The college football coaching carousel has already taken us for a wild ride, which could lead us to an even more chaotic transfer portal cycle.
Unlike the last few years, though, the transfer portal won’t officially open for all players until Jan. 2, as the NCAA approved to only have one transfer portal window this offseason. That portal will run through Jan. 16.
While the portal hasn’t opened yet, that hasn’t stopped some players from either declaring their intention or letting word of their intentions to enter the portal leak out. So, let’s take a look at some of the top players who are set to enter the transfer portal.
Raiola intends to enter the transfer portal, ESPN reported. Raiola has been a standout for Nebraska over his first two seasons in Lincoln, helping the Cornhuskers become bowl-eligible for the first time in several years. However, Raiola missed the final month of the 2025 season due to a leg injury. He has two years remaining of eligibility. Raiola was a top-10 overall recruit in the Class of 2024 as well.
Sorsby intends to enter the transfer portal, but is also weighing the possibility of the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN reported. Sorsby helped Cincinnati have a surprise rise early in the 2025 season, leading the Bearcats to a 7-1 start before finishing 7-5. Sorsby had 36 total touchdowns in 2025, showing strong ability as a dual-threat quarterback. He won’t play in Cincinnati’s bowl game against Navy.
Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles
Chiles told ESPN that he will be entering the transfer portal. Chiles has one season of eligibility left. He was a highly-touted recruit as part of the Class of 2023, committing to Oregon State before transferring to Michigan State when Jonathan Smith became head coach in 2024.
Lagway intends to enter the transfer portal, ESPN reported. Lagway was recently one of the more highly-touted recruits out there, ranking as the third-best overall prospect in the Class of 2024 (per 247 Sports). He initially lived up to the hype as a freshman, going 6-1 as a starter in his freshman season. However, Lagway and Florida took a step back in 2025, posting a 4-8 record as head coach Bily Napier was fired in October. Lagway’s 14 interceptions were the most by any SEC quarterback.
Texas RB CJ Baxter
Baxter told ESPN he plans to enter the transfer portal. Baxter won Big 12 offensive newcomer of the year in 2023, but he tore his ACL ahead of the 2024 season. He also played in just eight games in 2025 due to injury, but he was the No. 1 running back recruit in the Class of 2023, per 247 Sports.
Michigan State WR Nick Marsh
Marsh’s agent has told ESPN he plans to enter the transfer portal. Marsh, a sophomore, has logged 100 receptions for 1,311 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his two seasons in East Lansing, forming a strong connection with quarterback Aidan Chiles.
Minchey will head into the transfer portal when it opens in January, according to CBS Sports. Minchey backed up CJ Carr in 2025 after finishing second to him in the quarterback battle. Minchey was a four-star recruit and has two years of eligibility remaining.
Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards
Edwards is expected to enter the transfer portal, ESPN reported in November. He was limited to playing in just four games this past season due to injury. He has 14 touchdowns in 28 career games.
Lonergan has announced he’ll enter the transfer portal. The redshirt sophomore transferred to Boston College from Alabama last offseason, serving as the Eagles’ starting quarterback for most of the 2025 season. Lonergan was a four-star recruit in the Class of 2023.
Harvard QB Jaden Craig
Craig has told ESPN he intends to enter the transfer portal. He’s expected to be one of the top FCS players in the portal this offseason, breaking Harvard’s records for career passing yards (6,074) and touchdowns (52). He has one more season left of eligibility.
Georgia State QB TJ Finley
Finley announced on social media Dec. 15 he intends to enter the transfer portal for a remarkable sixth time seeking a seventh year of eligibility. The well-traveled quarterback spent his first year at LSU before spending two years at Auburn and a year each at Texas State, Western Kentucky and GSU; Finley also transferred to Tulane after WKU but never played a down after being suspended before the season.
This season, Finley compiled 1,244 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions with a 1-6 record, and will now look to add to his career totals of 7,342 yards, 43 TDs and 27 interceptions elsewhere.
