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The College Football Transfer Portal Shake-Up: Who's Winning and Who's Losing?

USASaturday, January 3, 2026
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The college football transfer portal opened its doors on Friday, and it's already a whirlwind of activity. Hundreds of players are on the move, looking for their next big opportunity. This system is reshaping the landscape of college sports, and the next two weeks will be crucial in deciding which teams will be in the spotlight next season.

Quarterback Gold Rush

Teams in desperate need of a quarterback are striking gold. The days of relying solely on five-star recruits are over. Now, it's all about the transfer portal. Just look at the College Football Playoff teams this year—Oregon, Miami, Ole Miss, and Indiana all found their quarterbacks through transfers. It's a game-changer, and it's not just about finding any quarterback; it's about finding the right fit.

Players like Sam Leavitt from Arizona State, Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati, and Drew Mestemaker from North Texas are hot commodities. Who knows? One of them could be lifting the national championship trophy next season.

Auburn's Challenges

Auburn is feeling the heat this year, with over 30 players already entering the portal. The biggest loss? Wide receiver Cam Coleman. He's a standout, and his departure is a significant blow to the Tigers. New head coach Alex Golesh will have his work cut out for him, trying to rebuild the roster. It's a tough spot, but not impossible. The portal works both ways, after all.

Rasheem Biles: A Star on the Rise

Linebacker Rasheem Biles is a star on the rise. With a standout performance in the bowl game, he's caught the eye of many teams. The position isn't flooded with talent this year, so Biles is a hot commodity. He's versatile, he's skilled, and he's going to have plenty of options. It's all about finding the right fit, and Biles could be the missing piece for a contending defense.

Iowa State's Exodus

Iowa State is in a tough spot. With head coach Matt Campbell's departure to Penn State, the Cyclones are seeing a massive exodus of players. Every position group is affected, and new head coach Jimmy Rogers has a monumental task ahead. Can they rebuild through the portal? It's a big question, and the answer will shape the future of the program.

Michigan's Potential Boost

Michigan's defense might be in for a boost. With Kyle Whittingham taking over as head coach, some of his former Utah players could follow him to Ann Arbor. Defensive end John Henry Daley is a standout, and he could be a game-changer for whatever team he ends up on. Keep an eye on Michigan—they might just be the destination.

The Fan Perspective

For college football fans, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Players deserve the freedom to find the best situation for themselves, and they should get their share of the financial pie. But all this roster turnover makes it hard to get attached to any team or player. It's a Wild West free-for-all, and it's making it nearly impossible to keep tabs on rosters and teams. The days of long-term team-building are over.

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