Immense 12’s high newcomers and what their coaches verbalize

The Immense 12 soccer panorama is being reshaped by 2026 newcomers. That involves some of basically the most high-profile transfers within the nation, take care of Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby and Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway, besides to beneath-the-radar gem stones who might per chance maybe per chance also pop in bigger roles. Produce not put out of your mind the high-impact freshman additions, either.

Every program has not not as much as one player who might per chance maybe per chance also swing next season’s lumber for a Immense 12 championship. Beneath, we eye the largest newcomers for every team, breaking down basically the most excessive Immense 12 transfers and newbies expected to create an instantaneous impact. This breakdown looks at why they matter and the scheme in which their occupy coaches and GMs ask them to ascertain.

Arizona Wildcats

TE Cole Rusk (Illinois)

Why: Arizona’s tight discontinuance room is with out observe skinny — seniors Cameron Barmore and Sam Olson graduated, starter Tyler Powell has neglected time with a season‑ending leg hurt, and Keyan Burnett redshirted before coming into the portal. That leaves the Wildcats gentle at a location that accomplished the yr producing exact 36 catches, 324 yards and 4 rankings from its high two tight ends. Rusk is a confirmed receiving H‑support with a 2023 FCS All‑The usa résumé (Murray Tell: 11 games; 39 catches 512 yards, six TDs) and 19 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown at Illinois in 2025 after getting back from a knee hurt. Rusk can drawl for contested passes and stretch the seam, which will maintain to aloof succor offensive coordinator Seth Doege propel this offense.

What to expect: The most total model of Rusk’s occupation within the upcoming 2026 season. We mission he’ll beat the blended tight discontinuance manufacturing from 2025 and schematically open up the Wildcats’ offense. Ask Arizona to bustle more 11‑personnel and for the athletic Rusk to present matchup complications for safeties and linebackers within the seam and crimson zone. He brings more first rate blocking than basically the latest depth, as wisely, and might per chance maybe per chance also work wisely on H-support lead and kick out blocks. Rusk will turn the tight discontinuance location from a weakness into a purposeful weapon and reinforce Arizona’s passing efficiency and schematic flexibility in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “Cole is someone who elevates the tight end room immediately — and not just from a talent standpoint, but also because of his mentality, his work ethic and his approach. He is a dynamic pass catcher who can make tough plays in traffic, and he is not afraid to get his nose dirty as a blocker either. Cole adds another element to our offense, and his veteran presence provides leadership to a young group of developing tight ends.” — Aaron Knotts, unparalleled supervisor

Arizona Tell Solar Devils

WRs Omarion Miller (Colorado) and Reed Harris (Boston College)

Why: The Solar Devils lose Jordyn Tyson and return exact 45 blended receptions, so Miller and Harris are instantaneous needs. Collectively they maintain 84 catches and 13 touchdowns of their careers. Miller (45 catches, 808 yards, eight touchdowns in 2025) is a prolonged, explosive playmaker who tracks the deep ball, creates separation downfield and threatens after the obtain, whereas Harris (6-foot-5, 217 pounds) is a monumental‑frame boundary aim who averaged 17.3 yards per obtain and is treasured as a contested‑obtain and crimson zone weapon. Cutter Boley, Mikey Keene, Cameron Dyer and freshman Jake Fette are all combating for the quarterback job. Whoever wins will decide how mercurial this duo acclimates within the offense.

What to expect: Ask ASU’s passing offense to growth from heart of the pack to finish to the tip of the Immense 12. The Solar Devils beget the beneath void with two complementary outdoors threats and a sport figuring out that will test defenses downfield more on the entire, which is worthy assorted than the Tyson-centric slot heavy see in 2025. This duo affords more alternate choices to spread the ball round and assault defenses from multiple alignments and produce more explosive performs and capabilities. The ceiling is materially elevated than in 2025, nonetheless the bottom hinges on the quarterback job and early chemistry. Boley, with his downfield arm strength, might per chance maybe per chance also maintain Tempe rocking again with these restful weapons and improved efficiency beneath offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo.



Baylor Bears

QB DJ Lagway (Florida)

Why: Baylor needs to exchange quarterback Sawyer Robertson (3,681 yards, 31 touchdowns) and a depleted receiving corps after dropping its two main receivers to the NFL draft. Lagway, arguably basically the most physically proficient quarterback within the switch portal, is a legacy recruit and old high-five prospect who’s returning dwelling to Waco. His uncommon mix of dimension, mobility and arm strength creates a ceiling few quarterbacks have. He can fall the ball within the bucket downfield, hit receivers in stride and his quickness permits him to elongate performs and rob off with his legs when wished. Despite combating multiple injuries at Florida, he flashed elite upside when healthy, take care of when he carried out 21 of 28 passes for 298 yards in an upset salvage over Texas. Diversified weeks, his inconsistency confirmed up, take care of his five-interception performance in opposition to LSU. With 19 occupation starts (13 in opposition to SEC competition), he brings confirmed trip in opposition to elite competition.

What to expect: Lagway’s 2025 numbers (16 TD, 14 INT, 63% completion share) procure not replicate his expertise, nonetheless the unique originate in Jake Spavital’s QB-friendly machine will maintain to aloof release his doable. Mediate of him as a Vitality 4 model of USF’s Byrum Brown — explosive nonetheless inconsistent. Spavital has maximized diverse expertise comparable to Robertson, Geno Smith and Kyler Murray, and Baylor’s explosive behind-2025 surge proves the offensive infrastructure works. Then again, Lagway faces the drawl of building chemistry with a unconditionally restful receiving corps whereas working beneath strain and maybe his final probability to resurrect his occupation. The upside is transformational. If Lagway stays healthy and harnesses his elite physical tools, he might per chance maybe per chance also single-handedly restore Baylor to Immense 12 competition.

What they’re announcing: “DJ has played a lot of important football over the last two years … DJ is a great teammate, works incredibly hard and is very intentional and thoughtful about how he has acclimated into the program and community.” — Dave Aranda, head coach

BYU Cougars

LB Cade Uluave (California)

Why: BYU returns quality manufacturing across the board, nonetheless it certainly’s heavily concentrated at the strongside and weakside spots alongside with multiple hybrid edge guys. Siale Esera returns within the heart, nonetheless with small to no depth or manufacturing within the support of him to exchange the impact of All-Immense 12 linebacker Jack Kelly. Customarily does BYU maintain to play with younger, inexperienced avid gamers, so the advent of Uluave, who brings one of the crucial very best manufacturing of any player within the switch portal on this cycle, is a welcome addition. He’ll maintain to aloof are living as much as the drawl, and his résumé suits that unparalleled. He made 235 occupation tackles at Cal, including 97 tackles in 2025. He brings solid sideline‑to‑sideline velocity, instincts and a knack for finishing performs. Uluave is a highly efficient yet reliably correct tackler with beautiful instincts and sound fundamentals. He performs with an edge and is a relentless circulation rusher. His manufacturing and playmaking is precisely what BYU needs to care for its defensive identity in opposition to Immense 12 competition.

“Cade is a great player who is dynamic and never slows down,” BYU coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged. “He has one speed and is so intense.”

What to expect: Leadership, pad popping and tackles. Uluave oozes linebacker air of secrecy and will upgrade BYU in multiple phases. He’ll stabilize the heart as an every‑down tackler who diagnoses mercurial and consistently closes working lanes, bettering early-down protection and decreasing opponent conversions. Second, his protection drops and fluctuate let BYU care for in more versatile sub‑packages with out sacrificing bustle integrity. Uluave can match tight ends in dwelling, fall into hook/curl zones or blitz on strain calls. His leadership and trip will velocity up younger avid gamers’ pattern and care for the unit’s complex, aggressive culture. Ask Uluave to be a high‑tackle, high‑impact presence who preserves BYU’s turnover capability, stingy crimson zone protection and makes the front seven savvier and more difficult. He might per chance maybe per chance be one of many convention’s most efficient avid gamers in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “Cade Uluave has been a highly productive player and his film speaks for itself. … As a linebacker he can do it all and is a very instinctual player. He is someone you can trust in any situation to make a play, he is a big-time playmaker.” — Justin Anderson, director of player personnel

Cincinnati Bearcats

WR Malachi Henry (Central Arkansas)

Why: Henry arrives as a first rate WR1 candidate for a Cincinnati offense that misplaced merely about all of its 2025 manufacturing on the perimeter. With veterans take care of Cyrus Allen, Jeff Caldwell and Noah Jennings long gone to the NFL or portal, and handiest Isaiah Johnson returning with essential trip, the Bearcats wished a confirmed, high‑volume receiver. Valid thru the final two seasons at Central Arkansas, Henry totaled 111 catches and 15 touchdowns, including a 2025 breakout with 69 receptions for 889 yards and 10 rankings, incomes first‑team All‑UAC honors. He brings vertical velocity, a sturdy frame and first rate starting trip. Cincinnati aggressively focused him in January to be a foundational part of a rebuilt room alongside fellow transfers Cade Wolford and Larenzo Fenner, and to provide restful quarterback Liam O’Brien a relied on, monumental‑sport aim.

What to expect: Henry is anticipated to step into a starting feature and feature as a high-aim, dash‑to perimeter probability with unprejudiced exact monumental‑play capability. He can align outdoors or within the slot, nonetheless his velocity and ball expertise create him especially treasured as a vertical and crimson zone threat. At Central Arkansas, he averaged practically 13 yards per obtain and logged four 100‑yard games in 2025, displaying he can care for manufacturing even when defenses key on him. In Cincinnati’s machine, he will maintain to aloof contend with WR1‑form usage. Ask the Bearcats to create basically the most of him on intermediate digs and outs, deep crossers, dash routes and support‑shoulder fades, plus key third‑down and internal‑the‑20 targets. His feel for zone protection and capability to separate behind in routes will maintain to aloof succor stabilize the passing sport whereas the relaxation of the receiver room settles. Ask Henry to be one of many main barometers for how mercurial Cincinnati’s offense can rebound in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “Malachi excited us on tape with his playmaking ability and consistency. He can win at the catch point but also has a knack for creating separation within the route. His strength and body control stand out and allow him to win over the middle or in back shoulder situations. Since getting here, he has exceeded expectations with his testing numbers and work ethic.” — Zach Grant, GM

Colorado Buffaloes

WR Danny Scudero (San Jose Tell)

Why: Scudero is basically the doubtless switch to reshape Colorado’s offense in 2026. He broke out with 88 catches for 1,297 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, displaying he can salvage consistently in multiple roles and procure in high‑leverage spots. He blends a sudden unencumber, good stems from the slot and elite ball expertise, helping him pluck contested throws and turn speedy targets into 10- to 20-yard chunk positive aspects after the obtain. In a restful offensive machine directed by Brennan Marion that prioritizes proceed and spacing ideas, Scudero’s reliability and playmaking contend with a particular deficiency the Buffaloes skilled final yr: consistent internal manufacturing and chain‑transferring expertise.

What to expect: The Buffs to dash from a bottom-five passing offense to a high-five in 2026 with Scudero being one of many Immense 12’s high switch portal additions. He initiatives as Julian Lewis’ predominant fleet‑sport/slot be taught and the engine for offensive coordinator Marion’s RPO and probability‑route ideas. He’ll feature because the instantaneous security valve on fleet progressions, a high‑fee aim on monitors, jets and shallow crossers and a seam threat on play‑action. Defenses must admire his quickness and YAC, which is ready to widen dwelling windows for perimeter stretch performs and deep shots to Moore and Kam Perry. Beyond X’s and O’s, Scudero brings knowledgeable‑level habits and leadership that shorten the discovering out curve for a young room.

What they’re announcing: “Danny is a game changer and a playmaker. He’s built like a slot but can play any of the receiver positions. He runs every route with intention and understands leverage and spacing. His work ethic is tireless and that of a walk-on trying to make the team daily. He makes everyone around him better.” — Deion Sanders, head coach

Houston Cougars

TE Patrick Overmyer (UTSA)

Why: Overmyer steps into one of basically the most high‑leverage roles on Houston’s roster. The Cougars exact misplaced Tanner Koziol, who posted 74 catches for 727 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 and indisputably functioned as Conner Weigman’s security blanket. The returning tight ends maintain minimal receiving manufacturing, so Overmyer’s be aware yarn at UTSA matters. He caught 58 passes for 627 yards and eight touchdowns over two seasons whereas sharing targets in a loaded tight discontinuance room. He has already been known as a high‑three tight discontinuance within the notify of Texas, which reflects each his manufacturing and traits. Overmyer has length, physique administration, old dual‑threat QB instincts and crimson zone finishing capability. In an offense that loves to create the plenty of the tight discontinuance, he’s being brought in particularly to abet that location central to the passing sport.

What to expect: Ask Overmyer to be heavily fascinated about 11 personnel and inherit many of Koziol’s tasks as a series mover and crimson zone probability. At UTSA, he confirmed he can salvage between the numbers in opposition to linebackers and safeties, bustle the beefy route tree from hooked up and unexcited alignments, and carry out performs at the intention line. In Houston’s building, he will maintain to aloof survey a right diet of seams, crossers, take a seat routes versus zone and play‑action shots off outdoors zone. His presence will maintain to aloof give Weigman a faithful heart‑field solution when predominant perimeter reads are lined and succor abet the Cougars’ tight discontinuance usage at a Vitality 4 impact level. If he and Weigman produce timing mercurial this spring, Overmyer has a real looking shot at being one of many Immense 12’s most efficient tight ends in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “Patrick is big, fast and explosive. He can both stretch the field and win in the run game. His background as a high school quarterback gives him a unique overall understanding of the game. Coach [Slade] Nagle has a track record of productive tight ends, and we are looking for Patrick to continue that.” — Wesley Fritz, GM

Iowa Tell Cyclones

DE/Edge Isaac Terrell (Washington Tell)

Why: Terrell is the instantaneous run‑and‑play disruptor Iowa Tell desperately needs, and he produced on a high‑tier protection. He used to be a key performer on a Washington Tell unit that ranked 15th nationally in total protection and 13th in passing protection in 2025, contributing to their 31 sacks. Despite starting handiest six games, he used to be named the Pac-12’s high defensive lineman, racking up 28 tackles, 12 TFLs and seven sacks, plus a forced fumble. He’s a tireless, high‑motor defender who brings confirmed Vitality 4 disruption and flexibility. He’s efficient as a stand‑up edge or with his hand within the grime. As one of 5 defensive linemen following restful coach Jimmy Rogers from Washington Tell, he embodies the aggressive, physical model Rogers goals to instill in a rebuilt front.

What to expect: Ask Terrell to be a tone‑setter and consistent backfield presence. His relentless effort, burst and capability to shed blocks create him efficient in opposition to the bustle and dreadful as a circulation rusher. He initiatives to play a hybrid feature, utilizing his explosiveness from multiple alignments to present mismatches, comparable to how the Cougars excelled in crimson zone and fourth‑down protection (rating tenth and seventh nationally, respectively). His rugged mentality and confirmed disruption will maintain to aloof create him a frontrunner for an inexperienced unit in 2026, aiming to repeat the form of high‑tier protection he used to be part of at Washington Tell.

What they’re announcing: “Isaac is explosive, strong and powerful, but his best quality is the effort and relentlessness that he plays with. We are excited for his second year in the defense and look forward to his continued growth and leadership.” — Ricky Ciccone, GM

Kansas Jayhawks

RB Dylan Edwards (Kansas Tell) and Yasin Willis (Syracuse)

Why: Kansas’ backfield used to be depleted after dropping its high three rushers in 2025, forcing a total overhaul. Edwards has lacked some consistency and battled injuries the previous three years, nonetheless he possesses one of the crucial very best play-velocity in college soccer at the placement. He’s also one of many very best returners within the nation. Edwards brings elusiveness and monumental-play capability, whereas Willis affords the necessary physical, downhill working model the Jayhawks desperately need. At 6-foot-1, 235 pounds, Willis is a first rate energy support with a confirmed be aware yarn. He ran for 558 speeding yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025, logging double-digit carries in all nine games he played. This manufacturing demonstrates his capability to contend with heavy workloads and consistently originate yards between the guards. His addition straight away addresses the need for dimension, durability and a tone-surroundings presence, complementing Edwards’ elite velocity and open-field capability dwelling. They maintain to aloof match seamlessly into a committee skill to the bustle sport.

What to expect: Each Edwards and Willis mission to be predominant alternate choices in Kansas’s restful-see backfield. Edwards is anticipated to present the monumental-play capability with his elusiveness and high-discontinuance velocity, whereas Willis will lead the committee briefly-yardage, intention-line and between-the-tackles eventualities. Willis will present the consistent ground sport the Jayhawks lacked, pushing the pile and breaking tackles to abet the offense before the chains. Paired with Edwards’ dwelling bustle capability, this velocity-and-energy tandem will maintain to aloof produce a nasty combo paying homage to previous winning Kansas backfields take care of Devin Neal and Daniel Hishaw Jr.‘s. Playcaller Andy Kotelnicki is help in Lawrence after two years at Penn Tell where he expertly managed the explosive duo of Cut Singleton and Kaytron Allen, focusing on utilizing their strengths in each the bustle and passing sport. Survey for a longtime bustle sport to rob a load off a restful quarterback and the Jayhawks to procure support on aim in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “Dylan brings a lot of excitement and versatility to what we can do offensively. Being from Kansas, we recruited Dylan heavily out of high school. His speed, vision, and ability to make people miss put a lot of stress on a defense, and he gives us another dynamic weapon both on offense and in special teams.” — Rob Ianello, GM

Kansas Tell Wildcats

Edges Elijah Hill (Kennesaw Tell), Wendell Gregory (Oklahoma Tell)

Why: Hill and Gregory are precisely the form of upside swings Kansas Tell has to hit on to rebuild a depleted front. Hill posted nine sacks as a first rate freshman at Kennesaw Tell, flashing real circulation-lumber juice as a 6‑foot-2, 230‑pound edge with a speedy first step and bend. On the flip aspect, he accomplished with exact 22 tackles and used to be used mostly as a designated rusher. At this level he’ll maintain to conceal he can strike, separate and care for the edge on early downs. Gregory arrives with a assorted profile: Vitality 4 manufacturing and pedigree. After redshirting at South Carolina, he transferred to Oklahoma Tell, exploded out of the gate with three sacks within the season opener and accomplished as Immense 12 Defensive Freshman of the twelve months, posting 32 pressures, 12 TFLs and 4 sacks. The tape shows explosive burst, flexibility and unprejudiced exact velocity‑to‑energy, nonetheless also some lack of discipline in opposition to the bustle. That is his third circulation in as a long time, which is a warning flag, nonetheless his tools to be a disruptive edge defender are undeniable.

What to expect: Fresh coach Collin Klein and Kansas Tell wished a distinction‑maker off the edge after dropping multiple front‑seven avid gamers (including switch Tobi Osunsanmi), and Gregory suits that bill and might per chance maybe per chance also step straight away into a serious feature as a havoc creator. Hill is on the entire utilized in a hybrid feature where his velocity and bend will doubtless be maximized whereas he learns to anchor in opposition to the bustle. Paired with returning sophomore Jordan Allen, who flashed as a freshman in 2025, Hill and Gregory give K‑Tell three first rate circulation rushers to circulation round and hunt matchups. The main will doubtless be consistency on early downs. If Hill and Gregory can rein of their games barely enough to ascertain the bustle whereas aloof cutting free on third‑and‑prolonged, this edge community can dash from ask stamp to strength faster than expected.

What they’re announcing: “We have good leadership in that room with Jordan Allen and Travis Bates. We had been enraged to add a pair of young, confirmed circulation rushers to that community.” — Trey Scott, GM

Oklahoma Tell Cowboys

QB Drew Mestemaker (North Texas)

Why: Mestemaker arrives as a confirmed, high‑volume passer who suits perfectly in Eric Morris’ tempo‑heavy offense. He threw for roughly 4,300 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2025 whereas including five speeding rankings, demonstrating the arm strength, timing and RPO processing that Morris prioritizes. Crucially, he brings present chemistry with fellow North Texas switch Caleb Hawkins, giving the offense an instantaneous identity. Mestemaker is not exact a stat machine. He processes mercurial, makes timely off‑platform throws and might per chance maybe per chance also lengthen performs with his mobility. He initiatives as a coach‑on‑the‑field in Stillwater.

What to expect: Prolific offensive numbers if Oklahoma Tell shores up security and surrounding weapons. Morris’ systems traditionally inflate quarterback manufacturing when good pockets and tempo match. The jump to the Immense 12 manner more difficult circulation rushes and tighter dwelling windows, so ask some early rising grief. Total, Mestemaker will maintain to aloof stabilize the quarterback room and lead a high-scoring, efficient assault that improves because the supporting forged comes collectively. Oklahoma Tell accomplished winless within the Immense 12 the previous two years nonetheless will outscore groups in 2026, and Mestemaker might per chance maybe per chance be the catalyst within the support of the rebound.

What they’re announcing: “He had so much success last year and I think he’s still in such a growth phase of life. Obviously the speed of the game is going to be a little bit faster playing P4 football and being able to adjust to the speed of the game and realize how much faster he has to get some balls out and anticipate it a little bit more — how much tighter some of the man coverage stuff is going to be. I think this is going to be a big spring for him to grow a ton, playing only 14 games in his career.” — Eric Morris, head coach

TCU Horned Frogs

QB Jaden Craig (Harvard)

Why: TCU faces a serious offensive overhaul after dropping three-yr starter Josh Hoover (9,629 yards, 71 touchdowns) and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles. Craig arrives as one of basically the most provocative and adorned FCS transfers, a 2.5‑yr starter at Harvard who grew to change into its all‑time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Widely belief to be the tip FCS passer within the portal (with a Day 3 NFL draft grade from Mel Kiper Jr.), Craig used to be a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist. He brings a confirmed be aware yarn of efficient decision-making (never a double-digit interception season) and the “small-college QB with big-college arm talent” profile coach Sonny Dykes and restful offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis maintain to spearhead their restful knowledgeable-model offensive building.

What to expect: Craig is the actual front-runner to be QB1, tasked with main a fully restful gape TCU’s offense. He’s a routinely sound, knowledgeable-model passer (built take care of Trey Lance) who can create all necessary throws, layer the ball and assault downfield with a “gunslinger mentality.” Whereas not a serious runner, his beautiful mobility and instincts to creep create him a sound dual threat able to extending performs. Sammis’ machine, fascinated by physicality, ball security and crimson zone efficiency, will maintain to aloof succor Craig reinforce his completion share (occupation-high 61.5%), which is ready to be key for Vitality 4 success. Craig is an instantaneous passe resolution, expected to lift steadiness, lower costly turnovers and create TCU’s offense more physical and bustle-oriented in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “When we knew we were going to be in the market for a transfer quarterback, we wanted to find a guy with a wealth of starting experience, someone who took care of the ball, made great decisions, and was always going to get us in the right spot. Jaden checked all of those boxes, and then when he was able to get on the board with Gordie Sammis, those two really hit it off. So, we knew then we had our guy.” — Sonny Dykes, head coach

Texas Tech Red Raiders

QB Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati)

Why: The No. 1 player within the ESPN switch portal rankings, Sorsby might per chance maybe per chance be the approach to Texas Tech’s offensive struggles in key 2025 moments, severely a 23-0 College Soccer Playoff shutout, providing the dual-threat explosiveness that used to be lacking. He possesses prototypical NFL dimension (6-foot-3, 235 pounds), beautiful arm strength and mobility, able to off-platform throws and deep ball accuracy. Over two seasons at Cincinnati, he had over 5,600 passing yards and 1,000 speeding yards, totaling 63 touchdowns with elite anticipation and processing beneath strain (36 touchdowns, five interceptions in 2025). This manufacturing earned him 2d-team All-Immense 12 honors and high-10 QBR/PFF grades. His arrival, which used to be Realizing A for head coach Joey McGuire, affords the offensive firepower wished to steadiness Tech’s high-ranked protection and elevate your entire team.

What to expect: Ask Sorsby to be the engine of Texas Tech’s offense, reworking it from exact a Immense 12 accepted into a right national title threat. His expertise will doubtless be excessive in punishing groups when the protection creates speedy fields — one thing that used to be lacking in 2025. Sorsby’s leadership and confirmed be aware yarn will elevate returning playmakers, and his dual-threat capability forces defenses to anecdote for him each as a passer and a rusher. Whereas the protection faces essential losses, Sorsby’s arrival ensures the Red Raiders will maintain a high-powered offense to compensate, allowing backup Will Hammond (recuperating from hurt) to present for 2027.

What they’re announcing: “The interesting aspect for us was we didn’t intend to go to the portal for a quarterback this offseason. That changed after Will’s injury late in the season. We knew we needed a difference-maker at that position, and that’s what we got in Sorsby. … I knew he was a winner and can come in and continue to build on the culture we’ve established here. We believe he could have been a high draft pick this year and that his draft stock will only improve in this offense.” — Joey McGuire, head coach

UCF Knights

QB Alonza Barnett III (James Madison)

Why: UCF’s quarterback room used to be speedy of a serious reset after facing inconsistency and injuries. Barnett is the actual solution and a ideal match. As a multiyear starter at James Madison, Barnett brings elite intangibles, leadership and a confirmed dual-threat profile, having guided James Madison to a College Soccer Playoff berth. He posted 5,433 passing yards, 49 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, alongside 1,075 speeding yards and 23 touchdowns over 27 starts (21-6 yarn). Barnett brings a aggressive edge and professionalism that is terribly necessary in providing steadiness and high-level manufacturing at the placement for the Knights.

What to expect: Barnett is projected to straight away crimson meat up the quarterback location and present worthy-wished trip and capability to the room. His manufacturing in a spread machine makes him an very best match for Scott Frost’s offense, where his dual-threat capability to elongate performs with his feet and solid arm will doubtless be fully utilized. Whereas his occupation completion share might per chance maybe per chance also desire a diminutive uptick for Vitality 4 consistency, his high manufacturing (49 circulation touchdowns, 23 lumber touchdowns) and low interception rate (13 interceptions) showcase his efficiency and capability to create issues happen. He’s anticipated to elevate UCF’s offensive identity, present necessary leadership and elevate the performance of those round him, bringing a a success mentality that will maintain to aloof present more consistent success for UCF in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “Alonza is a proven winner and exactly the type of quarterback we want leading our program,” Frost acknowledged. “He’ll stand in the pocket and make throws, he can use his legs when he needs to, and he competes every snap. On top of that, his production speaks for itself, and the way he carries himself as a teammate and leader makes him a perfect fit for the culture we’re building at UCF.” — Scott Frost, head coach

Utah Utes

OT Kelvin Obot (2026 signee)

Why: Obot is poised to be an instantaneous cornerstone for Utah’s offensive line, addressing a excessive void left by the departures of All-The usa correct tackle Spencer Fano and All-Immense 12 left tackle Caleb Lomu. As the No. 42 overall recruit within the 2026 SC Next 300, Obot is the very best-rated high college signee in program historic previous, bringing substantial raw expertise and athleticism. At 6-foot-5, 300 pounds, he possesses the very best dimension and physical traits to compete for taking part in time at tackle from Day 1. His early enrollment and the solid relationship with offensive line coach Jordan Unsuitable (his old high college coach) additional velocity up his readiness, making him an odd run-and-play expertise at a premium location very necessary for preserving quarterback Devon Dampier and powering the bustle sport.

What to expect: Obot is anticipated to step in and commence correct away, a serious ask of for a first rate freshman nonetheless one he has the raw expertise and athleticism to contend with. Whereas there will doubtless be outdoors strain and the same old freshman adjustments take care of including weight and adapting to sport velocity, his highly efficient bustle blocking, capability to seal the edge and solid circulation security in opposition to Immense 12 defensive fronts are anticipated to translate mercurial. His enlighten relationship with Unsuitable might per chance maybe per chance also severely support his pattern and tender his transition. Obot’s instantaneous impact will doubtless be very necessary for sustaining Utah’s success and enabling its restful-see offense to be a excessive Immense 12 title contender, providing the physical basis necessary for their returning capability avid gamers to thrive.

What they’re announcing: “Kelvin’s combination of size, physicality and athleticism makes him one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. He also possesses a high football IQ which makes him one of the more college-ready players I’ve ever seen entering his true freshman season.” — Morgan Scalley, head coach

West Virginia Mountaineers

RB Cam Prepare dinner (Jacksonville Tell)

Why: Prepare dinner is a total support who led all of FBS in speeding yards no matter being left out within the portal. At 5-foot-9, 202 pounds, he brings explosiveness, energy and monumental-play capability that completely match Prosperous Rodriguez’s bustle-heavy assault. In 2025, after transferring to Jacksonville Tell from TCU, he rushed for 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns with 10 separate 100-yard games, forcing 100 neglected tackles and recording 53 speeding makes an try over yards. He also caught 30 passes for unprejudiced about 10 yards per reception. He’ll maintain to aloof care for it up the sphere beefy time for the Mountaineers. Prepare dinner performs worthy bigger than his frame would conceal and has every-down physical traits.

What to expect: Prepare dinner in actuality needs to care for healthy, because West Virginia misplaced nearly all of its ground manufacturing from 2025 as a result of a subpar offensive line and beat-up working support room. Rodriguez save essential sources into revamping the offensive line whereas touchdown the nation’s main rusher, displaying his self assurance in Prepare dinner to be a high-tier help within the Immense 12. With handiest JUCO product Martavious Boswell and newbies within the support of him, Prepare dinner might per chance maybe per chance be the actual workhorse who can single-handedly change into this ground sport. His aggressive working model, capability to hit holes mercurial and reach the 2d level create him the very best passe addition to guide West Virginia’s offensive turnaround in 2026.

What they’re announcing: “We went after him, because we wanted an experienced guy. We knew that we were going to have almost a whole new running back room anyway, and I’m glad he’s here. … This guy was making people miss. He’s a really smart football player. He’s got a great feel for it. He can block, he can catch. So he’s got all the stuff that you want in the backfield.” — Prosperous Rodriguez, head coach