The college football transfer portal is heating up ahead of its official opening on Jan. 2, with several high-profile quarterbacks announcing their intentions to seek new programs for the 2026 season. Among them are Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, Florida’s DJ Lagway, Michigan State’s Aidan Chiles and Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, each bringing unique skills and pedigrees that could reshape rosters across the Power Four conferences.
These moves come amid a landscape of coaching changes, NFL draft decisions and roster overhauls. Here’s a look at some of the best potential options for each quarterback, based on team needs, schematic fits and recruiting connections.
Sam Leavitt, Arizona State
Leavitt, who led the Sun Devils to an 8-3 record in 2025 before a season-ending injury, is considered one of the portal’s top prizes with his dual-threat ability. He passed for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns in seven games this year, adding value as a runner. Potential suitors include teams looking to rebuild offenses quickly.
LSU emerges as a strong fit, where new coach Lane Kiffin needs a replacement for departing senior Garrett Nussmeier. Leavitt could elevate his NFL draft stock in the SEC, following in the footsteps of former ASU transfer Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman at LSU.
Indiana also stands out if Heisman candidate Fernando Mendoza declares for the draft; Leavitt’s skills align with coach Curt Cignetti’s balanced attack, which ranked No. 5 nationally in 2025.
Ole Miss could pursue him to succeed senior Trinidad Chambliss or injured sophomore Austin Simmons, leveraging the Rebels’ 11-1 season and winning culture.
Other options include Miami and Penn State, the latter under new coach Matt Campbell, where Leavitt’s experience could stabilize a program in transition.
DJ Lagway, Florida
Lagway announced his portal entry on Monday after two seasons with the Gators, where he threw for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2025 despite injuries. The former five-star recruit from Texas seeks a fresh start, drawing comparisons to transfers like Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels who revitalized their careers elsewhere.
Baylor tops the list due to family ties, his father, Derek, played there, and proximity to his hometown of Willis, Texas. The Bears lose senior Sawyer Robertson and could plug Lagway in immediately.
Texas Tech offers another in-state option, with senior Behren Morton departing; Lagway would benefit from surrounding talent and the Red Raiders’ aggressive portal approach.
USC could be a fit if junior Jayden Maiava enters the NFL draft, allowing Lagway to develop under quarterback guru Lincoln Riley.
Clemson, which recruited him heavily out of high school, might appeal despite coach Dabo Swinney’s portal reluctance, especially after a subpar year from Cade Klubnik. James Madison is a dark horse, reuniting Lagway with former Florida coach Billy Napier at the Group of Five level.
Aidan Chiles, Michigan State
Chiles, a junior with one year of eligibility left, plans to enter the portal after two seasons with the Spartans, where he accumulated 4,647 career yards and 39 touchdowns across stints at Oregon State and Michigan State. His departure marks the end of an experiment that began when he followed former coach Jonathan Smith from Oregon State.
A return to Oregon State provides familiarity after the Pac-12’s changes disrupted his initial path.
USC appeals as a Long Beach, California, native, offering development under Lincoln Riley amid the Trojans’ quarterback search.
Indiana, a rising power, could slot him in if Fernando Mendoza heads to the NFL, joining a program eyeing a national title.
Miami rounds out the options, with Carson Beck likely NFL-bound; the Hurricanes have a track record of revamping veteran quarterbacks like Cam Ward.
Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
Raiola, a true sophomore and former five-star recruit, intends to enter the portal with two years remaining after throwing for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in 10 games during an injury-plagued 2025. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule had anticipated the possibility, following speculation in late November.
LSU stands as a prime destination, with Garrett Nussmeier exhausting eligibility and Lane Kiffin seeking quarterbacks to bolster the offense.
Texas Tech, fresh off a playoff bye, has resources and needs a successor to Behren Morton under coach Joey McGuire.
Miami could continue its portal QB strategy under Mario Cristobal, who developed Cam Ward and Carson Beck into NFL prospects while competing for titles.
Alabama, though traditionally portal-averse, might consider Raiola if Ty Simpson declares for the draft; coach Kalen DeBoer and OC Ryan Grubb could elevate his stock in a resource-rich environment.
Florida State offers a chance for a fresh start in the ACC, with Tommy Castellanos’ eligibility denied, though it presents risks under Mike Norvell.
As the portal cycle unfolds, these quarterbacks’ decisions could influence conference races and playoff contenders in 2026.
