The college football season has had a bunch of coaching movement. For new coaches, there is one thing on their mind. Transfers. The portal is set to open on January 2nd, 2026. Players who are unhappy with their current situations can officially leave. Although most of them will probably make a decision before the portal officially opens up. Here are 5 big-time players that could be on the move.
Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas
Mestemaker would be one of the better targets for most Power 4 schools. He has done a terrific job at North Texas and even had them ranked for a part of the season. He is still a redshirt freshman, which means he has plenty of time as well. Mestemaker has played at a high level all year. It would be surprising not to see him in a Power 4 uniform come next fall.
Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
Coleman could easily be one of the best receivers in college football right now. However, his QB situation has left him in a bad situation. Coleman still has over 600 yards on the year, but the Auburn offense has been horrible. He should be a draft pick when he is eligible, but that is likely to take a competent offense. Coleman can easily start at most Power 4 teams and is also going through a coaching change. Expect him to be securing his future in 2026.
Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
Iamleava isn’t the top of the list for one big reason: he just left. Iamaleava made a big impact on the transfer portal last year when he left Tennessee. Not only did it shock Vols fans, but most of the college football world. His year at UCLA hasn’t gone very well. The Bruins fired their Head Coach DeShaun Foster earlier in the year. They also sit 3-7 on the season. Iamaleava could disagree with whoever UCLA decides to bring in and just leave. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of buzz around an exit, but all in all, it could be a possibility.
LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
Sellers went from going to the draft this year to likely giving another year of college football a go. The season has not been kind to the Gamecocks. They have gone from contender to the bottom of the SEC this year. Sellers will have a business decision to make this winter. Stick with his team or get on draft boards. This SC team does not look ready to compete for the playoffs. While Head Coach Shane Beamer will want Sellers to stay, leaving could get him back in the NFL picture.
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Going with another coaching change with Baugh here. The young running back has been great this year for the Gators, but what is going to be left on this team at the end of the year? Billy Napier’s exit is probably going to shake up the program, and if Baugh doesn’t see a bunch of familiar faces at the end of the season, what is stopping him from leaving? Baugh looks like he could play for most of the Top 25 teams. A change of pace might be all he needs to get a boost into the NFL radar.
Final Thoughts
The portal has easily become one of the most dangerous things college football has added over the past few years. A player leaving could change another program and flatline the team he used to be with. If teams like this year’s Texas Tech have taught us anything, it is that the portal is vital. This year’s potential star power on the move could be bigger than ever before.
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