Best CFB transfers fits

This year’s transfer portal window was filled with a wide range of movement. Whether it was a team finding its next solution at quarterback or a player finding the perfect schematic fit to prosper in the foreseeable future, the college offseason has been fair to some programs and less so to others. Let’s dive into some of the best transfer acquisitions of the 2026 portal cycle.

Sam Leavitt, LSU

Leavitt and head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU looked to be a clear match immediately after Arizona State’s star entered the portal. Leavitt made visits to Kentucky, Tennessee, and Miami before committing to join the Tigers.

His arm talent, combined with mobility, made him a must-get for Kiffin’s staff. Leavitt shone in big moments, displaying his competitive attitude, arm talent, and ability to excel outside the structure.

During the Sun Devils’ playoff bid in 2024, he threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for another 443 yards and five touchdowns. An underwhelming 2025 season saw his stock fall, but in Baton Rouge, he should flip a switch in an offense that allowed passers like Jaxson Dart and Trinidad Chambliss flourish in a high-volume system.

Darian Mensah, Miami (FL)

Mensah wasn’t expected to enter the portal, but when outside money called, he answered. He will likely head to Miami when he officially jumps to the portal after agreeing to a settlement with Duke to get out of his signed contract.

Despite this controversy, Mensah should expect to take another leap with better opportunities to compete as the Hurricanes are coming off their national championship appearance. Mensah threw for 3,973 yards, ranking second in the nation. He added 34 touchdowns and only six interceptions in his lone season with the Blue Devils.

Surrounding Mensah with familiar talent like wide receiver Cooper Barkate will only be beneficial. However, returning offensive stars in Malachi Toney and Mark Fletcher Jr. each took heavy strides in production to end last season, which makes Mensah’s floor as high as any to enter next season.

Caleb Hawkins, Oklahoma State

It became clear that Hawkins would follow his coach, Eric Morris, once Morris left to join Oklahoma State in the Big 12. Several other North Texas stars followed, like quarterback Drew Mestemaker, but Hawkins looks to be the perfect addition to jump-start a one-win team.

Hawkins showcased his excellent ball-carrier vision, which allowed him to consistently find holes and burst for explosive plays. He racked up 1,434 rushing yards on 6.2 yards per carry and led the nation with 25 rushing touchdowns, taking the AAC by storm as a freshman.

For the Cowboys, Hawkins should add an extreme boost to their ground attack that has been a shell of itself since Ollie Gordon II’s elite sophomore campaign. Oklahoma State will expect him to be one of a few transfers who’ll truly accelerate their resurgence back near the top of the Big 12 next season.

Cam Coleman (Texas)

After Auburn hired former South Florida head coach Alex Golesh, there were questions about where stars like Cam Coleman would land. Once he entered the portal, the Longhorns seemed to be an ideal fit for what Steve Sarkisian and Texas look for in their pass catchers.

The former five-star recruit, Coleman, established himself in the SEC through his elite size and explosiveness, where he’s recorded 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air in his first two seasons with the Tigers.

Texas tends to prioritize unrivaled speed in its receiving talent, with players like AD Mitchell and Xavier Worthy serving as focal points in the Longhorns' receiving corps of the past. Coleman just piles onto that list in hopes of elevating the play of high-potential quarterback Arch Manning.

Austin Romaine (Texas Tech)

Romaine has become a tackle machine for Kansas State throughout his college career, accumulating 96 tackles and three forced fumbles back in 2024. However, after a disappointing 2025 season for the Wildcats, Romaine jumped to the Big 12 champion in Texas Tech.

It’s a great opportunity on both ends as Romaine moves to a true Big 12 contender while the Red Raiders get a much-needed replacement for Butkus award winner Jacob Rodriguez, who flourished in command of a historic defense.

There are plenty of other intriguing transfer fits across college football this cycle, given all the coaching changes, but these names screamed as a true tone-setting move for both the athlete and the program.

Owen Daszko is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at opd5073@psu.edu.