From CFB-HQ On SI · · 2m
21 College Football Transfers Power 2026 Contenders
21 transfers reshape 2026 college football with Miami, UCLA and others rising.
In brief
21 transfers reshape 2026 college football with Miami, UCLA and others rising. Miami and UCLA lead 2026 college football with 21 portal additions including Darian Mensah and Ta’Shawn James. Originally reported by CFB-HQ On SI.
2026 Transfer Portal Impact
College football’s transfer portal has shaped the 2026 season at every level.
Miami Climbs AP Poll
Miami climbed to No. 1 in the AP poll this week for the first time since 2002.
UCLA 6-0 Record
UCLA is 6-0 under first-year coach Bob Chesney with three transfers on this list.
Alphabetical Order Note
The players are not ranked below, the list is in alphabetical order.
Braden Atkinson
Braden Atkinson, QB, Oregon State with 2,604 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
Kaleb Beasley
Kaleb Beasley, S, Louisville with five interceptions including Walter Camp honors.
Muaaz Byard
Muaaz Byard, LB, UAB with 69 tackles and 27 defensive portal additions.
Jordan Castell
Jordan Castell, S, Kentucky with four interceptions and 21-13 win against Oklahoma.
Cam Cook
Cam Cook, RB, West Virginia with 833 rushing yards and 72-yard first play.
Xavier Esqillion
Xavier Esqillion, LB, Georgia State with seven sacks and two forced fumbles.
Xavier Gilliam
Xavier Gilliam, DL, Tennessee with five sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
Ethan Grunkemeyer
Ethan Grunkemeyer, QB, Virginia Tech with 1,984 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Sione Hala
Sione Hala, LB, San Diego State with 69 tackles and 64 tackles at Weber State.
Michael Hawkins Jr.
Michael Hawkins Jr., QB, West Virginia with 103 rushing yards and 464 passing yards.
Ta’Shawn James
Ta’Shawn James, DB, UCLA with four interceptions and 39-yard pick-six.
Wayne Knight
Wayne Knight, RB, UCLA with 10 rushing touchdowns and 7.7 yards per carry.
Kingston Lopa
Kingston Lopa, S, Cal with five interceptions and 6-foot-5 frame.
Gio Lopez
Gio Lopez, QB, Wake Forest with 1,946 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Darian Mensah
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami with 326 yards and three touchdowns in win over Florida State.
Drew Mestemaker
Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State with 4,379 passing yards and 39-31 upset win.
The key point
Miami and UCLA lead 2026 college football with 21 portal additions including Darian Mensah and Ta’Shawn James.
