The transfer portal is set to open up in just a few days on Jan. 2, and it promises to be a chaotic and entertaining couple of weeks. When it comes to portal news, quarterbacks typically dominate the bulk of the conversation. There are, however, a ton of talented non-quarterbacks who will also be searching for new homes. 

Ahead of the portal opening up, there’s no better time to make some predictions. This portal movement can change so quickly, but with some intel and common sense, there are educated guesses worth making. Here is where I see some of the top players ending up. 

Transfer Portal predictions 

Here are the predicted landing spots for the top non-quarterbacks in the transfer portal. 

EDGE Chaz Coleman (Penn State) – Ohio State

Tennessee has been a contender to know for Chaz Coleman, considering his connection to new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. South Carolina is also a wild card with former Penn State defensive line coach Deion Barnes. His Ohio roots, however, are why I picked the 6-4, 249-pound pass rusher to end up with the Buckeyes in the end. 

DT Mateen Ibirogba (Wake Forest) – Notre Dame

Notre Dame will be aggressive in the portal, and there is no question that defensive tackle is its biggest need. Mateen Ibirogba is an intriguing interior rusher with a hefty price tag. He feels like the perfect fit for the Fighting Irish defense. 

OT Carius Curne (LSU) – Arkansas

The former Arkansas native feels like a top target for the Razorbacks this offseason. While it didn’t work out at LSU, Carius Curne is young and certainly talented. The 6-5, 320-pounder could play four different positions on the offensive line. 

RB Hollywood Smothers (NC State) – Clemson 

There are several teams involved with Hollywood Smothers. Notre Dame could be a strong contender if it chooses to push, but I’m uncertain if it will, at least as much as some others. With Adam Randall heading to the NFL, Clemson is in desperate need of adding talented running backs to the room. 

WR Nick Marsh (Michigan State) – LSU

There will be a ton of suitors for Nick Marsh, who brings impact size and a crazy catch radius in the boundary. Notre Dame is another school expected to make a big push, but the track record for LSU at the position could be hard to beat. Head coach Lane Kiffin would do wonders for Marsh and his potential. 

WR Jayce Brown (Kansas State) – Texas A&M 

There is a lot of buzz for the Texas A&M Aggies right now. With Kevin Concepcion heading to the NFL, this offense needs an injection of speed. Jayce Brown brings a whole lot of that.

WR Omarion Miller (Colorado) – Arizona State 

Some believed Omarion Miller would declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, but instead, he opted to enter the portal. The 6-2, 210-pound boundary receiver is a big body with deceptive speed. While there are some bigger suitors out there, many believe Miller could join head coach Kenny Dillingham to replace the departed Jordyn Tyson. 

OT Xavier Chaplin (Auburn) – South Carolina 

With high spring grades from the NFL before the season, many expected Xavier Chaplin to have a strong lone season with Auburn and head off into the sunset. Unfortunately for the 6-7, 348-pound blindside protector, that 2025 season did not go well. Originally from South Carolina, the Gamecocks would be smart to invest in the reclamation project. 

LB Liona Lefau (Texas) – USC 

A native of Hawaii, it’s expected that USC will make a strong run at Liona Lefau. The Trojans are saying goodbye to Eric Gentry this offseason, so they certainly could use an injection of talent on the second level. Lefau heads into his final season with 139 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, and an interception. 

TE Benjamin Brahmer (Iowa State) – Penn State 

There are going to be several former Cyclones who follow head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State, and Benjamin Brahmer should be one of them. At 6-7 and 255 pounds, Brahmer is an impressive talent at tight end. He’s coming off his best season in 2025, hauling in 37 receptions for 446 yards and six touchdowns. 

RB Caleb Hawkins (North Texas) – Texas 

Just a true freshman this past season, Caleb Hawkins became a revelation for North Texas, rushing for 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns. The 6-2, 200-pound runner also hauled in 32 receptions for 370 yards and four more scores as a receiver. A long list of impressive programs is expected to pursue Hawkins, including Texas, Oklahoma, and his former head coach, Eric Morris, at Oklahoma State.

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Ryan Roberts