The late stage of the winter transfer portal still has real difference-makers on the board. As of January 5, 2026, several high-impact FBS players remain uncommitted, and their decisions could quietly shape the 2026 season. Below is one standout remaining player at each position, using what we already know from the current portal landscape.
Best Quarterback Still in the Transfer Portal: Sam Leavitt
The Sam Leavitt experience for those unaware. pic.twitter.com/uTw0NfnZ0C
— Adam Luckett (@AdamLuckettKSR) January 2, 2026
Sam Leavitt remains the most proven quarterback still available. He led Arizona State to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns. His 2025 season ended early due to a foot injury, but he still has two years of eligibility and a résumé that includes winning at the Power Four level.
Leavitt has already taken visits, with LSU viewed as the strongest fit based on roster need and coaching situation. The appeal is clear: immediate opportunity, SEC exposure, and a team actively searching for a stabilizing starter.
Best Running Back Still in the Transfer Portal: Hollywood Smothers
When are we going to start talking about Hollywood Smothers…
You’re going to want your NFL team to draft him in a couple months pic.twitter.com/8JTgYlOL7f
— Krabs 🦀💵 (@krabs_bookit) September 20, 2025
Hollywood Smothers produced at a high level in 2025, finishing as the ACC’s leading rusher with 939 yards and six touchdowns at NC State. A former four-star recruit, he combines quick acceleration with enough size to handle a full workload.
Alabama has emerged as the clear favorite after Smothers prioritized a visit to Tuscaloosa and canceled another scheduled trip. With the Crimson Tide needing a feature back, the fit looks straightforward if the process closes cleanly.
Best Wide Receiver Still in the Transfer Portal: Cam Coleman
It’s over for College Football if they let Texas Tech land Cam Coleman 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ztH2fcx8qj
— big ounce (@_bigounce) January 5, 2026
Cam Coleman is the highest-upside receiver still available. The former five-star recruit led Auburn in production across two seasons, totaling 93 receptions, 1,306 yards, and 13 touchdowns. At 6-foot-3, he brings size, vertical ability, and consistent game-breaking production.
Texas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, and Alabama have all been involved, with early momentum pointing toward the Texas schools. Texas A&M appears especially well-positioned after hosting him early, though Alabama’s late push could still matter.
Best Tight End Still in the Transfer Portal: Luke Reynolds
Thank you Luke Reynolds 🫡 pic.twitter.com/CRNLdH5pcK
— Patrick (@Poerbler) January 1, 2026
Luke Reynolds remains a long-term upside play rather than a finished product. The former four-star tight end redshirted at Penn State and still has three years of eligibility. At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, he offers flexibility as a tight end in an offense willing to feature the position.
Boston College and Ole Miss have both been mentioned as logical landing spots. Boston College offers familiarity and proximity, while Ole Miss provides a system that has previously leaned into athletic tight ends.
Best Offensive Lineman Still in the Transfer Portal: Carius Curne
#LSU signed the No. 1 prospect in Arkansas last December: Carius Curne.
The five-star offensive lineman has generated significant buzz since arriving in Baton Rouge.
Now, Curne comes in at 6’5, 335 pounds heading into Year 1 with the program.
Here he is benching 425 pounds: pic.twitter.com/8GRc9d8mXd
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) July 9, 2025
Carius Curne is the most talented offensive lineman left on the board. A former five-star recruit, he played more than 300 snaps as a true freshman at LSU and started games at both tackle spots. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, he has NFL-caliber traits and immediate starting ability.
Arkansas is the program to watch. Curne is an in-state prospect with a prior connection to the Razorbacks, and the current staff has made him a priority. Texas A&M remains a secondary option due to need and resources.
Best Edge Rusher Still in the Transfer Portal: John Henry Daley
Michigan NEEDS to be after Utah DE John Henry-Daley.
Daley, as a Sophomore posted:
38 TKLs / 11.5 Sacks / 18.5 TFLs
Henry-Daley would be a MASSIVE get for Michigan. #GoBlue〽️ #Michigan pic.twitter.com/wr32LY19PJ
— Maize Signal 〽️ (@MaizeSignal) December 28, 2025
John Henry Daley is the most accomplished defender still available. He posted 11.5 sacks in 2025, earned All-Big 12 honors, and consistently disrupted both run and pass plays. His production places him firmly at the top of the defensive portal board.
Michigan, Miami, and Ohio State have all been linked. Ohio State stands out as a logical destination given its track record developing edge rushers and its need for proven pressure production.
Best Interior Defensive Lineman Still in the Transfer Portal: Mateen Ibirogba
I have a top-50 grade on Wake Forest DL Mateen Ibirogba. Gamebreaking 1st step pic.twitter.com/l476jVPpvV
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) October 13, 2025
Mateen Ibirogba brings interior disruption rather than flash. At Wake Forest, he generated 26 quarterback pressures and three sacks in 2025, earning All-ACC honorable mention. He consistently collapsed pockets and held ground against the run.
Texas Tech has been aggressive and appears slightly ahead due to early engagement and a clear role. Ole Miss and Virginia Tech remain in the mix, but Texas Tech has the cleanest path.
Best Linebacker Still in the Transfer Portal: Rasheem Biles
The top linebacker in the transfer portal, Pittsburgh’s Rasheem Biles will visit Ohio State on Monday
-Biles is from Pickerington, OH.
-Two-time All-ACC
-17.0 TFLs this year
-31.0 TFLs, 10 sacks, 3 INTs and three forced fumbles in three seasons.
pic.twitter.com/pra2rKU9WF— The Buckeye Nut (@TheBuckeyeNut) January 2, 2026
Rasheem Biles is the most complete linebacker still available. Over three seasons at Pitt, he recorded 185 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and three interceptions. He can play downhill, rush the passer, and hold up in coverage.
Miami and Ohio State are the primary contenders. Miami has made him a central target, while Ohio State values his ability to step in immediately. Miami currently holds a slight edge.
Best Cornerback Still in the Transfer Portal: Bo Mascoe
Bo Mascoe knows INT's. 😤 #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/VOlkhUjmWc
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 6, 2025
With both Jontez Williams and Shawn Lee Jr. now off the board, Bo Mascoe stands as the top remaining cornerback in the transfer portal. A two-year starter at Rutgers, Mascoe has proven he can hold up against elite competition at the Power Four level.
Mascoe’s tape against top offenses stands out. In games against Ohio State and Oregon during the 2025 season, he allowed just three total receptions for 35 yards, showing discipline, positioning, and the ability to stay composed against NFL-level receivers. His experience and reliability make him a plug-and-play option for teams needing immediate help.
Michigan is viewed as the best fit. The Wolverines are looking for an experienced corner who can step in right away, and Mascoe’s familiarity with Big Ten offenses gives him a clear edge. USC has also been mentioned as a potential option, but Michigan appears best positioned
Best Safety Still in the Transfer Portal: Koi Perich
This hustle here by #Gophers Koi Perich is impressive. pic.twitter.com/HO0x6EcEWF
— Noel Thompson (@N0ELTHOMPSON) November 2, 2025
Koi Perich remains one of the most versatile defensive backs still available. He broke out as a freshman at Minnesota in 2024 and brings range, athleticism, and positional flexibility with three years of eligibility remaining.
Notre Dame has been heavily linked and appears prepared to make a strong NIL-backed push. Wisconsin is another possibility, but Notre Dame’s need for a playmaking safety keeps them in front.
These players represent the remaining high-end value in the transfer portal. While the biggest names often come off the board early, late additions like these can still swing depth charts and quietly reshape conference races heading into 2026.