10 under-the-radar college football transfer portal players who could have a major impact in 2026

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Here are some players who might be off the some fans’ radar who could end up playing big roles for their respective teams this fall.

College football’s transfer portal brings a new layer of drama to the sport every January. Thousands of players flock into the portal, looking for new football homes. Programs look for their new difference makers to help push them over the top the following season. Big names and recruitments, such as Sam Leavitt and Cam Coleman, dominated the headlines back in January.

But there were plenty of other moves that didn’t quite have the same juice publicly who could still end up having a significant impact once the lights come on this fall. Who could be some of those difference makers? Who are the names who fans will be talking about late in the year that aren’t getting as much attention now?

Here are ten transfers to watch across the country for the 2026 season.

Florida RB Evan Pryor

“We know that Jadan Baugh is one of, if not the best, running backs in the nation , but the depth behind him has a lot of question marks. Pryor only has 172 carries since entering college in 2021, including just 132 in the last two years at Cincinnati. What he did do for the Bearcats was be explosive in those limited reps, averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He’s got the juice to be a great complement to Baugh, and that’s something the Gators need offensively.” – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Florida

Oklahoma TE Hayden Hansen

“The Oklahoma Sooners added a ton of guys in the transfer portal who could be big-time players for them. However, none bigger than the skill-position players in the wide receiver and tight end rooms. Hansen, the transfer TE from Florida, could be the biggest impact player for OU. And yet, it could even be a situation where he’s not even racking up receiving yards. The Sooners were terrible in the run game last year, and the tight end position didn’t help in the run blocking whatsoever. Hansen, who’s 6-8, is one of the best run blockers in the entire country. This should surely help OU out a ton, even if it’s not going to show up on the stat sheet.” – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports Oklahoma

Miami SAF Omar Thornton

“The Hurricanes were paced last year by a ferocious and physical defense. While that tone was set at the line of scrimmage with Rueben Bain, Jr., Ahmad Moten, and Akheem Mesidor, it was continued on the back end by CB Keionte Scott and SAF Jakobe Thomas. With all of the aforementioned players off to the NFL, Miami brought in Boston College DB Omar Thornton during this last portal window. Thornton has proven to be an absolute thumper and was one of the standouts at the spring game. He could step in and have a big role in Miami’s defense this year.” – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

Alabama LB Caleb Woodson

“The Alabama Crimson Tide hit the transfer portal hard after its devastating loss to the reigning national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, in the Rose Bowl. Most of the moves were dedicated to the trenches, as Alabama has undergone a transformation along both the offensive and defensive lines. But the singular individual that will have the biggest impact in 2026? I believe that will be Woodson. The Virginia Tech transfer is known for his coverage abilities and high-paced play, but he’s added over 10 pounds of mass this offseason, nearing 240 pounds total while still flashing that brilliant acceleration during spring ball. He could be the most impactful transfer in Tuscaloosa this year, and at a position that desperately needs help following the loss of two starters to the NFL.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Notre Dame DT Tionne Gray

“Pitt transfer defensive tackle Francis Brewu has grabbed a lot of the headlines this offseason, and his floor is a big reason why. With his past production and relationship with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, most expect him to play a major role. Gray, who transferred from Oregon this offseason, just brings a different profile that Notre Dame hasn't had enough of. At 6-5 and 330 pounds, Gray has a remarkable ceiling if he's able to develop technically.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Texas LB Justin Cryer

“The Texas Longhorns had one of the most active transfer portals in the sport back in January, picking up headliners like WR Cam Coleman and RB Hollywood Smothers, but it might be an addition on the defensive side of the ball that is heralded as the most underrated by the end of 2026. Cryer is returning to his home state after three seasons with the Florida State Seminoles, where he recorded 86 tackles, one sack, and one interception.

“Following the loss of Anthony Hill Jr. to the NFL, Cryer will fill a void that was going to be present in the middle of that Longhorns defense, providing a veteran presence and traditional body type and playstyle at stacked backer. Cryer is the type of pickup that goes unnoticed until Texas is making a run in the CFP, and then you realize his value.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

Penn State DB Jeremiah Cooper

“During his Iowa State career, Cooper was asked to play everywhere from safety, cornerback, and nickel. It appears that Cooper is set to play safety, which fits great for his versatile skill set. Penn State is overhauling its secondary this offseason. Cooper brings the experience and talent to raise the floor.” – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame

Indiana WR Nick Marsh

“While Indiana’s passing game is ripe to return to dominance with the continued development of Charlie Becker, the portal was highlighted by names like Cam Coleman and Marsh from Michigan State, who could turn out to be one of the most impactful portal additions in 2026. He was a known commodity for those entrenched in the college football world, but not a lot of people are going out of their way to watch Michigan State football.

“He will be one of the focal points on an Indiana offense that, despite losing multiple players to the draft, doesn’t plan on slowing down. His vertical presence and frame should pair well with Becker, and it gives fellow transfer portal addition quarterback Josh Hoover two true vertical elements on either side of the perimeter. Marsh will be a household name by the end of 2026 if all goes to plan.” – Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Alabama

WR Devin McCuinn, Ohio State

“The Buckeyes went out of the ordinary this past winter and grabbed two wideouts from the portal. There's a world where McCuinn, a former UTSA standout, makes a name for himself as Ohio State's No. 2 wideout alongside Jeremiah Smith. McCuinn brings game-breaking speed and can do damage after the catch. Ohio State wants to be an improved team in creating big plays after the catch in 2026, and McCuinn might be the leader in the clubhouse to make it happen.” – Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Ohio State

Tennessee CB Kayin Lee

“Tennessee saw Jermod McCoy and Colton Hood leave for the NFL, and another talented option in Rickey Gibson III transferred to Texas A&M. The Vols have two big pairs of shoes to fill at the corner spots, and they have a good young option on one side in rising sophomore Ty Redmond, who flashed significant potential last season. But it could be Auburn transfer Kayin Lee who ends up carving a role out for himself. Lee was a standout at Tennessee’s spring game, and he brings significant experience with him – 36 games, 81 total tackles, and three interceptions. He could continue Tennessee’s recent trend of a transfer corner making an immediate and significant impact quickly.” – Craig Smith, A to Z Sports Tennessee

This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: 10 under-the-radar college football transfer portal players who could have a major impact in 2026

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