strong pre-snap recognition and quick decision-making. He operates efficiently in the pocket, delivers accurate timing throws and adds a functional running element that can stress defenses.

>Need: LSU's portal additions on offense generated much of the buzz, but the Tigers also added impact players on defense. Umanmielen followed Kiffin from Ole Miss and is expected to headline a talented mix of new and returning players along the defensive front. LSU's defense will play a major role in how far the Tigers can climb in 2026 and Umanmielen is positioned as a key impact player with his pass rush ability.

>Nail the transfer portal? Miss a big recruit? Find a top coordinator? All are part of our offseason evaluations.

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>Value: Umanmielen is coming off a productive season in which he totaled 45 tackles and nine sacks. He is a long defender with good functional strength who consistently impacts the quarterback on film. He generated 40 hurries last season using a combination of bend, active hand usage and quickness off the edge. He also has good closing speed and plays with consistent effort when chasing plays from the backside. In addition to his pass rush ability, he is a capable run defender with the strength to set the edge.

>Need: Oklahoma State is looking for immediate stability and production at quarterback, and Mestemaker has the experience to run the Cowboys' offense efficiently from Day 1. He is a proven, high-volume passer who thrived in Eric Morris' tempo-driven system last season at North Texas. He also brings built-in chemistry with fellow North Texas transfer Caleb Hawkins, giving the offense an early foundational pairing as the roster adjusts.

>Value: In 2025, Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions while adding five rushing scores, showcasing production and efficiency. He brings strong arm strength, timing and quick RPO processing that translate well to a fast-paced system. Mestemaker can operate off-platform, extend plays with mobility and function as a steady "coach on the field" presence. Though the jump to the Big 12 will test him with tighter windows and increased pressure, his skill set projects well if his protection holds, giving Oklahoma State a capable and stabilizing quarterback for a potential offensive rebound.

>Need: Miami needs to replace 22 combined sacks after first-rounders Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor departed for the NFL. Wilson, who recorded nine sacks last year at Missouri, should step right in to help mitigate those losses. He fits both scheme, style and the standard that's been set up front. He provides a quick fix with proven production for a Hurricanes defense trying to reload quickly.

>Value: A first-round talent, Wilson is a slippery pass rusher off the edge with a disruptive motor. He uses a quick first step to get upfield in a hurry, making it hard for offensive tackles to pass set. Instead, they frequently end up trying to wash him past the quarterback. Wilson also effectively uses his hands to keep defenders off his chest and will be highly coachable under defensive line coach Jason Taylor. His agility and range outside the tackle box are a major value add.

>Need: Oregon didn't need many portal additions, but landing Perich was a major move after Dillon Thieneman departed for the NFL. The former Minnesota standout fills the Ducks' biggest defensive need at safety and helps preserve the playmaking identity that fueled their CFP run. He projects as an immediate impact player in Oregon's secondary under Chris Hampton.

>Value: Perich arrives with proven production, recording 128 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack over two seasons while earning consecutive All-Big Ten honors. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, he brings a strong blend of range, physicality and coverage instincts that fits the star/rover role in Oregon's defense. He is versatile enough to support aggressive pressure packages while still functioning as a reliable last line of defense. Alongside Aaron Flowers and Brandon Finney Jr., he strengthens Oregon's secondary into one of the more complete units in the country.

>Need: Marsh is a proven No. 1 receiver as the Hoosiers transition to a new era at the position after Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt moved on to the NFL. They couldn't afford to wait on a younger, more projectable receiver. Marsh instead is a ready-made top target and established focal point. He should be the clear primary receiving option.

>Value: A former ESPN 300 recruit, Marsh led Michigan State in receiving in back-to-back seasons, totaling 100 catches for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-3, 203 pounds, he brings Big Ten-ready size paired with vertical speed, allowing him to win downfield and on contested 50-50 opportunities. He is effective as a deep threat and as a physical receiver who can work through contact. Cignetti saw Marsh's ability up close. He had 12 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns across two games against Indiana, reinforcing his ability to elevate the passing attack immediately.

>Need: Texas A&M; needed a true No. 1 boundary receiver after losing KC Concepcion from last year's passing attack. The Aggies are looking for a reliable focal point in the passing game to complement Mario Craver, support quarterback Marcel Reed and stabilize a receivers room that lacked a true big body. Horton, who comes from Alabama, steps in as a primary option who can handle high-leverage targets.

>Value: The 6-4, 208-pound transfer brings proven SEC production with 42 catches for 511 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025, which tied for second most in the conference. He offers rare physical tools, very good body control and high-level contested catch ability, giving Texas A&M; a dependable vertical threat. Already on display at the spring game, Horton is a go-to target on 50-50 balls and in the red zone, while also helping move the chains in critical situations. His length combined with smooth acceleration allow him to win on the perimeter and attack the deep middle. His versatility gives the offense flexibility to create mismatches.

>Need: After striking gold with portal pickup A.J. Haulcy, LSU is banking on Benefield as its next veteran anchor in the secondary. He arrives as one of the most proven safeties in the country after three seasons at Boise State, where he quickly became a multiyear starter. Like Haulcy, he'll be moving up a level, but his traits and scheme versatility translate well. LSU is looking for the same level of reliability and communication on the back end that he brought to Boise State.

>Value: Benefield played immediately at Boise State and became a 32-game starter, finishing with 235 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 11 pass breakups, five interceptions and two forced fumbles. He's coming off his best season yet in 2025 with 107 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss, earning first-team All-Mountain West honors and defensive MVP of the conference title game. At 6-3, he brings good length and box safety traits, with solid range and reliable open-field tackling ability. His greatest strength is his football IQ, as he diagnoses plays quickly, communicates effectively and helps align the defense pre-snap, providing LSU with an experienced and dependable presence in the secondary.

>Need: The No. 1 pocket passer in the class of 2026, Curtis arrives at Vanderbilt with the type of expectations rarely seen in the program, giving the Commodores a potential long-term centerpiece at quarterback after the Diego Pavia era. He steps into a position of major importance as Vanderbilt looks to remain competitive in the SEC moving forward and establish stability at quarterback.

>Value: Unlike Pavia, Curtis wins with size, arm talent and polished pocket traits, with the ability to deliver accurate throws into tight windows. He also adds value as a physical runner and has already impressed the staff with his leadership, toughness and command during spring practices. Though he still must develop greater consistency and timing to fully thrive in the SEC, his physical upside separates him from the rest of Vanderbilt's quarterbacks room. Curtis' blend of arm strength, mobility and football IQ gives him the tools to elevate the offense and develop into a high impact starter.

>Need: Coming off a strong spring, Cantwell headlines Miami's freshman class at one of the most valuable positions, stepping into a clear need along the offensive line. As the top-ranked offensive tackle among a deep SC Next Top 300 haul, and arriving just as Francis Mauigoa heads to the NFL, he gives Mario Cristobal an immediate candidate to help stabilize the edge of the offensive front.

>Value: At 6-7 and 320 pounds, Cantwell brings true left tackle size while moving with the flexibility, balance and foot quickness of a much lighter athlete. His multisport background as a record-setting shot-putter translates into explosive power and core strength, allowing him to displace defenders in the run game and anchor against bull rushes in pass protection. Even with potential early adjustment periods in pass sets, his physical maturity, competitiveness and toughness give him a realistic path to compete for a starting role immediately. Long term, he projects as a foundational piece of Miami's offensive line rebuild and a future early-round NFL prospect.

>Need: Brown is the catalyst for Alex Golesh's offensive system and followed his head coach to Auburn after blossoming into one of college football's most productive dual-threat quarterbacks in 2025 at South Florida. Brown is the focal point of the Tigers' rebuilt offense and can guide them through significant roster turnover to help raise their overall ceiling in 2026.

>Value: In 2025, Brown became the only player in the country to surpass both 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards while accounting for 42 total touchdowns. His dual-threat ability, arm strength and poise make him an ideal fit for Golesh's up-tempo system. He consistently extends plays, creates outside structure and adds a physical element as a runner who stresses defenses. With familiarity with the scheme and several former USF teammates at receiver, Brown should produce right away.

>Need: The Red Raiders have done an excellent job using the transfer portal to land impact players along the defensive front, bringing in names like David Bailey, Lee Hunter and Romello Height, all of whom were selected within the first 70 picks of this year's NFL draft. They hope to continue that trend with White. The San Diego State transfer was a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and will fill a clear void after Bailey and Height moved on. Expect Big 12 offensive lines to learn early on they will need to circle White's name when game-planning for the Red Raiders.

>Value: White is a proven commodity after notching 19.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire was impressed by White's strong early impact during his first spring in Lubbock. He is a high-motor pass rusher who consistently produces when attacking the quarterback. White uses his hands well to keep blockers off his chest and has the closing speed to finish plays in the backfield. His ability to get skinny and slip through blocks stands out.

>Need: Adding Osunsanmi, a Kansas State transfer, will help Indiana reload for its national title defense. The Hoosiers lost Mikail Kamara, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt, creating a clear need along the defensive front. Osunsanmi is an ideal plug-and-play addition. The versatile pass rusher should translate fluidly to defensive coordinator Bryant Haines' scheme.

>Value: Osunsanmi suffered a season-ending injury that forced him to miss the second half of last season, but he flashed during the spring, creating havoc up front. He brings a strong combination of speed and power to pressure offensive tackles. His power allows him to play stout at the point of attack, set the edge or walk blockers back into the backfield to collapse the pocket. He also has the quickness and agility to win on loops and stunts, along with a motor that shows up in pursuit outside the box.

>Need: Texas Tech lost second-round pick Hunter and sixth-round pick Skyler Gill-Howard from its top-ranked 2025 defense, which led FBS programs with 68.1 rushing yards allowed. The Red Raiders replenished those holes inside with an experienced addition in Ibirogba, who should make an impact right away with his positional flexibility and inside pass rush ability.

>Value: Ibirogba began his career as a defensive end at Georgetown before transferring to Wake Forest, where he bulked up and moved inside to defensive tackle. Despite adding weight, he did not sacrifice any quickness. Ibirogba is still light on his feet and has the speed to chase down ball carriers. He flashes the ability to shoot gaps and use quick hands to swipe and release from blocks. Though his impact might not always show up on the stat sheet, it does on film. Ibirogba's high motor and great style of play are an excellent fit along Texas Tech's reassembled defensive line.

>Need: There's a sizable void along Tennessee's defensive front after it lost the likes of Joshua Josephs, Tyre West, Bryson Eason and Dominic Bailey to the NFL. Good talent and experience up front are difficult to replace but Gilliam emerged this spring with disruptiveness against the run and pass. Gilliam followed defensive coordinator Jim Knowles from Penn State and will help retool this thin group right away with his skills and knowledge of the scheme.

>Value: Gilliam doesn't have gaudy production (12 solo tackles in 2025) but his impact jumps out on tape. He holds at the point of attack but also puts some pressure on the quarterback when rushing with continuous effort. He plays with heavy hands and power. Though he's not a dominant athlete, he is an effective player and Tennessee will likely deploy him in several different ways along its defensive front.

>Need: Texas entered the offseason extremely thin at running back but answered those concerns by adding Brown and Hollywood Smothers. Now, the Longhorns' running back rotation looks much more stable, especially with five-star freshman Derrek Cooper also in the mix. Brown should be a key piece of the mix as a potential game-changing playmaker. A great scheme fit, Brown is versatile as a pass catcher and playmaker, with a game reminiscent of former Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue.

>Value: A one-time top-100 prospect, Brown took a winding path to Austin, spending time as both a receiver and running back at USC and Arizona State. He ultimately broke out last season, leading the Sun Devils with 1,141 rushing yards. Brown brings explosive playmaking ability, highlighted by elite burst and short-area quickness. He diagnoses running lanes quickly and can reach top-end speed in a hurry. Brown is extremely slippery in the box and in space, forcing a high rate of missed tackles. His background as a receiver also gives him value as a checkdown option for Manning, and he adds impact potential as a returner on special teams.

>Need: With 2025 starter Joey Aguilar out of eligibility and backup Jake Merklinger transferring to UConn, Josh Heupel needs a new leader at the helm of his offense. Enter Brandon, a five-star out of North Carolina who will battle last year's third-stringer George MacIntyre for the starting job. While it's an ongoing battle and MacIntyre has a smattering of mop-up duty experience, Brandon's elite traits should put him in contention to play right away as a true freshman.

>Value: Despite his age, Brandon uses his solid, balanced base to play under control. He has the arm strength to make any throw and the accuracy to layer in balls where needed. While Brandon has plenty of arm talent, he's also athletic and mobile enough to pressure defenses with his legs. He will have to grow up fast and adapt quickly to the pace and smaller throwing windows in college, but he has very good tools to make an impact if his name is called. Brandon is more advanced than Hendon Hooker at the same stage and more advanced as a passer than Joe Milton.

>Need: Biles has all the ingredients of an impact newcomer: proven production, scheme fit and opportunity on a playoff-caliber roster. He has a clear path to help replace the loss of Anthony Hill Jr. and thrive in Will Muschamp's aggressive defense. Biles solidifies a linebacker group that quickly needs to reload to help the Longhorns maintain their championship expectations. A former high school safety, his athleticism and ball skills will provide coveted scheme versatility.

>Value: Biles produced at an All-American level at Pitt, recording 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, six pass breakups and two pick-sixes in just 10 games. He thrived in a blitz-heavy scheme thanks to his quick first step, sideline-to-sideline range and natural feel in pursuit. Those traits translate well into Muschamp's aggressive front, where he can be deployed as a versatile second-level defender who impacts the run game and pass rush. His combination of production, athleticism and playmaking ability will allow him to contribute immediately in Austin.

>Need: Hiter, ESPN's second-ranked running back in the 2026 class, has a clear path to early snaps and a contributing role alongside Jordan Marshall as the Wolverines look to reinforce their physical identity under new Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham and offensive coordinator Jason Beck.

>Value: Hiter brings a complete skill set with size, vision, balance and explosiveness. He pairs lateral agility with lower-body power, runs with square shoulders and consistently pushes the pile through contact. He shows very good burst through creases along with advanced patience for his age. While more nimble than a traditional power back, he is still developing as a pass catcher and in pass protection. Hiter should contribute early in short yardage and clock management situations, with his role likely expanding as his all-around game continues to develop.

>Need: Whittingham inherited a defense that lost veteran edge rushers Derrick Moore, a second-round NFL draft pick and first-team All-Big Ten selection, and experienced defender TJ Guy. He turned to one of his former Utah players in Daley to help stabilize the defensive front. Daley suffered a ruptured Achilles late last season but is expected to be fully available this fall. If he returns to form, he has the ability to become a disruptive presence in Big Ten backfields.

>Value: Daley became a sought-after transfer after recording 48 tackles and 11.5 sacks last season. He blends power and fluidity while playing with consistent effort in pursuit. His initial strike routinely knocks blockers backward, allowing him to disengage and work around blocks as a pass rusher. Against the run, he maintains strong gap integrity and holds his ground at the point of attack before finishing plays.

>Need: With Luke Altmyer out of eligibility and headed to the NFL, Illinois needed an experienced replacement at quarterback. Over the past two seasons, only nine passing attempts came from quarterbacks other than Altmyer. Coach Bret Bielema addressed the position by landing Houser, a former starter at East Carolina who also brings Big Ten experience from his time at Michigan State. Houser has thrown for 6,438 career yards across stops at both schools.

>Value: Houser will play a major role in determining how far Illinois can go after back-to-back successful seasons that included 10 and nine wins. At ECU, he helped lead the Pirates to a combined 13-6 record. Houser has a compact release that allows him to get the ball out quickly, and he consistently places throws where only his receiver can make a play. He can extend plays with his legs, though he is more functional as a runner than a quarterback who takes over games with mobility.

>Need: Tennessee was thin at defensive end following transfer portal departures from Jordan Ross and Caleb Herring and NFL draft losses of Joshua Josephs and Dominic Bailey. New defensive coordinator Jim Knowles helped address that issue by bringing talent with him from Penn State, including the high-ceiling Coleman.

>Value: Coleman not only fills a major need but also brings significant upside and first-round potential. As a true freshman, he cracked a talented Penn State defensive rotation by playing with burst and explosion off the edge. He has a quick first step that immediately stresses offensive tackles and pairs his vertical pass-rush ability with effective countermoves and fluid change of direction. As he continues to develop physically and finish plays more consistently, Coleman has the tools to become a disruptive force for the Vols. However, the transition to Knoxville has not been smooth, so expectations should be tempered.

>These schools have the most players represented in the top 100 rankings.

>Need: Ohio State reloaded its secondary this offseason after losing Caleb Downs, Davison Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. to the NFL draft. One of the Buckeyes' most important additions was Earl Little Jr., who brings immediate-impact potential to a rebuilt defensive backfield. Coach Ryan Day said this spring that Little "flashed early" before missing time following a minor knee procedure, though he is expected to be fully available this summer.

>Value: Little plays instinctive football with the versatility to line up deep or closer to the line of scrimmage. He has the speed and range to cover ground in center field along with the short-area quickness to handle slot receivers in space. Against the run, he plays with a downhill, attacking mentality and consistently triggers quickly into running lanes. His versatility and physical style should help Ohio State offset the loss of several key defensive backs from last season.

>Need: After losing the top four producers from its running backs room in Quintrevion Wisner, Christian Clark, CJ Baxter, and Jerrick Gibson, Texas entered the offseason dangerously thin at the position. The Longhorns quickly addressed the issue by adding transfers Smothers and Brown. Smothers brings more of a traditional inside-outside zone element that Texas didn't have last season and is vital to Texas' offensive run scheme.

>Value: Smothers was a highly coveted transfer from NC State after rushing for nearly 1,000 yards last season. He is a quick-footed runner with a slashing style who can bounce runs outside and create explosive plays on the perimeter while still showing good vision between the tackles. In space, Smothers plants and accelerates quickly, helping him rank among the top 10 players in the FBS with 71 missed tackles forced. He also protects the football, having not had a turnover in his college career. Smothers adds another explosive element to an offense built around Manning.

>Need: Singleton joins a young but talented Florida receiver room featuring Vernell Brown III, who led the Gators with 512 receiving yards last season, and Dallas Wilson, who flashed high-end potential. After productive stops at Georgia Tech and Auburn, Singleton arrives as an experienced playmaker and reunites with former offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner. Given the unsettled QB situation and Singleton's versatility, he fills a huge need.

>Value: Singleton's game is built around legitimate track speed that allows him to take the top off defenses. Beyond his vertical ability, he also has the quickness to separate underneath and make defenders miss in short areas. His versatile skills allow him to impact the game in multiple ways. That explosiveness showed up immediately during Florida's spring game, where he caught six passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.

>Need: Arizona State needed to replace first-round pick Jordyn Tyson in the passing game, and Harris arrives to help fill that void. With the starting quarterback job still unsettled, Harris should provide a reliable target regardless of who wins the competition. He plays to his size by utilizing an elite catch radius and big frame to create leverage and favorable matchups. He fills a lot of production given his ability to line up inside or out.

>Value: Harris consistently stood out during the spring because of his playmaking ability. At 6-5, he provides a massive target and averaged 17.3 yards per catch in 2025 and 28.6 yards per catch in 2024 at Boston College. Despite his size, he is a fluid route runner who finds open space effectively. His best trait is his catch radius, as he routinely adjusts and contorts to make difficult catches. Harris is especially dangerous in contested-catch and red zone situations.

>Need: A former five-star quarterback and 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year, Lagway transfers to Baylor after an up-and-down two-year stretch at Florida that featured both impressive highs and frustrating inconsistency. Baylor needed a quarterback following the departure of Sawyer Robertson, and Lagway arrives with both upside and experience. Baylor coach Dave Aranda praised Lagway's competitiveness, work ethic and leadership this spring, saying the team followed in his footsteps.

>Value: Lagway helped lead wins over ranked opponents LSU and Ole Miss as a freshman and over No. 9 Texas last season, though inconsistency remained part of his game, including a five-interception outing against LSU. He has a sturdy frame and the arm talent to make high-level throws to every area of the field, including off-platform and on the move. While capable of making every throw, he has occasionally forced passes into tight windows and traffic. His mobility also adds value as a dual-threat quarterback who can stress defenses with his legs.

>Need: Arizona State enters 2026 without its top three leaders in receiving yards from last season but aggressively retooled its receivers room through the portal. One of the key additions was Miller, who battled injuries during his three seasons with Colorado before breaking out with 808 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last year. Alongside Harris, Miller gives the Sun Devils a strong new receiving duo entering the fall.

>Value: Miller is a playmaker with strong initial burst off the line of scrimmage and the ability to create explosive plays on short and intermediate routes. He also threatens defenses vertically with top-end speed. When the ball is in the air, Miller adjusts well to track throws in stride for difficult catches. Drops remain an area to clean up, but his skill set complements Harris well and adds another explosive element to Arizona State's offense.

>Need: With quarterback John Mateer returning, Oklahoma needed experienced targets to replenish lost production after Deion Burks, Jaren Kanak and Keontez Lewis departed for the NFL. While Isaiah Sategna III returns as a reliable option, Livingstone, who transferred from Texas, is expected to become an important target in the passing game this fall.

>Value: While Sategna brings elite speed, Livingstone gives the Sooners size at 6-4 and 191 pounds. He led Texas receivers in yards per catch last season at 17.8 and uses his long stride to eat up defensive backs' cushion quickly. Livingstone consistently showed the ability to win contested catches and transitions smoothly upfield after the catch to create additional yardage. He projects as a strong complementary receiver opposite Sategna and a reliable target for Mateer.

>Need: After losing three of its top four wide receivers, Colorado had to rebuild the position group under new offensive coordinator Brennan Marion, who comes over from Sacramento State. While Joseph Williams returns after recording 489 receiving yards last season, Scudero gives the Buffaloes another important option in Marion's Go-Go offense. Deion Sanders praised Scudero's skill and work ethic throughout spring practice, even comparing him to Julian Edelman.

>Value: The coverage will be tighter in the Big12, but Scudero was ultra-productive at San Jose State (88 catches for 1,297 yards) and those intangibles and physical tools have transitioned smoothly in Boulder. He brings explosiveness and quickness that allow him to separate easily from defenders. That separation ability comes from his sharp change of direction and vertical speed. Combined with his natural feel as a route runner and big-play ability, Scudero gives QB Julian Lewis another dynamic option entering his second season.

>Need: Geralds, a onetime four-star recruit, already has a disruptive interior skill set that is exactly what LSU and modern defenses covet. Ranked No. 2 among defensive tackles and No. 40 overall in the SC Next ESPN 300, he arrives in Baton Rouge with an elite profile and a clear opportunity to earn early rotational snaps in a defensive front that still has room for additional pass-rush impact.

>Value: At 6-2 and 280 pounds, Geralds is a compact, explosive interior defender who wins with first-step quickness and gap penetration rather than simply occupying space. He recorded 56.5 sacks in high school, showcasing rare production for an interior lineman along with the burst of a much smaller edge rusher. His game is built around leverage, flexibility, and relentless effort as a backfield disruptor. While LSU returns experience up front, Geralds has the tools to carve out an early role as a pass-rush specialist capable of collapsing the pocket from the interior.

>Need: Grunkemeyer gives Virginia Tech something it has lacked in recent seasons: stability at quarterback. James Franklin knows Grunkemeyer well after recruiting and coaching him at Penn State, where the Under Armour All-American gained valuable experience when Drew Allar sat out time in 2025. After years of inconsistent quarterback play in Blacksburg, he arrives as a steadying presence for a retooled offense.

>Value: Grunkemeyer completed 69% of his passes with eight touchdowns and showed steady growth against Power 4 competition. He closed the season with two of his highest-graded performances against Nebraska and Rutgers, showing improved timing and decision-making. Though he might not possess elite upside, he brings efficiency, accuracy, and experience in structured passing concepts. With additional portal help around him, including tight end Luke Reynolds, and competition from Bryce Baker and SC Next 300 quarterback Troy Huhn, Grunkemeyer projects as a dependable, turnover-conscious quarterback capable of stabilizing the offense.

>Need: Barkate arrived at Miami from Duke alongside quarterback Darian Mensah this offseason and provides instant chemistry. The Hurricanes lost significant receiver depth with four portal departures and two NFL draftees, making Barkate an important addition to the offense. His skill set should pair well with Malachi Toney to give Miami a strong one-two combination in the passing game.