Over the years, the college football landscape has experienced significant changes due to the effect of the transfer portal. Activity in the transfer portal — especially at the quarterback position — has been the talk of football fans, with big names like Nico Iamaleava, Joey Aguilar (correct spelling), and others making moves.
What happens next after these moves? What impact could the transfer portal have on the sport? Let’s find out.
Latest College Football Transfer Portal News
It started with the unprecedented quarterback transfer in the spring transfer window between Tennessee and UCLA. Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee’s rising talent, made a significant impact during the 2024 season.
Thanks to his impressive skills, he led the team to a College Football Playoff appearance. Everyone expected more from him the following season, but he transferred to UCLA. The transfer saga also includes Iamaleava’s brother, Madden, who moved to UCLA to join him. Madden had initially flipped from UCLA to Arkansas in December 2024.
The Trade-Joey Aguilar
Joey Aguilar, who transferred to UCLA in December 2024, has now made another surprising move to Tennessee. He performed excellently over two seasons at Appalachian State but decided to move and fill the void left by Iamaleava.
These moves show that salary, playing time and loyalty are reshaping rosters across the country.
Quarterback Trade-Spring Transfer Portal
Mike Gundy, head football coach at Oklahoma State, said in a recent interview, “Quarterbacks are being part of what we do in the system,” emphasizing the importance of quarterbacks to the game and their teams.
The spring portal had less impact last year. Although more than 80 Division I quarterbacks moved, only about a dozen started in FBS games — a sign of the risk that comes with springtime transfers.
With updated eligibility rules benefiting junior college players, more may enter the portal seeking opportunity. Another major factor is schools’ ability to compensate athletes directly. Players will increasingly leverage their market value, adding even more drama to the transfer portal.
A Change in the System
For years, most transfers were motivated by playing time. Now, more factors are in play. The major drivers are NIL deals, financial negotiations, eligibility and budget constraints.
KEEP READING: Nico Iamaleava & Joey Aguilar’s Epic Swap
Tennessee’s decisions, for instance, saved the program millions while securing a player like Aguilar, who could be retained. As the spring portal closes, more quarterbacks may still take advantage of the opportunity to move. The clock keeps ticking.
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