The 247 transfer portal is heating up with top quarterbacks committed and elite programs hunting for franchise passers heading into 2026. Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 overall prospect, remains undecided while multiple CFP-adjacent teams scramble to land their quarterback of the future.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Sam Leavitt is the No. 1 ranked QB in the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining
- Five major programs linked to Leavitt: Texas Tech, Kentucky, Oregon, LSU, and Miami
- Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) ranks No. 2, with Drew Mestemaker committed to Oklahoma State
- Experienced QBs commanding serious NIL money, with Leavitt valued at $3.1 million
The Elite Quarterback Carousel Gets Underway
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As the College Football Playoff continues, the transfer portal has become ground zero for desperate programs needing proven signal callers. All four CFP semifinalists used the portal to find their quarterback success story. Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss, and Miami all benefited from transfer QBs. Now those same programs and others hunt for their next “franchise passer.”
This year’s portal is loaded with experience. Multiple Power 4 teams face quarterback vacancies after coaching changes or disappointing seasons. Florida, Penn State, LSU, and Indiana all need new leaders at the position for 2026.
Sam Leavitt Still Deciding Among Five Powerhouses
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Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt remains the crown jewel of the transfer market. The $3.1 million valued prospect has visited with Kentucky and is preparing official visits with other major programs. According to On3 Sports, five schools are actively competing for his services.
Texas Tech is hosting Leavitt for an official visit this weekend after establishing itself as a destination program. The Red Raiders made major roster investments that led them into the College Football Playoff in 2025. Kentucky already had Leavitt visit as the Wildcats seek a proven quarterback improvement. Oregon could pursue Leavitt if starter Dante Moore enters the NFL Draft. LSU under new coach Lane Kiffin is prepared to spend big money in the portal. Miami seeks another transfer success story after recent quarterback acquisitions.
Top Transfer Portal Quarterbacks and Destinations
| Rank | Quarterback | Previous School | Status |
| 1 | Sam Leavitt | Arizona State | Still deciding |
| 2 | Brendan Sorsby | Cincinnati | Undeclared |
| 3 | Drew Mestemaker | North Texas | Oklahoma State |
| 4 | DJ Lagway | Florida | Undeclared |
| 5 | Dylan Raiola | Nebraska | Undeclared |
Explosive Market Prices and NIL Competition
Transfer quarterbacks with experience are commanding serious money. According to 247Sports analyst Chris Hummer, Leavitt’s market value exceeds $3 million in NIL deals. This creates intense competition as programs marshal their donors for quarterback investments.
Leavitt’s resume justifies the price. He led Arizona State to a historic 45-19 Big 12 Championship victory over Iowa State in 2024, propelling the Sun Devils to their first College Football Playoff. He won Big 12 Freshman of the Year and set Arizona State records for freshman passing yards. Though a Lisfranc injury limited his 2025 season, teams view him as an instant plug-and-play starter.
Which Programs Will Land the Top Quarterbacks?
The next 15 days of the transfer portal window will determine 2026 quarterback landscapes across Power 4 conferences. Elite programs with CFP aspirations must win the quarterback battle or face another season without a proven passer.
Texas Tech appears positioned well with Leavitt interest and financial resources. Lane Kiffin’s LSU project could attract top talent with promised resources. Miami and Oregon have proven track records of transfer success. The question remains: where will Leavitt ultimately decide? His choice could reshape the 2026 college football landscape.
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.