Portal Pulse: January 16
This is the January 16th 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 15th, 2026, with plenty of impactful transfer portal movement.
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Begins the minute the portal closes (January 17th).
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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 = 27 (+7 from day prior)
Signings = 57 (+1 from day prior)
Here is a look at the total breakdown from our Portal Tracker: Summary page:
NOTE: We found a data error on our end that prevented nearly 200 players as showing on our portal tracker as “committed” or signed with new teams. That has been rectified and we are all caught up. That’s why, if you have been following this daily, you see a big jump in the commitment number, despite only seeing just over 57 from yesterday alone.
As we enter the final day of the portal window we have reached nearly 4,000 entries. Just insanity. The new portal window has forced both players and teams to make quicker decisions. This will allow for more early enrollees and coaches will be able to know what they are really working with heading into the 2026 season. This is a step in the right direction. Of course, this gives us a lot of content to sift through, so we aren’t complaining.
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 >
Even with the ‘catch up’ that took place last night, we still see the familiar programs at the top of the heap. Indiana did pick up some ground on the Bruins, but we’ve settled into the pure talent churn top schools with a good percentage of the more impactful players having signed.
We now have 35 of 136 teams in positive talent churn (+7 from yesterday).
BOTTOM TEN :::::: view all >
Before you panic (or send a hate response to us), Ducks fans, remember that this is simply ‘roster talent churn’ and not our “All-In Rankings” for 2026. The teams with the deepest talent pool always will churn more of it as players look for opportunities to play. When we move all these to “2026 Mode”, you’ll see some of those sticking around and moving into starting roles raise their level and keep Oregon in their rightful place in the top ten overall.
TRENDS
Top Ten Trending UP:
You’ll see more movement because of our data reconciliation. FAU is loading up on players, but theirs is certainly more volume based. North Texas has jumped all the way up to 14th overall despite all of their losses — a big testament to Neal Brown and his staff working quickly to keep the roster talent level up and continue the success in Denton.
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 Princewill Umanmielen [14.9], leaving Ole Miss
Originally a standout recruit from Austin, Texas, Umanmielen spent two seasons at Nebraska before joining the Rebels for their historic 2025 campaign. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, he was a dynamic force on the edge, recording 45 tackles and 9.0 sacks this past season to help lead Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff. His elite production earned him Third-Team All-SEC honors as he finished 2025 with 13 tackles for loss and a timely interception. Known for an explosive first step and disciplined technique, he frequently disrupted backfields while maintaining a high motor in pursuit. Having recently entered the portal following a deep postseason run, he is once again one of the most coveted defensive talents on the open market.DL Da’shawn Womack [13.5], leaving Ole Miss
Womack arrived in Oxford as a highly-touted five-star prospect from Baltimore, Maryland, after starting his collegiate career at LSU. During the 2025 season with the Rebels, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound defensive end played in 15 games, totaling 14 solo tackles and 2.0 sacks. He possesses elite physical traits, including long arms and verified 4.8 speed, which allowed him to adapt quickly to multiple defensive fronts. Though he saw significant action during the Rebels’ playoff run, he has opted to explore new opportunities with two years of eligibility remaining. His combination of raw power and technical refinement makes him a premium target for programs needing a versatile pass rusher.RB Tye Edwards [13.5], leaving West Virginia
A powerful 6-foot-2, 225-pound back originally from Palatka, Florida, Edwards brought a seasoned resume to Morgantown after an All-American stint at the junior college level and a 1,000-yard season at Northern Iowa. His 2025 campaign was unfortunately cut short by a hip injury that required surgery, but he still managed to record 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns in just four games. Before the setback, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry and proved to be a difficult runner to bring down in short-yardage situations. Edwards is currently expected to be fully recovered by March 2026 and is seeking a final destination to conclude his well-traveled college career.OL Laurance Seymore [13.4], leaving Western Kentucky
Seymore enters the portal as a highly decorated interior lineman, coming off a 2025 season where he was named an FWAA Second-Team All-American. Hailing from Miami Gardens, Florida, the 6-foot-2, 320-pound guard anchored a Hilltoppers unit that ranked among the best in Conference USA for scoring and pass protection. He did not allow a single sack during the 2025 regular season and finished with a superb 90.2 pass-blocking grade from PFF. Previously a four-star recruit who spent time at Miami and Akron, he has logged over 1,300 career snaps and offers immediate veteran leadership. His compact build and fierce competitive nature make him a “road grader” ideal for Power Four programs.LB Josiah Robinson [13.2], leaving Georgia State
A native of Apopka, Florida, Robinson was a defensive pillar for the Panthers during the 2025 season, serving as a team captain and leading the squad with 96 total tackles. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound inside linebacker demonstrated great range, adding 8.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks to his stat line this past year. Before his time in Atlanta, he spent two seasons at Coastal Carolina, further developing the awareness and stamina that earned him All-Sun Belt honors. He is a consistent tackler who plays with high intensity and possesses the “acceleration” needed to cover sideline to sideline. Robinson enters the portal as a redshirt junior with the experience to start immediately at the FBS level.
Other entries:
YER = Years of Eligibility Remaining
Kentucky: OL Evan Wibberley [13.2] YER: 1
Missouri: DB Mose Phillips III [13.2] YER: 1
San Jose State: DB Caleb Presley [13.1] YER: 2
Auburn: DB Jacoby Mathews [12.8] YER: 1
Louisville: WR Antonio Meeks [12.7] YER: 1
UAB: DB Josh Baka [12.6] YER: 1
Louisville: OL Jordan Church [12.5] YER: 2
Michigan: QB Jake Garcia [11.7] YER: 4
Sam Houston: DB Joe Swen [11.7] YER: 1
Mississippi State: OL Zack Owens [11.1] YER: 2
Illinois: WR Alexander Capka-Jones [11.1] YER: 1
Wake Forest: WR Sterling Berkhalter [11.0] YER: 1
Georgia: OL Jamal Meriweather [10.9] YER: 2
Massachusetts: DL Shambre Jackson [10.8] YER: 1
Ole Miss: LB TJ Dottery [10.4] YER: 1
Kennesaw State: WR Lyndon Ravare [10.0] YER: 1
Louisville: RB Jamarice Wilder [9.89] YER: 4
UCLA: OL Garrison Blank [9.84] YER: 4
Division 2: LB Ja’Kobe Clinton [9.45] YER: 1
Utah State: WR Kaleb Mitchell [8.95] YER: 4
Michigan: OL Lawrence Hattar [8.78] YER: 1
Ole Miss: QB Braden Waterman [4.55] 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:
K Collin Rogers [15.7] Signed with: Florida Atlantic << from SMU
Collin Rogers is a physically imposing kicker at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. A reliable veteran, he previously tied an SMU school record for most field goals in a single game. His 2025 season saw him perfect on extra points with 12 of 12 successful attempts, alongside a 43-yard long field goal. Rogers will likely enter a competitive kicking situation at Florida Atlantic, bringing a strong leg and a wealth of experience to challenge for the starting specialist role immediately.DB Cam Calhoun [14.6] Signed with: Ohio State << from Alabama
The Cincinnati native, who stands 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, returns to his home state after stints at Michigan, Utah, and Alabama. Despite limited defensive snaps in 2025 where he recorded seven tackles and one pass breakup for the Crimson Tide, Calhoun was a standout in 2024 at Utah, where he led the team with nine pass breakups and was noted for allowing less than 50% completion into his coverage. At Ohio State, he is expected to compete for the vital third cornerback role, where his veteran presence and coverage skills could be a significant asset in a deep defensive backfield.LB Justin Medlock [14.6] Signed with: Boston College << from SMU
Standing at 6-foot-0 and 223 pounds, Justin Medlock had a productive 2025 season with SMU, appearing in eight games. He compiled 25 total tackles (12 solo, 13 assisted), including one sack and one interception which he returned 96 yards for a touchdown. At Boston College, he is expected to join a competitive linebacker room. The Eagles’ depth chart has seen several positional battles, and Medlock will likely compete with players such as Bryce Steele for a starting role next to established linebacker Daveon Crouch in the upcoming season.QB Jake Merklinger [14.5] Signed with: Connecticut << from Tennessee
The promising young quarterback, listed at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, saw limited action in his 2025 redshirt-freshman season at Tennessee. Appearing in four games, he passed for a total of 173 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, demonstrating efficiency in clean-up duty. Merklinger’s arrival at UConn comes at a time of significant turnover in the quarterback room, with several players entering the transfer portal. He will have a prime opportunity to compete for the starting job with the returning Tucker McDonald, potentially becoming an immediate impact player for the Huskies.LB Mikai Gbayor [14.3] Signed with: Florida State << from North Carolina
The experienced linebacker, who measures 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, was a significant contributor for North Carolina in the 2025 season. He played in all 12 games, registering 41 total tackles (17 solo), 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a forced fumble. A highlight of his season was earning ACC Linebacker of the Week honors after recovering a fumble and returning it 62 yards for a touchdown against Richmond. Having previously played under FSU defensive coordinator Tony White at Nebraska, Gbayor brings valuable experience in the Seminoles' defensive scheme. He is expected to provide immediate depth and will compete with fellow transfer Chris Jones and returning players like Omar Graham Jr. and Blake Nichelson for a starting spot in a bolstered linebacker room.
Other notable commitments:
Texas: OL Melvin Siani [14.0] << from Wake Forest -- YER: 2
Georgia Tech: DB Jonas Duclona [14.0] << from South Florida -- YER: 2
Marshall: RB Jamarion Wilcox [13.9] << from Kentucky -- YER: 2
Arizona: DB Daylen Austin [13.9] << from Oregon -- YER: 2
Mississippi State: OL Miles McVay [13.7] << from North Carolina -- YER: 2
Georgia State: LB Jaydon Hood [13.6] << from Michigan -- YER: 0
Ohio State: RB Ja’Kobi Jackson [13.4] << from Florida -- YER: 0+
Vanderbilt: DL Edwin Kolenge [13.4] << from Boston College -- YER: 1
Wyoming: DB Travis Franklin, Jr. [13.3] << from Jacksonville State -- YER: 1
Ole Miss: LB Tah’j Butler [13.3] << from Georgia Tech -- YER: 2
Florida State: LB Chris Jones [13.3] << from Southern Miss -- YER: 2
Baylor: WR Gavin Freeman [13.2] << from Oklahoma State -- YER: 1
Auburn: OL Jacob Strand [13.1] << from Oregon State -- YER: 1
Auburn: DL Walter Mathis Jr. [13.1] << from LSU -- YER: 3
See all in the “Sicko Section” at the bottom
Other Notes
Portal Withdrawals:
— Oklahoma State: WR Da’Wain Lofton [12.3] removed his name from the portal.
— UTEP DL Ashton Coker [11.9] withdrew from the portal and will return to El Paso for 2026.
—Florida State: Brothers, Darryll [13.4] and Mandrell Desir [11.9] have reached an agreement to remain with the Seminoles in 2026.
Commitment Flips:
—LB Chris Jones [13.3] was originally headed from Southern Miss to Ole Miss. Yesterday, he flipped that commitment to Florida State.
—WR Gavin Freeman [13.2] flipped his portal commitment from Tennessee 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):
Abilene Christian: DB Plae Wyatt [12.9] << from Rice -- YER: 0
Colorado State: TE Pearce Spurlin III [12.7] << from Georgia -- YER: 2
North Texas: LB Zakye Barker [12.6] << from SMU -- YER: 1
Notre Dame: DL Tionne Gray [12.5] << from Oregon -- YER: 3
UCF: DL Brad Gurley Jr. [12.3] << from Eastern Kentucky -- YER: 1
Iowa State: DB Jaheim Singletary [12.1] << from Arkansas -- YER: 1
Louisville: DL Joshua Donald [12.0] << from Houston -- YER: 1
Marshall: WR Christian Hamilton [11.7] << from West Virginia -- YER: 2
Georgia Tech: TE Gavin Harris [11.6] << from New Mexico State -- YER: 2
Tulsa: DL Jayden Madkins [11.5] << from Louisiana Tech -- YER: 1
Sacramento State: DB Boogsie Silvera [11.4] << from South Florida -- YER: 0+
Georgia Southern: WR Andre Greene Jr. [11.4] << from Virginia -- YER: 1
Ole Miss: DB Dominick Kelly [11.4] << from Georgia -- YER: 3
Ole Miss: DL Jordan Renaud [11.3] << from Alabama -- YER: 2
Oregon State: WR Aeryn Hampton [11.2] << from Alabama -- YER: 3
UCLA: DL Dallin Havea [10.9] << from Utah Tech -- YER: 1
Texas State: RB Nick Osho [10.9] << from Indiana State -- YER: 1
UTSA: DB Joel Rogers [10.9] << from LSU -- YER: 3
Virginia Tech: WR Tyseer Denmark [10.8] << from Penn State -- YER: 3
LSU: TE Zach Grace [10.5] << from Oregon -- YER: 2
Bethune–Cookman: DB Sam McCall [10.3] << from Georgia State -- YER: 1
Florida Atlantic: OL Aiden Jones [10.3] << from VMI -- YER: 2
California: OL Ashton Rivera [10.1] << from Kent State -- YER: 1
Georgia Tech: DL Tim Griffin [10.0] << from Cincinnati -- YER: 4
James Madison: OL Kaedin Massey [9.98] << from Kansas State -- YER: 3
Houston: WR Muizz Tounkara [9.77] << from Florida -- YER: 3
Middle Tennessee: DL Justin Bodford [9.73] << from Missouri -- YER: 3
USC: TE Tucker Ashcraft [9.66] << from Wisconsin -- YER: 2
Auburn: OL TJ Hedrick [9.64] << from Ole Miss -- YER: 4
Oregon State: K Jadyn Oh [9.49] << from Syracuse -- YER: 2
Florida Atlantic: TE Antonio Johnson [9.33] << from Villanova -- YER: 1
South Dakota: WR Bryce Cohoon [9.27] << from Kansas -- YER: 2
Campbell: WR Jyron Waiters [9.21] << from East Carolina -- YER: 3
Georgia: OL TyQuez Richardson [9.08] << from Alabama A&M -- YER: 3
Florida Atlantic: TE Marcus Vinson [9.00] << from New Mexico -- YER: 1
Middle Tennessee: OL Adrian Crespin [7.34] << from Division 2 -- YER: 2
Florida Atlantic: RB Brady Tillman [7.00] << from Division 2 -- YER: 2
Sam Houston: TE Brock Kuhl [4.55] << from Florida Atlantic -- YER: 4
Thank you for checking this edition of the Portal Pulse — we’ll be back with more madness tomorrow…