While the transfer portal window doesn’t open until Jan. 2, a slew of players have announced their plans to enter. On3 is breaking down the top players expected to hit the portal next month.
The quarterback market is sure to be especially interesting with multiple high-profile transfers. That includes Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, who is set to be the best available player in the portal, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire.
The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.
But there are more notable names preparing to enter. Here are the Top 10 players expected to enter the transfer portal as of Thursday afternoon, according to On3.
1. Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
After helping Arizona State to a Big 12 title last year, Sam Leavitt entered 2025 with high expectations. He was impressive before an injury ended his season, and he’s expected to be one of the top players in the transfer portal this cycle.
Leavitt threw for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns, to three interceptions, through seven games before his injury this year. That came after he threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns, to six picks, while adding 445 yards and five rushing touchdowns in 2024.
2. Chaz Coleman, EDGE, Penn State
Penn State defensive end Chaz Coleman. (Pickel/BWI)
On3’s Pete Nakos reported Thursday that Chaz Coleman is expected to transfer after one year at Penn State. While new head coach Matt Campbell worked hard to keep Coleman in Happy Valley, he instead plans to hit the open market.
Coleman was an On3 True Freshman Midseason All-American selection this year as part of a solid freshman season. The former four-star recruit totaled eight tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack, while adding two fumble recoveries across nine games.
3. Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas
The nation’s leader in passing yards this season, Drew Mestemaker shined under Eric Morris at North Texas. He helped lead the Mean Green to the American Conference championship game, and the expectation is he will enter the transfer portal.
Mestemaker threw for 4,291 yards this season while finishing tied for second in the FBS with 31 passing passing touchdowns. He won the Burlsworth Trophy as the nation’s top player who began his career as a walk-on and is set to be one of the top names in the portal this cycle.
4. Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati
In his second season at Cincinnati after transferring from Indiana, Brendan Sorsby is the third-highest ranked quarterback expected to enter the transfer portal, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings. He ranked third in the Big 12 with 27 touchdown passes this year while throwing for 2,800 yards.
Sorsby spent two years at Indiana before arriving at Cincinnati in 2024, immediately becoming a key part of the Bearcats’ offense. On3’s Pete Nakos had more intel on his transfer recruitment and where things stand.
5. Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
One of the first recruiting wins for Matt Rhule at Nebraska, Dylan Raiola is now preparing to enter the transfer portal. He spent two years with the Cornhuskers and was putting up solid numbers before an injury cut his 2025 season short.
Raiola arrived in Lincoln as a five-star prospect and immediately won the starting job. This year, he completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards and 18 touchdowns, to six interceptions, in nine games prior to his injury.
6. DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
The crown jewel of Florida’s 2024 recruiting class, DJ Lagway took the starting job after Graham Mertz’s injury and helped lead the Gators to a strong finish to the season. His sophomore year was up-and-down in 2025, and he’s now expected to enter the transfer portal.
Lagway, who’s one of the biggest names in college football, threw for 2,264 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore at Florida. The former Five Star Plus+ recruit also dealt with injuries throughout the preseason and during the year.
7. Mateen Ibirogba, DL, Wake Forest
After preserving a redshirt in his first year at Wake Forest in 2024, Mateen Ibirogba became an important part of the defense. He is now expected to be one of the highest-ranked players to enter the transfer portal.
Ibirogba totaled 21 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks, in 2025. He began his college career at Georgetown before arriving at Wake Forest in 2024.
8. Carius Curne, IOL, LSU
USA Today Sports
A starter on the LSU offensive line, Carius Curne is one of the top players at the position expected to enter the transfer portal. He appeared in seven games as a true freshman in 2025, including five starts.
Curne arrived at LSU as a four-star prospect and the No. 2-ranked IOL recruit from the 2025 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking. Earlier this week, On3’s Pete Nakos broke down some schools to watch early in the process.
9. Nick Marsh, WR, Michigan State
Through two years at Michigan State, Nick Marsh became an important playmaker. Now, he’ll prepare to enter the transfer portal as one of the top wide receivers on the open market.
Marsh totaled 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and nine touchdowns during his two seasons in East Lansing. A former four-star recruit, he had two 100-plus yard games as a true freshman in 2024, including a 194-yard performance against Maryland.
10. Jay Crawford, CB, Auburn
The top-ranked cornerback in the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings, Jay Crawford made an instant impact Auburn. He was an On3 True Freshman All-American in 2024 and remained a key part of the defense in 2025.
Crawford totaled 30 tackles, including a tackle for loss, to go with two interceptions and 11 passes defended during his two years on The Plains. He is expected to be one of the coveted players in the transfer portal this cycle.
The NCAA transfer portal window officially opens Jan. 2. It will be open for two weeks before closing on Jan. 16.