NIL deals have completely changed roster building in college football and turned the transfer portal into the NCAA version of free agency. On Jan. 2, the college football open market will be unlocked again, and quite a few high-impact players will be available to the highest bidder, especially at the quarterback spot.
Landing a veteran QB can help elevate a program from a pretender to a real deal playoff contender in 2026. So who are the best available starting next week? We look to answer that question with our rundown of the top 10 college football QBs entering the upcoming transfer portal.
10. Kenny Minchey, Notre Dame
In the summer, Kenny Minchey was beaten out by CJ Carr for the QB1 spot on the Notre Dame depth chart. But it doesn’t mean he isn’t a player who can star elsewhere. While he is a bit undersized compared to what the prototypical QB should be, he has shown serious athleticism and the ability to extend plays. But stay in the pocket and make the right plays underderess while not rushing to use his running skills.
9. Beau Pribula, Missouri
Former Penn State recruit Beau Pribula had a solid season this year at Missouri. Early in the year, the Tigers looked like a real contender for a playoff spot because of the strong play of three year veteran. However, when the competition got tougher — Alabama and Oklahoma — he struggled.
His ability to put the ball down and run is an impactful part of his game, and he ran for 329 yards and six touchdowns in just 11 starts as a freshman for the Nittany Lions. But his turnovers are a problem (11 TDs and nine INTs in 2025). With some better coaching, he could leap forward in his skills during his final season of eligibility.
8. Aidan Chiles, Michigan State
Oregon State transfer Aidan Chiles had a much-improved season in year two with Michigan State. After having an alarming 13 touchdowns to 11 interceptions in 2024 and a 59% completion percentage, he was 10 to 3 with a 63% completition percentage in nine starts this year. He also added six TDs and 221 yards on the ground.
Chiles still needs a little more work on his technique, but his big-play potential on the ground and air, as well as his leadership skills gives him a high upside.
7. Rocco Becht, Iowa State
Iowa State veteran Rocco Becht regressed in year four. After posting career highs of 3,505 passing yards, 33 total TDs, and 318 yards on the ground in 2024, his numbers were down this past season for an 8-4 Cyclones team that had playoff hopes early in the year.
He is tough, gritty, and is good at extending plays. However, he is a little undersized for the position, doesn’t have a big arm, and he has some decision-making issues. Nevertheless, he is one of the most experienced QBs in the transfer portal and has worthwhile intangibles.
6. Byrum Brown, USF
South Florida veteran Byrum Brown has a ton of potential if he can get into a program that maximizes his talents after four seasons for the Bulls. This past season, he led the team to a rock-solid 9-4 record. Throwing for 3,158 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. But most importantly, he also ran for just over 1,000 yards in 2025. On the right team, Brown can be a Heisman contender, but he must further develop his accuracy and processing skills.
5. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska
There was a lot of hype surrounding former five-star recruit Dylan Raiola when the hopes of Nebraska’s football program were foisted on his sizable shoulders two years ago. He has an NFL build, arm, and accuracy for the next level. However, he is a classic pocket passer who isn’t very mobile. Unfortunately, his stats drop notably when he has to throw under pressure. With the right coordinator and QB coach, he still has the potential to be a Heisman candidate in his final two seasons.
4. DJ Lagway, Florida
Florida QB DJ Lagway got more opportunities in his second season as the starter for the Gators and showed growth. In the same amount of starts as 2024 (12), his completion percentage, yards, and TDs were all up. However, with more passing attempts came more INTs, and he ended the year with a 16 to 14 TD to INT ratio.
The 2023 Gatorade High School Player of the Year has a big-time arm and can make all the throws, but as his INTs this past season showed, he still needs improvement on his decision-making and mechanics. Nevertheless, he would be a huge addition for any program that landed him.
3. Josh Hoover, TCU
TCU star Josh Hoover is another one of the most experienced QBs in the upcoming transfer portal. During his four years with the Horned Frogs, he has made 36 starts and thrown for nearly 10,000 yards, which is third all-time. He is also tied for third in school history with 71 TD passes.
Although he has a strong NFL-level arm, his decision-making with the ball and in the pocket is problematic, and he has a bit of an inconsistent streak. But for a program that has nice pieces but needs a proven veteran QB, he would be a great signing.
2. Drew Mestemaker, North Texas
Playing at a notable program always draws significantly more attention. A good QB at a nationally known school can feel like an elite talent in the game. That wasn’t the case for North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker. The Mean Green redshirt freshman had a huge season for the team. Leading the nation in passing yards with 4,129. That was over 400 more than the second-place finisher. He was also tied for second with 31 TD passes.
He could be, arguably, the best QB signing in the transfer portal. The main issues with his game are concerns about notable dips in production against better competition. He also isn’t a QB who is good at extending plays.
1. Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati
Former Indiana and now Cincinnati recruit Brendan Sorsby is viewed by many as the best QB in the Jan. 2 transfer portal. This was his best year yet as he threw for 2,800 yards and tallied 27 TDs to 5 INTs. He had a career-best 155 passer rating and can be a problem on the ground as he ran for 580 yards and nine more TDs.
Like Mestemaker, there are concerns about his performance against better teams, and he needs to work on his touch on certain passes But for a program on the cusp of being a title contender if they can get a difference maker QB, Sorsby would be a massive addition.
