Portal Pulse: January 14
This is the January 14th 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 13th, 2026, with plenty of impactful transfer portal movement.
THREE DAYS TO PRE-REGISTER! While you are here, we suggest you enter our Portal King Challenge for a chance to score $500 (and other access prizes at CFBDepth.com. Pre-registration open through the end of the week!
FREE to play.
Begins the minute the portal closes (January 17th).
We release 30 players who have yet to sign/commit.
You predict where the player will ultimately land (with options to get detailed or high-level).
Most points wins $500 (and other prizes for 2nd-10th).
For more information, full rules/regulations, and to pre-register to secure your spot, click the button below.
[ 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 = 26 (-13 from day prior)
Signings = 89 (-42 from day prior)
Here is a look at the total breakdown from our Portal Tracker: Summary page:
With three days left in the window, this was one of the slower signing days we’ve seen in a while. Still, we are nearly at the halfway mark for those commitments to new schools. While preparing for the Portal King Challenge (just three days from launch), I noticed that 23 of our top 25 quarterbacks have found new homes for 2026. Again, the added focus on the portal and roster development is fueling this quicker-to-action trend we are seeing. The portal window isn’t closed, and we’ve seen nearly 1,900 commitments. If the goal was to speed this up and put coaches and teams in a better position for the coming spring season, it’s working.
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 >
The UCLA, Indiana and Arizona State trifecta continues to swap spots at the top, but the Bruins have held it now for a few days and are building quite a lead. Arizona joins the fray as the No. 7 ranked in total talent churt via the portal, paced by the addition of S Lee Molette III [12.3] in from UConn. Also, Barry Odom’s Purdue Boilermakers show up at No. 9 now with their 23 commits, compared to 18 losses, a +61.8 on the talent churn scale.
We now have 25 of 136 teams in positive talent churn, which stays steady from where we were yesterday.
BOTTOM TEN :::::: view all >
TRENDS
Top Ten Trending UP:
Neal Brown is not messing around, working to keep the North Texas program at the top of the group of six. While they are losing a significant amount of talent, following Eric Morris to Stillwater (OK State), they are the biggest mover of the day — moving up 36 spots to No. 80 with four pick-ups. They include:
WR Justin Stevenson [13.6] from UtahOL Drew Cunningham [11.8] from Charlotte
WR Josiah Martin [10.8] from Oklahoma, and
QB Chaston Ditta [10.1] from East Carolina
It’s good to see Rice, not known for their portal prowess in the not-so-distant past getting in the mix a little bit. As head coach Scott Abell moves into his second season with his quirky (and fun) offense, he moves up 29 spots to No. 70 overall with five players joining. They got commitments from the following:
DL Preston Zinter [11.1] from Notre Dame
DB AJ Brown [10.9] from UAB
P Charlie Durkin [10.6] from Kent State
OL Leo Bluhm [10.6] from Yale and
WR Max Mosey [9.5] from Holy Cross
Top Ten Trending DOWN:
The primary reason for the Blue Hens topping this list is that we have a new Blue Hens insider (thanks, Otto) letting us know that there are a few more under-the-radar players who have entered. One to track, though, is QB Zach Marker, who was the starter going into this 2025 campaign, before an injury ended his season in the first week. That paved the way for a breakout season from Nick Minicucci. Expect to see Marker find a landing spot and challenge for a starting position in the group of six.
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 Joshua Mickens [14.2], leaving Ohio State
Joshua Mickens is an edge rusher originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was a top-ranked prospect out of Lawrence Central. During the 2025 season at Ohio State, he appeared in eight games and recorded three total tackles. His athletic profile is remarkably diverse, as he was an indoor state champion in shot put and a standout basketball player who averaged 13 points per game in high school. Known for a quick first step and flexible pass-rushing style, he originally flipped his commitment from LSU to the Buckeyes.OL Devin Harper [13.5], leaving Ole Miss
Hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, Devin Harper is a 6’5”, 315-pound offensive lineman who arrived at Ole Miss as a highly touted four-star recruit. During his 2025 true freshman campaign, he saw action in three games, including a 10-snap appearance in a CFP first-round victory over Tulane. He is praised for his “dog” intensity and refined footwork, traits that helped him flip his commitment from LSU to the Rebels late in the recruiting cycle. While he possesses the versatility to play both guard and tackle, many scouts project his future as an elite interior protector. It’s likely that he ends up in Baton Rouge, following Lane Kiffin — though, that is just speculation at this point.DL Elijah Hill [13.4], leaving Kennesaw State
Elijah Hill is a disruptive defensive lineman who made an immediate impact during his 2025 freshman season at Kennesaw State. He finished the year with 22 total tackles and led the team in both tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (9.0) across 14 games. Originally from Bryant, Arkansas, Hill was the All-Arkansas Preps Defensive Player of the Year in high school, winning multiple state titles. His elite production as a true freshman included six quarterback hurries and a relentless motor. As a rare freshman sack leader, he is now seeking a new home where he can bring that grit to a higher level of competition.DL Brien Taylor Jr. [13.1], leaving Florida
Standing at 6’5” and weighing 294 pounds, Brien Taylor Jr. is a physical senior defensive lineman from Houston, Texas. After transferring to Florida as a top-ranked JUCO recruit from Blinn College, he appeared in 12 games during the 2025 season, getting an average of 22 snaps/game. He recorded 24 total tackles and 2.0 sacks this past year, showing the elite bend and power. Taylor’s versatility allows him to disrupt both the run and pass from multiple positions across the defensive front.LB Devyn Curtis [13.0], leaving Arkansas State
Devyn Curtis is a seasoned 6’2”, 237-pound linebacker who spent the 2025 season as a redshirt senior at Arkansas State. Before joining the Red Wolves, he was a permanent team captain and a Campbell Trophy semifinalist at Middle Tennessee. The Nashville native has appeared in over 37 collegiate games, amassing nearly 140 career tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss. His high school career was equally distinguished, as he was a three-star recruit who led Brentwood Academy to a state championship. He’s a 2020 recruit, so he received the ‘free’ COVID year and an injury in 2024 led to a medical waiver and a seventh year.
Other notable entries:
YER = Years of Eligibility Remaining
Oregon: DL Terrance Green [12.9] YER: 2
Connecticut: WR Reymello Murphy [12.8] YER: 0
Ole Miss: DL DeeJay Holmes Jr. [12.7] YER: 2
Charlotte: WR Jayden McGowan [12.4] YER: 1+
Oregon: TE Roger Saleapaga [12.3] YER: 3
Georgia State: DL Marlin Dean [12.2] YER: 0
Appalachian State: P Mitchell Lake [11.8] YER: 2
Boise State: WR Austin Bolt [11.5] YER: 0
Stanford: QB Elijah Brown [11.3] YER: 3
Alabama: DL Jordan Renaud [11.3] YER: 2
Virginia Tech: WR Devin Alves [11.1] YER: 1
TOP PLAYER SIGNINGS
Here is a look at the top ten portal entries (by player rating) we saw enter over the last 24 hours:
DL Francis Brewu [15.7] Signed with: Notre Dame << from Pittsburgh
The 6’2”, 280-pound defensive tackle was a key part of the Panthers’ defense, starting all 13 games in his 2025 sophomore season. Brewu, an All-ACC Honorable Mention, led all Pitt interior defensive linemen with 36 tackles, including 6 tackles for loss. Known for his strength at the point of attack, he is anticipated to make an immediate impact on the Notre Dame defensive front.WR DeAndre Moore Jr. [14.2] Signed with: Colorado << from Texas
Moore Jr. is a talented wideout looking for a bigger role with the Buffaloes. In his two seasons with the Longhorns, he saw limited playing time in a crowded receiver room. He recorded just 11 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown in 2025. The 6’0”, 200-pound receiver will join a new-look Colorado offense and will face a position battle with other incoming transfers and returning players for immediate playing time.RB Dilin Jones [13.9] Signed with: LSU << from Wisconsin
Jones brings a physical presence to the LSU backfield, listed at 6’0” and 205 pounds. He spent two seasons at Wisconsin, primarily as a rotational back. During the 2025 season, he rushed for 349 yards on 75 carries and three touchdowns. He will be a depth addition for the Tigers and will likely compete with returning running backs for significant carries.DL Andrew Zock [13.7] Signed with: Toledo << from Mercer
Zock, a stout 6’4”, 285-pound lineman, was highly productive at Mercer, where he recorded 45 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks in the 2025 season, earning All-Southern Conference honors. He is expected to bolster the defensive line rotation for Toledo and potentially push for a starting role right away.DL Jalen Thompson [13.7] Signed with: Arizona State << from Michigan State
The 6’3”, 245-pound defensive end accumulated 30 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks during the 2025 season with Michigan State. Thompson is known for his pass-rushing abilities and will aim to make an immediate impact on the Sun Devils’ defensive front. He will enter a competitive defensive line room.
Other notable commitments:
Louisville: DB Dylan Rowsey [13.6] < from Murray State -- YER: 2
North Texas: WR Justin Stevenson [13.6] < from Utah -- YER: 2
Tennessee: DB TJ Metcalf [13.5] < from Michigan -- YER: 1
UCLA: DB Malik Hartford [13.5] < from Ohio State -- YER: 2
Michigan: DB Smith Snowden [13.3] < from Utah -- YER: 1
James Madison: RB Nick Herman [13.3] < from Drake -- YER: 3
Notre Dame: WR Mylan Graham [13.3] < from Ohio State -- YER: 3
Memphis: QB Air Noland [13.0] < from South Carolina -- YER: 3
Georgia: DB Gentry Williams [12.7] < from Oklahoma -- YER: 1
South Florida: QB KJ Cooper [12.7] < from Texas Southern -- YER: 1
SMU: LB Jamal Anderson [12.7] < from Clemson -- YER: 2
Missouri: DB Elijah Dotson [12.6] < from Michigan -- YER: 3
Memphis: OL Aaron Karas [12.5] < from Colorado State -- YER: 1
Mississippi State: OL Tyler Miller [12.5] < from LSU -- YER: 4
Incarnate Word: QB TJ Finley [12.5] < from Georgia State -- YER: 1
See all in the “Sicko Section” at the bottom
Other Notes
Portal Withdrawals:
— Old Dominion: CB Zion Frink [13.6] is returning to the Monarchs for 2026.
— Wisconsin: WR Eugene Hilton Jr. [11.8] will remain in Madison for 2026 after having originally entered the portal in December.
-California: K Chase Meyer [15.2] is sticking around Berkeley after having originally entered his name seeking a fifth school.
— UCLA: S Scooter Jackson [12.9] has removed his name from the portal and will return to play for Bob Chesney.
—Miami (OH): CB Mychal Yharbrough [11.8] is returning to the RedHawks after a short look into the portal.
— UCLA DT AJ Fuimaono [11.4] is said to be returning to Westwood after entering the portal on January 2nd.
— Ole Miss: Starting LG Delano Townsend [11.5] is going to stick it out in Oxford after entering the portal just under a week ago.
SICKO SECTION
Entry Log (the rest of the entries noted from this period):
Delaware: DB A’Khoury Lyde [10.4] YER: 1
Georgia Tech: RB Jamie Felix [10.1] YER: 1
Louisville: DL CJ May [10.1] YER: 4
Houston: TE Jayden York [9.72] YER: 0
Louisiana: QB Walker Howard [9.50] YER: 1
BYU: RB Pokaiaua Haunga [8.99] YER: 2
Campbell: OL Zy’Terrio Lee [8.92] YER: 2
South Alabama: QB Bubba Thompson [7.00] YER: 4
Texas A&M: WR Blake Buntyn [6.66] YER: 2
Arizona State: QB Christian Hunt [6.59] YER: 2
Signing Log (the rest of the commitments that took place):
Michigan State: LB Kenny Soares, Jr. [12.4] < from North Carolina State -- YER: 1
Northern Arizona: OL Carter Lavrusky [12.3] < from Kansas -- YER: 3
Liberty: TE Kelsey Johnson [12.3] < from Baylor -- YER: 1
Arizona: DB Lee Molette III [12.3] < from Connecticut -- YER: 1
Boise State: DB Roman Tillmon [12.2] < from South Dakota -- YER: 2
Florida State: DB Ma'khi Jones [12.2] < from Duke -- YER: 3
Houston: LB Miller Malone [12.2] < from Western Kentucky -- YER: 3
Ole Miss: OL Troy Everett [12.2] < from Oklahoma -- YER: 0
Mississippi State: DL Dealyn Evans [12.0] < from Texas A&M -- YER: 3
Purdue: DL Keyshawn Burgos [12.0] < from Virginia Tech -- YER: 1
Virginia: QB Eli Holstein [11.9] < from Pittsburgh -- YER: 2
Ole Miss: WR Darrell Gill Jr. [11.9] < from Syracuse -- YER: 1
Stephen F. Austin: RB Joseph Dodds [11.9] < from Baylor -- YER: 3
North Texas: OL Drew Cunningham [11.8] < from Charlotte -- YER: 3
James Madison: WR Jeremiah Harrison [11.8] < from East Tennessee State -- YER: 3
Marshall: DB Terrente Hinton [11.8] < from North Carolina State -- YER: 1
New Mexico State: RB Terrell Washington, Jr. [11.7] < from Iowa -- YER: 2
Missouri: QB Nick Evers [11.6] < from Connecticut -- YER: 1
South Dakota: DB Kael Kolarik [11.6] < from Iowa -- YER: 1
Southern Miss: DB Jyaire Brown [11.6] < from UCF -- YER: 1
California: DB Marquis Groves-Killebrew [11.6] < from Arizona -- YER: 1
San Jose State: DB Brian Dukes Jr. [11.5] < from Cal Poly -- YER: 1
South Alabama: LB Gavin Taylor [11.5] < from Central Connecticut -- YER: 1
BYU: LB Jake Clifton [11.5] < from Kansas State -- YER: 1
Virginia: OL Alex Payne [11.5] < from USC -- YER: 4
Oregon State: DB Isaiah Houi [11.5] < from Eastern Illinois -- YER: 2
Kennesaw State: OL Mateo Guevara [11.4] < from Middle Tennessee -- YER: 1
Georgia State: OL Kelton Smith Jr. [11.2] < from Georgia -- YER: 2
Toledo: DB Israel Petite [11.2] < from Robert Morris -- YER: 3
Pittsburgh: LB Alex Sanford Jr. [11.1] < from Purdue -- YER: 2
Rice: DL Preston Zinter [11.1] < from Notre Dame -- YER: 2
UNLV: DB Landyn Cleveland [11.0] < from Oklahoma State -- YER: 2
Houston: WR Tyson Turner [10.9] < from Texas Tech -- YER: 3
New Mexico: TE Joey Olsen [10.9] < from USC -- YER: 3
Rice: DB AJ Brown [10.9] < from UAB -- YER: 1
Penn State: TE Cooper Alexander [10.8] < from Iowa State -- YER: 3
North Texas: WR Josiah Martin [10.8] < from Oklahoma -- YER: 3
Rutgers: OL Isaiah Cook [10.7] < from Delaware State -- YER: 1
Oklahoma State: DB Trudell Berry [10.7] < from Vanderbilt -- YER: 1
Oklahoma State: LB Dallas Winner-Johnson [10.7] < from Tulane -- YER: 2
Rice: P Charlie Durkin [10.6] < from Kent State -- YER: 1
Tarleton: QB Braedyn Locke [10.6] < from Arizona -- YER: 1
Rice: OL Leo Bluhm [10.6] < from Yale -- YER: 1
Arizona State: DB Antoine Belgrave-Shorter [10.6] < from Penn State -- YER: 3
Nebraska: OL Paul Mubenga [10.5] < from LSU -- YER: 2
Oregon State: DL Daniel Matagi [10.5] < from Portland State -- YER: 2
Michigan: QB Colin Hurley [10.5] < from LSU -- YER: 3
Oregon State: LB Ja’Bari Odoemenem [10.4] < from Duquesne -- YER: 1
Abilene Christian: QB Marcos Davila [10.3] < from Nebraska -- YER: 3
Southern Miss: DL Jeffery Rush [10.2] < from Ole Miss -- YER: 3
North Texas: QB Chaston Ditta [10.1] < from East Carolina -- YER: 4
UNLV: TE Keyan Burnett [10.0] < from Arizona -- YER: 1
Jackson State: DL Messiah Blair [9.89] < from Eastern Michigan -- YER: 2
Stephen F. Austin: TE Jayden Fortier [9.62] < from Arizona State -- YER: 3
Rice: WR Max Mosey [9.54] < from Holy Cross -- YER: 1
Eastern Michigan: OL Guzzy Kayed [9.50] < from Saint Francis (PA) -- YER: 2
UCLA: P Chase Barry [9.32] < from Oklahoma State -- YER: 1
Wake Forest: LB Tylan McNichols [9.16] < from UAB -- YER: 2
Middle Tennessee: OL Reese Tripp [9.15] < from Minnesota -- YER: 2
James Madison: WR Corey Scott [8.75] < from Division 2 -- YER: 2
Kentucky: WR Brock Coffman [8.45] < from Louisville -- YER: 4
Liberty: OL Kevin Evehe [8.29] < from Saint Francis (PA) -- YER: 3
Georgia Tech: TE Spencer Mermans [8.06] < from Yale -- YER: 2
Oklahoma State: OL Kai Holec [7.71] < from Indiana State -- YER: 3
Oklahoma State: RB Dennis Moody [7.55] < from North Texas -- YER: 2
Northern Colorado: WR Luke Womack [7.35] < from South Dakota State -- YER: 4
South Florida: K Lawson Thorn [7] < from Division 2 -- YER: 2
Georgia State: LB Brad Menhorn [5.6] < from Division 2 -- YER: 4
Bethune–Cookman: RB Jaylen Johnson [4.55] < from South Florida -- YER: 2
Thank you for checking this edition of the Portal Pulse — we’ll be back with more madness tomorrow…