Portal Pulse: January 15
This is the January 15th 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 14th, 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
We are beginning to see a slowdown in the portal movement as the window nears it’s close:
Entries = 34 (+8 from day prior)
Signings = 56 (-33 from day prior)
Here is a look at the total breakdown from our Portal Tracker: Summary page:
With just two days left in the window, we see a few more entering as we near that magic number of 4,000. There are sure to be more, as some from the lower levels that are moving up are not on the radar yet. We are also nearing the mid-point on commitments, which slowed a bit more yesterday, and it is likely that the remaining players will sign a bit more slowly as more decisions are made and roster limits (95 players) tighten. We also anticipate players withdrawing at a higher rate this year. After taking a look at the options, there just aren’t as many out there as we go along, and they may take another look at where they are. The grass isn’t always greener, as they say.
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 top four — UCLA, Arizona State, Indiana and Wisconsin — remain unchanged. Wake Forest picked up a spot on USF, moving into 5th. Texas A&M and Ole Miss move back in with Kansas and Arkansas moving to the outside looking in.
We now have 28 of 136 teams in positive talent churn (+3 from yesterday).
BOTTOM TEN :::::: view all >
TRENDS
Top Ten Trending UP:
Charles Kelly is hitting up the lower levels to fill out his roster and it will be interesting to see if any of those ‘hit’ and become starters. The volume from yesterday (six total) helped, but it wasn’t just that. They also nabbed DL Marquis Hood [12.5] from NC A&T and he projects as a potential starter, allowing with WR Ronnel Johnson [11.5] making the jump after one season at MO State. He has been a steady performer going back to his first two collegiate seasons at FCS Stetson and all told has 95 catches for 1,342 yards and eight touchdowns in his career.
Tre Lamb had a busy Wednesday, getting four commitments to announce. They include:
WR Javon Ross [11.7] « from Bethune–Cookman
DB Rylan Leathers [11.7] « from Idaho State
WR Jimmy Calloway [10.5] « from Tulane (former Louisville and Tennessee)
P Max Tulen [10.5] « from Bethune–Cookman
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.
DB Warren Roberson [14.1], leaving Texas
Warren Roberson is moving on from Austin after appearing in 25 total games across his tenure with the Longhorns. During the 2025 season, the sophomore defensive back recorded a career-high 19 tackles and two pass deflections while becoming a fixture on nearly every special teams unit. Originally a four-star recruit from Red Oak, Texas, he was once a TCU commit before flipping to Texas on Signing Day in 2023. Known for his track speed, having run a sub-11.3 100-meter dash in high school, he enters the portal with two years of eligibility remaining. Early reports suggest that Colorado is a primary program to watch for his next destination as they look to rebuild their secondary.DB Jalen Emery [13.2], leaving Western Kentucky
Jalen Emery is seeking a new home for his final year of eligibility as a graduate transfer after a productive season at Western Kentucky. Hailing from Pearland, Texas, the 5’10” cornerback joined the Hilltoppers in early 2025 following a multi-year stint at Houston where he led all freshmen in tackles in 2022. During his 2025 campaign with WKU, he recorded nine solo tackles and three passes defended across his appearances. Emery has shown remarkable academic and athletic consistency, having been a member of the AAC All-Academic Team earlier in his career.DL Owen Stoudmire [12.8], leaving Boston College
Owen Stoudmire is a 6’1”, 292-pound defensive tackle who has entered the transfer portal as a graduate student. A native of Creston, Ohio, Stoudmire was a three-star recruit who chose Boston College over offers from Power Five programs like Arizona State. His 2025 season was unfortunately cut short by injury, though he started all three games he was active for before being sidelined. Over his career in Chestnut Hill, he totaled 52 tackles and was a key piece of the 2024 rotation where he racked up 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He has one year of eligibility left and is expected to be a highly sought-after interior defensive lineman.WR Clayton Coppock [12.7], leaving Kennesaw State
Clayton Coppock erupted as a dynamic weapon during his 2025 true freshman season at Kennesaw State, catching 28 passes for 311 yards and five touchdowns. The 6’1” playmaker from Atlanta is characterized by his multi-role intensity and red-zone reliability, notably scoring twice in a single game against Missouri State. Despite his impressive debut in Conference USA, he is looking to transition to a larger program to spend his remaining three years of eligibility. Coppock possesses an NFL-caliber frame potential and has shown versatility by also contributing on special teams with three tackles in 2025. He remains one of the most intriguing young wide receiver prospects currently in the portal.DL Keona Davis [12.6], leaving Nebraska
Keona Davis, a 6’5”, 275-pound defensive lineman, has officially entered the transfer portal after starting 12 games for the Cornhuskers in 2025. During his sophomore campaign, he led all Nebraska defensive linemen in tackles with 32, while also recording 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. A former standout at Salpointe High School in Tucson, Arizona, Davis was also an elite track athlete, placing second in state for shot put. His versatility allows him to line up anywhere from defensive tackle to outside the offensive tackle, a trait highly valued by prospective schools. Florida State is currently viewed as a strong contender for his services, as a move there would reunite him with former Nebraska coaches Tony White and Terrance Knighton.
Other entries:
YER = Years of Eligibility Remaining
Colorado: RB Simeon Price [12.1] YER: 0
UCLA: DB Bryon Threats [12.0] YER: 0
San Jose State: DB Isiah Revis [12.0] YER: 0
LSU: WR Nic Anderson [12.0] YER: 1
Eastern Michigan: DB Jaylyn Monds [12.0] YER: 3
Texas State: DB Khamari Terrell [11.9] YER: 1
UTSA: DB Brandon Jacob Jr. [11.6] YER: 3
Utah: DB Jason Stokes Jr. [11.6] YER: 4
Rice: WR Artis Cole [11.5] YER: 0
Utah State: LB Tymere Burton [11.5] YER: 2
South Alabama: OL Brayden Ramey [11.5] YER: 2
Ball State: LB Micah Wing [11.4] YER: 1
Louisiana-Monroe: DL Jerome Simmons [11.4] YER: 1
Georgia: DB Dominick Kelly [11.4] YER: 3
Michigan State: WR Alante Brown [11.3] YER: 0
Arkansas State: TE Manny Stevenson Jr. [10.8] YER: 1
Old Dominion: OL Skyler Grant [10.6] YER: 1
Oregon State: DL Bleu Dantzler [10.4] YER: 4
Toledo: TE CC Ezirim [10.3] YER: 2
Bowling Green: RB Mar’Kel Porter [10.3] YER: 3
Illinois: K Ethan Moczulski [10.3] YER: 1
Washington: WR Kevin Green Jr. [10.0] YER: 1
Oregon: QB Bryson Beaver [9.94] YER: 4
New Mexico State: OL Armando Nieves [9.80] YER: 3
Tennessee: TE Jack Van Dorselaer [9.76] YER: 4
Charlotte: OL Mason Bowers [9.62] YER: 0
Troy: K Paddy McAteer [9.21] YER: 1
Charlotte: LB JJ Okate [7.97] YER: 1
Texas: OL Nick Brooks [7.40] YER: 3
TOP PLAYER SIGNINGS
Here is a look at the top ten portal entries (by player rating) we saw enter over the last 24 hours:
K Connor Hawkins [17.6] Signed with: Ohio State << from Baylor
The Buckeyes secured a reliable veteran leg in Hawkins, who was a model of consistency for Baylor in 2025. During his redshirt sophomore campaign, he converted 18-of-22 field goals (81.8%) and was a perfect 37-of-37 on extra points, totaling 91 points. Standing 6’2” and 199 lbs, he possesses significant power, evidenced by a career-long 54-yarder and a game-winning 53-yard kick against Kansas State. Hawkins enters 2026 as the heavy favorite to seize Ohio State’s starting placekicker role, filling a critical void for the Buckeyes.RB Justice Haynes [16.1] Signed with: Georgia Tech << from Michigan
Haynes brings elite “home run” speed to the Yellow Jackets after an explosive but injury-shortened stint at Michigan. The 5’11”, 210-lb back was on a record-breaking pace in 2025, rushing for 857 yards and 10 TDs while averaging 7.1 yards per carry in just seven starts. He became the first Wolverine ever to open a career with four straight 100-yard games before a foot injury ended his season in October. At Georgia Tech, he is set for a high-profile position battle with returning 2025 standout Malachi Hosley for the lead role in the backfield. He will likely co-exist in the backfield, forming a dynamic duo, as Holsey did with Jamal Haynes in 2025.DB Sione Laulea [15.4] Signed with: Missouri << from Oregon
Laulea heads to the SEC looking to leverage the elite physical frame that made him a top junior college prospect. Standing 6’4” and weighing 196 lbs, he offers rare length for the secondary. In 2025, he appeared in six games for the Ducks, contributing 7 total tackles and 2 pass breakups. Having redshirted in 2024, Laulea arrives in Columbia with multiple years of eligibility and the versatility to compete at both corner and safety.DB Brandyn Hillman [14.8] Signed with: Virginia << from Michigan
Virginia adds a battle-tested playmaker in Hillman, who was a fixture in the Michigan secondary last season. A physical thumper at 6’0” and 200 lbs, he started 11 games at safety and earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. His 2025 production included 49 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and an interception across 545 defensive snaps. His arrival immediately bolsters a Cavaliers defense looking for veteran leadership in the back third.OL Devon Manuel [14.1] Signed with: Appalachian State << from Florida
The Mountaineers landed a massive anchor for their offensive line in Manuel, a 6’7”, 310-lb tackle. After starting his career at Arkansas, Manuel spent 2025 providing depth for the Florida Gators. He brings rare Power-Five size to the Sun Belt and is expected to compete immediately for a starting tackle position as Appalachian State looks to rebuild its front wall for the 2026 campaign.LB Christian Pierce [14.0] Signed with: Michigan << from Western Illinois
Following a productive stint at the FCS level, Pierce makes the jump to the Big Ten to reinforce Michigan’s defense. At 6’2” and 230 lbs, he possesses the traditional build of an interior linebacker. After tallying high tackle numbers at Western Illinois, he enters a competitive Wolverine linebacker room where he will likely battle returning veteran Jaishawn Barham for a spot in the primary defensive rotation.DL Elijah Hill [13.3] Signed with: Kansas State << from Kennesaw State
Hill brings a disruptive edge presence to Manhattan after helping Kennesaw State navigate its FBS transition in 2025. Listed at 6’2” and 230 lbs, he is a twitchy defender capable of playing as a stand-up rusher or with his hand in the dirt. He joins a Kansas State program known for developing defensive line talent and will look to carve out a role in their heavy rotation this spring.QB Husan Longstreet [13.2] Signed with: LSU << from USC
A highly touted dual-threat prospect, Longstreet sought a fresh start after a redshirt season at USC where he saw limited action behind established starters. The 6’1”, 200-lb quarterback possesses a live arm and elite mobility. He will sit and learn behind Arizona State transfer and very likely starter for 2026 in Sam Leavitt.DB Kenny Woseley Jr. [12.7] Signed with: Virginia Tech << from Penn State
Woseley opted for the portal to find a more direct path to the field after serving as a depth piece in a crowded Penn State secondary. Measuring 5’10” and 180 lbs, he is an agile, technician-style cornerback. He will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Hokies’ two-deep immediately, providing much-needed speed to their defensive perimeter.RB Antwan Roberts [12.7] Signed with: Arizona << from Marshall
Arizona adds a physical “bruiser” to its ground game in Roberts, who was a reliable workhorse for Marshall last season. Standing 6’2” and weighing 205 lbs, he ground out 719 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 151 carries in 2025. His downhill running style offers a change of pace for the Wildcats’ offense, and he is expected to compete for significant touches in a revamped Arizona backfield.
Other notable commitments:
UTEP: P Brady Braun [12.7] << from Gardner–Webb -- YER: 1
Miami (OH): LB Blayne Myrick [12.6] << from South Alabama -- YER: 1
North Texas: DB Zach Johnson [12.5] << from Southeastern Louisiana -- YER: 1
Jacksonville State: DL Marquis Hood [12.5] << from North Carolina A&T -- YER: 2
Texas Tech: QB Kirk Francis [12.4] << from Tulsa -- YER: 2
Purdue: DB Justin Denson Jr. [12.4] << from Michigan State -- YER: 3
North Texas: WR James Tyre [12.0] << from Western Carolina -- YER: 2
Colorado: OL Demetrius Hunter [11.9] << from Houston -- YER: 1
Wake Forest: OL John Ohnegian [11.9] << from Bucknell -- YER: 1
Virginia: DB Justin Ross [11.7] << from Navy -- YER: 2
Tulsa: WR Javon Ross [11.7] << from Bethune–Cookman -- YER: 2
Tulsa: DB Rylan Leathers [11.7] << from Idaho State -- YER: 3
UTSA: LB Jeremiah Bailey [11.6] << from Eastern Kentucky -- YER: 1
Jacksonville State: WR Ronnel Johnson [11.5] << from Missouri State -- YER: 1
See all in the “Sicko Section” at the bottom
Other Notes
Portal Withdrawals:
— Georgia Southern: EDGE MJ Stroud [13.9] has withdrawn his name from the portal and will return to the Eagles in 2026.
— South Carolina: LT Josiah Thompson [10.2] is returning to South Carolina and will likely need to compete to retain his starting role.
— Florida State: DL Kevin Wynn [has withdrawn and will return to Tallahassee.
— Texas A&M: S Bryce Anderson [12.5] took a look around and figured a return to College Station is in his best interest.
— UConn: WR Shamar Porter [10.1] has withdrawn from the portal.
— PSU: RB Cam Wallace [10.7] is returning to the Nittany Lions for his third season on campus, looking for more opportunities now that the two-headed monster of Krytron Allen and Nick Singleton are moving on.
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):
Northern Iowa: RB Xavier Terrell [11.4] << from Florida Atlantic -- YER: 2
Penn State: DL Ikenna Ezeogu [11.3] << from Iowa State -- YER: 1
Colorado: DB Jaydan Hardy [11.3] << from Oklahoma -- YER: 3
Ole Miss: WR Isaiah Spencer [11.2] << from Virginia Tech -- YER: 1
California: OL Kahlee Tafai [11.1] << from Minnesota -- YER: 2
Merrimack: QB AJ Hairston [10.6] << from Massachusetts -- YER: 3
Georgia Southern: WR Noble Johnson [10.6] << from Arizona State -- YER: 2
Charlotte: WR Cam Pedro [10.6] << from Southeast Missouri State -- YER: 1
UTEP: DB Esteban Guillory [10.5] << from Western Illinois -- YER: 1
Coastal Carolina: QB Trever Jackson [10.5] << from Arkansas -- YER: 3
Tulsa: WR Jimmy Calloway [10.5] << from Tulane -- YER: 1
Duke: RB Wilhelm Daal [10.5] << from Yale -- YER: 1
Tulsa: P Max Tulen [10.5] << from Bethune–Cookman -- YER: 2
Tulane: DL Dalton Hughes [10.5] << from South Alabama -- YER: 1
Louisiana: DL Brodrick Stewart [10.3] << from Tarleton -- YER: 2
Monmouth: DB Hasson Manning Jr. [10.3] << from Delaware -- YER: 2
Illinois: K Ethan Moczulski [10.3] << from Washington -- YER: 1
Charlotte: WR Zyheem Collick [10.2] << from Bryant -- YER: 3
Sacramento State: QB Carson Conklin [10.1] << from Fresno State -- YER: 2
Texas: OL Jonte Newman [9.92] << from Texas A&M -- YER: 4
Utah State: OL John Randle Jr. [9.69] << from Purdue -- YER: 3
Kansas State: OL Chase Duarte [9.68] << from San Diego State -- YER: 3
Jacksonville State: OL Ryan Walker [9.66] << from North Alabama -- YER: 2
Ole Miss: QB Walker Howard [9.49] << from Louisiana -- YER: 1
Austin Peay: OL Jeff Burton [9.47] << from Georgia State -- YER: 1
Jacksonville State: OL Cameron Stancil [9.45] << from Murray State -- YER: 1
Jacksonville State: WR Jamill Williams [9.20] << from Division 2 -- YER: 1
Vanderbilt: QB Walter Taylor III [8.11] << from Ball State -- YER: 1
Maryland: TE Preston Howard [7.68] << from Auburn -- YER: 1
North Texas: RB Colin Page [7.41] << from Texas -- YER: 1
Division 2: QB Bubba Thompson [7] << from South Alabama -- YER: 4
Jacksonville State: OL Bo Burkes [5.26] << from North Carolina -- YER: 1
Thank you for checking this edition of the Portal Pulse — we’ll be back with more madness tomorrow…