Latest transfer portal intel includes potential landing spots and updates on Ty Simpson, DJ Lagway, Sam Leavitt, and more
College football’s transfer portal officially opens on January 2, 2026. Here is the latest intel on some of the big names.
The College Football Playoff kicks off this week as the best ball of the season gets underway, starting Friday. For many teams and players, however, the focus is on 2026. Multiple players have already announced their intention to enter the transfer portal when it officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
So to gear up for what could be a wild month, Rob Gregson of A to Z Sports Alabama, and Ryan Roberts of A to Z Sports Notre Dame spoke with multiple sources, including agents, financial advisors, and team personnel, to gather the latest on some of the big names in the sport.
Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama
What sources are saying: “If Alabama loses round one and Kalen DeBoer stays, you have to assume it’s Keelon Russell’s job. Ty has lost the luster that made him a first-round pick, and he would probably return. He would immediately become the top name in the portal.”
Life in college football changes very fast. Before Thanksgiving, Ty Simpson was among the Heisman Trophy candidates and was selected as high first overall in some 2026 mock drafts. That Simpson has disappeared, however, and the SEC Championship game was the culmination of his struggles.
Now, there is a world where Simpson and the Alabama Crimson Tide go on a run, he performs at an elite level, and gets himself back in the good graces of NFL evaluators. But if Alabama loses to the Oklahoma Sooners on Friday and Simpson struggles yet again, he may have no choice but to go back to school, and Alabama may be ready to turn to the five-star.
Brendan Sorsby, QB, Cincinnati
What sources are saying: “Expect a strong market, but keep an eye on Texas Tech. They would be willing to pay whatever he wants.”
“Texas Tech is going to go all in on Sorsby if he returns to school. Indiana is the other team to watch for him. A lot of folks wonder where Sorsby would be right now if he never left Bloomington to begin with.”
If Simpson were to declare or return to Alabama, Brendan Sorsby would be the top name in the portal in the eyes of many. A toolsy passer with an excellent physical profile and notable traits, Sorsby tossed 27 TDs but threw only five interceptions and had a top-10 QBR in the country in 2025.
Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
What sources are saying: “If Dante Moore leaves for the NFL, Leavitt becomes priority number one for the (Oregon) Ducks.”
Sam Leavitt is an explosive talent with the ball in his hands, proving to be one of the better dual threats in the country. However, one source described him as a “Jordyn Tyson merchant,” and many were turned off by his decision not to attend ASU’s end-of-season banquet after declaring he intended to transfer.
Even still, expect Leavitt to be highly coveted, with Oregon as a top destination.
Deuce Knight, QB, Auburn
What sources are saying: “Even before (Hugh) Freeze was let go, we were starting to hear rumors about Knight. Auburn isn’t necessarily out of it, but there is going to be heavy demand for him. Keep an eye on Boston College to reunite with general manager Kenyatta Watson. This is going to be an interesting one if Knight leaves.”
Knight got the start against the Mercer Bears this season, and he put on an absolute show. Granted, Mercer isn’t exactly the SEC or the Big Ten, but the innate QB instincts, athleticism, and traits popped. He is the ideal college QB with tremendous upside.
DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
What sources are saying: “Florida is going to do whatever it takes to get Lagway back for his junior year with a new staff, but I’d lean that he doesn’t right now. I’m not sure how big his market will be, but the kid might just need a fresh start. That’s where I lean right now.”
Lagway dealt with injuries that prevented him from practicing and ultimately developing the way he needed to in 2025. The talent you saw in his freshman season didn’t suddenly disappear. His deep ball accuracy, arm talent, and movement skills make him a must-watch in 2026, whether that’s at Florida or elsewhere.
Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
What sources are saying: “Notre Dame is in a unique spot. Wagner is a good player, but they have a few younger offensive lineman ready to play. Don’t be surprised if Wagner tests the portal. With the experience he has, he’ll be compensated very well… The market for offensive linemen is wild.”
Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
What sources are saying: “It sounds like he’s leaning to return for another year right now instead of entering the draft. If he does, Arizona State is going to fight hard to get him back. They’ll have to fight off a couple of SEC schools with hefty offers that will be on the table.”
Kieth Abney has more than a few in the league who like his profile, but a return to school might only boost that stock. With a potential mass exodus coming to ASU, Abney could be looking to cash in at a premier program in 2026.
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