Portal Pulse: January 13
This is the January 13th version of the "Portal Pulse" looking back at the transfer portal movement from the day that was.
In this edition of the Pulse, we’ll look back at the day that was, January 12th, 2026, with plenty of impactful transfer portal movement.
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[ Note: The number in parentheses is the player rating — out of 20. If you’d like to learn more about how this number is derived, check out this article > ]
SUMMARY
Another BUSY day of player movement saw the following take place in our tracker:
Entries = 39 (+16 from day prior)
Signings = 131 (-18 from day prior)
Here is a look at the total breakdown from our Portal Tracker: Summary page:
With four days left in the window, we saw another small surge of entries yesterday, and it was a slightly slower day with signings and commitments. It will be interesting to see what the rest of this week brings in terms of any blitzes on either side of the ledger. We are anticipating a crazy final day on Friday as players reach their deadline. Some will enter just so they have the option and can always withdraw. Speaking of, we are starting to see the withdrawals pick up as well. Players are checking out their markets and realizing there just isn’t much room there unless they are sought after or hold the cards.
WHAT AM I LOOKING AT HERE?
We are tracking full roster talent churn. It’s important to note that this rating and ranking is 1.) portal-only and 2.) total roster talent churn. This means that we are counting every player who is coming and going to come up with this ranking. Later, we will dive into actual impacts by projecting rotational playing time. We had some questions about this and thought it important to describe in more detail.
TOP TEN :::::: view all >
There is a little jockeying at the top of our list, but the UCLA Bruins maintain the top spot. Indiana jumps Arizona State into second place. Wisconsin and Wake Forest hold their 4-5 spots. The story here is that Brian Hartline’s USF Bulls are making moves. They enter the top ten, coming in at No. 6. While the narrative remains more about how many players are following Alex Golesh to Auburn (more on that below), they picked up five players of their own yesterday. That group is led by former Colorado State WR Armani Winfield [11.8], Former MO State OL Cash Hudson [11.3] and TE Kade Caton [11.3] from Oregon. At the bottom of the top ten, Louisville, Arizona and Duke give way to Texas A&M, Kansas and Texas Tech.
We now have 25 of 136 teams in positive talent churn (+2 from a day ago).
BOTTOM TEN :::::: view all >
TRENDS
Top Ten Trending UP:
As mentioned above, the movement from South Florida to The Plains is in full-go mode. The Auburn Tigers, now led by Alex Golesh, is the biggest mover up over the last 24 hours. They picked up two Bulls’ starting offensive linemen, C Cole Best [13.2] and RG Cole Skinner [12.7]. They also added CB Shamar Arnoux [11.8] from FSU and depth QB Tristan Ti’a [10.9] in from Oregon State.
Virginia continues to load up in the portal, following last years’ trend. They have moved up to #40 and are nearing getting into the black (-37.88). They picked up two of the top five signings from yesterday — DL Jamond Mathis [15.4] from Kent State and a new potential starting QB in Beau Pribula [15.3] from Mizzou (via Penn State). Throw in DL Zion Wilson [13.7] from ECU and they are adding quality pieces to an already top-third ACC-caliber roster.
Top Ten Trending DOWN:
TOP PLAYER ENTRIES
Notes: YER = Years of Eligibility remaining.
A ‘+’ indicates a potential additional year for a medical hardship waiver for the 2025 season.
DL Dean Miller [13.9], leaving Kansas
A veteran pass rusher hailing from Los Angeles, Miller stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 240 pounds. During his 2025 senior campaign at Kansas, he played in 11 games, recording 29 total tackles and one sack. While he has 13.5 career tackles for loss, his future remains in flux as he awaits a court ruling on JUCO eligibility that could grant him an additional year. This experience makes him a valuable asset for teams seeking a physical edge on the defensive line. If cleared for 2026, he is expected to be a highly sought-after commodity in the portal.DL D’antre Robinson [13.7], leaving North Carolina
Robinson is a massive interior presence at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds. He spent the 2025 season as a sophomore at UNC after transferring from Florida, where he was a former four-star recruit. In 12 appearances this past season, he tallied 39 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. PFF rated him as the highest-graded run defender among the Tar Heels’ interior linemen in 2025. He enters the portal with three seasons of eligibility remaining.DL Ashton Porter [13.5], leaving Oregon
Porter is a 6-foot-3, 290-pound redshirt sophomore who originally arrived in Eugene as a top recruit from Cypress, Texas. In the 2025 season, he served as a solid rotational piece, appearing in 15 games and logging 20 tackles along with one sack. Known for his versatility, he played everything from edge rusher to linebacker for the Ducks. Despite showing flashes of potential, the return of Oregon’s starting defensive front for 2026 led him to seek a full-time starting role elsewhere. He will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next destination.OL Davion Weatherspoon [13.5], leaving Ohio
Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 311 pounds, Weatherspoon has been a fixture on the Ohio Bobcats’ offensive line for five years. The Detroit native served as an offensive team captain in 2025, providing veteran leadership for the program. Over his career, he appeared in 38 games and was a pivotal part of several nine-win seasons in the MAC. His versatility allowed him to play across the interior line, helping the offense maintain steady production. He is entering the portal as a graduate student with a wealth of experience.DB Kaleb Beasley [13.3], leaving Tennessee
Beasley spent the last two seasons as a versatile defensive back for the Volunteers. During this season, he recorded 24 total tackles and made a significant impact on special teams, including returning a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown against UAB. He was a highly touted four-star prospect coming out of local Lipscomb Academy in the 2024 class. Known for being technically skilled, he has the flexibility to play both cornerback and safety. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Other notable entries:
YER = Years of Eligibility Remaining
Colorado: OL Jordan Seaton [13.2] YER: 2
Ohio State: DB Faheem Delane [13.2] YER: 3
Wisconsin: DB Omillio Agard [12.9] YER: 3
Oregon: DL Jericho Johnson [12.8] YER: 3
Oregon: DL Tionne Gray [12.5] YER: 3
UNLV: LB Justin Flowe [12.3] YER: 1
Duke: DB Ma’khi Jones [12.2] YER: 3
Memphis: OL Yakiri Walker [12.2] YER: 1
West Virginia: OL Mickel Clay [12.1] YER: 0
Texas State: LB Chantz Johnson [11.6] YER: 2
Michigan: DB Tevis Metcalf [11.2] YER: 3
Virginia: OL Wallace Unamba [11.1] YER: 1
Oregon: QB Luke Moga [10.9] YER: 3
Penn State: P Nathan Tiyce [10.7] YER: 3
LSU: DB Jacob Bradford [10.6] YER: 4
UAB: DB Pierre Royster [10.4] YER: 0
Ole Miss: DB TJ Banks [10.3] YER: 2
Kennesaw State: LB Jaden Kelly [10.2] YER: 1
Ole Miss: DL Jeffery Rush [10.2] YER: 3
UCF: QB Davi Belfort [10.2] YER: 3
South Carolina: OL Jatavius Shivers [10.2] YER: 2
TOP PLAYER SIGNINGS
Here is a look at the top ten portal entries (by player rating) we saw enter over the last 24 hours:
DB Terry Moore [16.9] Signed with: Ohio State << from Duke
The Buckeyes are getting a highly productive safety who was a Second Team All-America selection in 2024 after a stellar season at Duke where he recorded 71 tackles, 7.0 TFL, four interceptions, and six pass breakups. He is 6’1” and weighs 195 pounds. Moore missed the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl but is expected to be healthy for the 2026 season. He is projected to fill the void left by Caleb Downs and could compete for a starting spot in the deep secondary alongside returning starter Jaylen McClain and fellow transfer Earl Little Jr.K Lorcan Quinn [16.3] Signed with: Alabama << from Marshall
A product of Northern Ireland, Quinn made an immediate impact in his 2025 freshman season at Marshall, leading the Sun Belt Conference in scoring with 101 points. He connected on 21 of 26 field goal attempts (80.8%), including a long of 55 yards and four makes from over 50 yards, which broke a Marshall career record. At 6’1” and 190 pounds, his elite leg strength is a major asset. He is expected to take over the starting kicking duties for Alabama and push for All-SEC honors immediately.QB Sam Leavitt [15.7] Signed with: LSU << from Arizona State
Sam Leavitt’s commitment is critical for LSU because he instantly fills the team’s most pressing need for a proven starting quarterback following Garrett Nussmeier’s graduation and other transfers, providing the new head coach Lane Kiffin with an established and highly-ranked signal-caller for his first season. As the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the transfer portal, Leavitt’s arrival not only secures a key position but also elevates LSU’s entire transfer class to the top national ranking, a significant recruiting victory over other interested programs like Miami and Tennessee. His dual-threat capabilities and experience, which include leading Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, make the perfect fit to lead the Tigers under their new leadership.DL Jamond Mathis [15.4] Signed with: Virginia << from Kent State
Mathis brings valuable experience and depth to the Cavaliers defensive line. In his most productive season at Kent State, he demonstrated an ability to penetrate the backfield, accumulating multiple tackles for loss and sacks. His size (6’3”, 280 lbs) and quickness make him a disruptive force in the trenches. He will be a key piece in Virginia’s defensive rotation and should immediately push for playing time on the interior.QB Beau Pribula [15.3] Signed with: Virginia << from Missouri
Pribula joins Virginia after one season at Missouri where he showed flashes of greatness, but struggled against the top competition and was injured much of the year. He is known for his dual-threat capabilities, offering a different dynamic from a traditional pocket passer. He will likely take over for the graduating Chandler Morris and brings a similar style to continue the offensive momentum in Charlottesville.WR Iverson Hooks [15.0] Signed with: Oregon << from UAB
Hooks is a speedy receiver who made a name for himself at UAB with his ability to stretch the field. In his most recent season, he posted impressive numbers, including over 800 receiving yards and several touchdowns, showcasing his reliable hands and route-running skills. At 6’0” and 185 pounds, his quickness is his standout physical attribute. He will enter a competitive wide receiver room at Oregon, where he will fight for targets and look to become a primary vertical threat for the Ducks.DB Jayden Sanders [14.9] Signed with: Notre Dame << from Michigan
Sanders arrives in South Bend as an experienced defensive back from Michigan. His career there was characterized by consistent play in the secondary, where he contributed to one of the nation’s top units. He is 6’2” and 200 pounds. Sanders’ versatility means he can play both safety and cornerback, giving the Notre Dame defensive staff flexibility in the secondary. He will immediately factor into the rotation and compete for a starting spot in a talented defensive backfield.RB Dante Dowdell [14.8] Signed with: Georgia << from Kentucky
The Bulldogs have added a powerful running back in Dowdell. During his time at Kentucky, he was utilized in a rotational capacity, demonstrating his bruising running style and effectiveness in short-yardage situations. He stands at a robust 6’2” and 220 pounds. With his size and skill set, Dowdell is a strong candidate for goal-line carries and a reliable backup role, providing immediate depth to an already deep Georgia running back room.LB Sammy Omosigho [14.4] Signed with: UCLA << from Oklahoma
Omosigho is an athletic linebacker who comes to UCLA after a productive career at Oklahoma. He is known for his speed and ability to cover ground quickly, making plays from sideline to sideline. His final season with the Sooners included impressive stats such as a significant number of solo tackles and pass breakups. He is 6’1” and 220 pounds. He is expected to step into a leadership role in the Bruins’ linebacker corps and should compete for immediate first-team reps.WR Cameron Miller [14.3] Signed with Ole Miss << from Kentucky
This commitment to Ole Miss is important because he offers the team a high-upside, developmental wide receiver with valuable SEC experience, fitting seamlessly into the system. As a former highly-rated three-star prospect from the 2025 class, Miller brings versatility, reliable hands, and an ability to gain yards after the catch, which makes him a "Swiss Army knife" type of player who can contribute in various roles. Having three years of eligibility remaining means he can develop within the Rebels' system for multiple seasons, addressing depth concerns in the wide receiver room going forward.
Other notable commitments:
Nebraska: DL Jahsear Whittington [14.3] << from Pittsburgh -- YER: 3
Oklahoma: DL Bishop Thomas [14.3] << from Georgia State -- YER: 1
Vanderbilt: WR Ja'Cory Thomas [14.2] << from Old Dominion -- YER: 2
Boston College: P Bryce LaFollette [14.0] << from Towson -- YER: 1
Texas A&M: DL CJ Mims [14.0] << from North Carolina -- YER: 1
Texas Tech: WR Malcolm Simmons [13.9] << from Auburn -- YER: 2
Virginia: DL Zion Wilson [13.9] << from East Carolina -- YER: 1
Ohio State: TE Hunter Welcing [13.7] << from Northwestern -- YER: 1
Washington: RB Jayden Limar [13.7] << from Oregon -- YER: 1
Wyoming: DL Thaddeus Gianaris [13.7] << from Dartmouth -- YER: 1
Tennessee: DL Jordan Norman [13.7] << from Tulane -- YER: 2
Ohio State: DL Qua Russaw [13.7] << from Alabama -- YER: 2
East Carolina: LB Crews Law [13.7] << from Memphis -- YER: 3
Indiana: WR Shazz Preston [13.6] << from Tulane -- YER: 1
See all in the “Sicko Section” at the bottom
Other Notes
Portal Withdrawals:
— LSU: Lane Kiffin convinces RB Caden Durham [14.7] to return to the Tigers for 2026 after entering January 3rd.
— FAU: Starting C Vince Fiacable [12.9] is withdrawing from the portal and returning to the Owls for 2026.
— SDSU: S Dalesean Staley [12.7] is deciding to stick with the Aztecs after entering the portal on January 1st.
— Arkansas: DL Charlie Collins [12.9] is going to stick around Fayetteville under the new regime after his withdrawal from the portal.
— Michigan State Jordan Young [12.1] will return to Michigan after originally entering his name in the portal.
— UTEP S Justin Content [11.6] is returning to the Miners after taking a look around in the portal.
Commitment Flip:
— Former Kentucky WR Hardley Gilmore IV [12.7] flips from Louisville to Baylor.
SICKO SECTION
Entry Log (the rest of the entries noted from this period):
No more to mention.
Signing Log (the rest of the commitments that took place):
Michigan: DB Chris Bracy [13.4] << from Memphis -- YER: 2
Texas Tech: LB Corey Platt Jr. [13.4] << from Houston -- YER: 1
Alabama: OL Ty Haywood [13.4] << from Michigan -- YER: 4
Notre Dame: WR Quincy Porter [13.4] << from Ohio State -- YER: 4
Notre Dame: DL Keon Keeley [13.3] << from Alabama -- YER: 2
USC: DL Zuriah Fisher [13.3] << from Penn State -- YER: 0
Mississippi State: DB Kendel Dolby [13.2] << from Oklahoma -- YER: 2
Auburn: OL Cole Best [13.2] << from South Florida -- YER: 0
Syracuse: DL Tunmise Adeleye [13.1] << from UNLV -- YER: 1
Texas State: DL Chancellor Owens [13.1] << from Arizona -- YER: 2
Oregon: DB Carl Williams IV [13.1] << from Baylor -- YER: 2
Boise State: RB Juelz Goff [13.1] << from Pittsburgh -- YER: 3
Michigan State: DL Eli Coenen [12.9] << from Illinois -- YER: 2
UCF: DL Ken Talley [12.9] << from Arkansas -- YER: 1
Florida: DB Kanye Clark [12.9] << from UCLA -- YER: 2
Kansas State: DB Adrian Maddox [12.9] << from Georgia -- YER: 1
Oregon: DB Koi Perich [12.8] << from Minnesota -- YER: 2
Iowa State: RB Cameron Pettaway [12.8] << from Bowling Green -- YER: 3
Auburn: OL Cole Skinner [12.7] << from South Florida -- YER: 1
Oregon: QB Dylan Raiola [12.7] << from Nebraska -- YER: 2
Buffalo: DL Caleb Oliver [12.7] << from Wofford -- YER: 2
Indiana: DB A.J. Harris [12.7] << from Penn State -- YER: 1
Kansas State: RB Jay Harris [12.7] << from Oregon -- YER: 1
Baylor: WR Hardley Gilmore IV [12.6] << from Kentucky -- YER: 2
BYU: OL Paki Finau [12.6] << from Washington -- YER: 3
Alabama: WR Noah Rogers [12.5] << from North Carolina State -- YER: 2
Utah: DB James Chenault [12.5] << from South Florida -- YER: 2
Michigan: LB Max Alford [12.4] << from BYU -- YER: 1
Washington State: DL Paul Hutson III [12.4] << from Marshall -- YER: 1
Mississippi State: DB Jardin Gilbert [12.3] << from LSU -- YER: 1
Massachusetts: DL Andrew Depaepe [12.2] << from Indiana -- YER: 2
Oregon State: WR Adonis McDaniel [12.2] << from Mercer -- YER: 1
Miami (FL): DL Jarquez Carter [12.2] << from Ohio State -- YER: 3
Jacksonville State: DB Rob Billings [12.2] << from Clemson -- YER: 2
Arkansas: WR Jelani Watkins [12.1] << from LSU -- YER: 3
Kent State: DB Norey Johnson [12.1] << from Houston Christian -- YER: 1
Baylor: DL Daemian Wimberly [12.0] << from UTSA -- YER: 2
North Texas: QB Tayven Jackson [11.9] << from UCF -- YER: 1
South Florida: WR Armani Winfield [11.8] << from Colorado State -- YER: 1
Auburn: DB Shamar Arnoux [11.8] << from Florida State -- YER: 3
BYU: LB Cade Uluave [11.7] << from California -- YER: 1
Ohio State: DL James Smith [11.7] << from Alabama -- YER: 1
Virginia Tech: DL Randy Adirika [11.7] << from Penn State -- YER: 4
UCF: DL L A Jessie Harrold [11.7] << from Florida State -- YER: 4
Florida Atlantic: DB JK Johnson [11.6] << from Oklahoma State -- YER: 1
Boston College: WR Landon Wright [11.5] << from Washington State -- YER: 3
Wisconsin: DL Jake Anderson [11.4] << from Illinois State -- YER: 1
James Madison: OL Tyler Brown [11.4] << from Colorado -- YER: 1
Ole Miss: RB JT Lindsey [11.4] << from LSU -- YER: 4
North Carolina State: OL Daniel Cruz [11.4] << from Texas -- YER: 3
Coastal Carolina: DL Donovan Grayson [11.4] << from Samford -- YER: 2
Baylor: WR Dre'lon Miller [11.4] << from Colorado -- YER: 2
Oregon: OL Michael Bennett [11.4] << from Yale -- YER: 1
South Florida: OL Cash Hudson [11.3] << from Missouri State -- YER: 1
South Florida: TE Kade Caton [11.3] << from Oregon -- YER: 3
Purdue: WR Bisi Owens [11.2] << from Penn -- YER: 1
SMU: WR Jalen Hale [11.1] << from Alabama -- YER: 2
Kentucky: OL Tegra Tshabola [11.1] << from Ohio State -- YER: 1
Northwestern: DB Montae Pate [11.1] << from Weber State -- YER: 1
Connecticut: DL Tahjae Mullix [11.1] << from Oregon State -- YER: 1+
Wisconsin: WR Malachi Coleman [10.9] << from Minnesota -- YER: 2
LSU: WR Roman Mothershed [10.9] << from Troy -- YER: 2
Auburn: QB Tristan Ti'a [10.9] << from Oregon State -- YER: 4
West Virginia: TE Cam Ball [10.8] << from Mississippi State -- YER: 1
UTEP: WR Royal Capell [10.7] << from Oklahoma State -- YER: 3
UTSA: TE Brandon Young Jr. [10.7] << from North Texas -- YER: 3
Penn State: WR Keith Jones Jr. [10.7] << from Georgetown -- YER: 3
Penn State: P Nathan Tiyce [10.6] << from Mississippi State -- YER: 3
Georgia State: OL Jordan Brown [10.6] << from Arizona -- YER: 1
North Alabama: DL Cayden Adkins [10.6] << from Georgia State -- YER: 3
Connecticut: OL Christian Richter [10.6] << from Marshall -- YER: 1
Cal Poly: LB Chase Martin [10.5] << from Boise State -- YER: 2
Connecticut: DB Steve Miller [10.5] << from USC -- YER: 4
Michigan: OL Houston Ka'aha'aina-Torres [10.4] << from Nebraska -- YER: 4
Kansas: DL Kevin Oatis [10.4] << from Arkansas -- YER: 4
Massachusetts: DL William Depaepe [10.4] << from Indiana -- YER: 3
Arizona: WR Jordan Ross [10.3] << from Colorado State -- YER: 2
Tarleton: DB Fredd Adams [10.3] << from Coastal Carolina -- YER: 2
North Texas: DL Christian Lorenzo [10.3] << from Illinois State -- YER: 1
Syracuse: WR Matt Outten [10.2] << from Penn State -- YER: 4
Texas A&M: LB TJ Smith [10.2] << from Houston Christian -- YER: 2
Baylor: LB Kedrick Walker [10.2] << from Georgia State -- YER: 3
LSU: OL Darrin Strey [10.2] << from Kentucky -- YER: 4
UCLA: OL Mack Indestad [10.2] << from Eastern Michigan -- YER: 1+
Mississippi State: OL Isaiah Dent [10.2] << from Oklahoma -- YER: 3
South Florida: TE Luke Clyburn [10.2] << from Furman -- YER: 1
Southern Utah: WR Lamason Waller III [10.1] << from BYU -- YER: 4
Oregon State: OL Teko Shoats [10.0] << from Bethune–Cookman -- YER: 2
Southern Miss: WR Mario Sanders II [10.0] << from Illinois -- YER: 1
South Florida: DL Major Dillard [10.0] << from Norfolk State -- YER: 2
Mississippi State: OL DJ Chester [9.98] << from LSU -- YER: 2
Sam Houston: WR Kyan Berry-Johnson [9.92] << from Wisconsin -- YER: 3
Oregon State: OL Carter Guillaume [9.86] << from Louisville -- YER: 3
Houston: QB Luke Carney [9.85] << from Syracuse -- YER: 4
Arkansas State: QB Jérémy St-Hilaire [9.77] << from Vanderbilt -- YER: 3
SMU: TE Trey Jackson [9.74] << from Texas Tech -- YER: 3
Texas State: QB Shaker Reisig [9.66] << from Boston College -- YER: 4
Iowa State: TE Jordan Vyborny [9.29] << from Oklahoma State -- YER: 4
BYU: OL Jr Sia [9.19] << from Utah State -- YER: 2
Incarnate Word: WR Cedric Lott Jr. [8.55] << from Boston College -- YER: 3
Iowa State: TE Christian Greenlaw [8.41] << from Hampton -- YER: 2
Ball State: OL Misael Sandoval [8.08] << from Vanderbilt -- YER: 2
Penn State: OL Tyshon Huff [8.05] << from Division 2 -- YER: 2
Florida: LB TJ Bullard [8.03] << from UCF -- YER: 2
East Carolina: LB Cade Law [8.03] << from Memphis -- YER: 1
Missouri: K Brunno Reus [7.35] << from Florida State -- YER: 4
James Madison: LB JT Hooten [5.25] << from Division 2 -- YER: 3
Thank you for checking this edition of the Portal Pulse — we’ll be back with more madness tomorrow…