Big Ten Football Transfer Portal 2026: Team-by-Team Updates and Top Additions

The transfer portal period runs from January 2-16, with an extra window for national championship participants from January 20-24.

Indiana has been aggressive in the portal, securing 10 transfer commitments.

Penn State leads in sheer numbers with 27 transfer additions, followed by Wisconsin (22), Michigan State (19), and UCLA (18).

Key transfers include DE John Henry Daley to Michigan, QB Josh Hoover to Indiana, and QB Rocco Becht to Penn State.

The portal offers players opportunities for increased visibility and better team fits, while teams aim to reload their rosters quickly.

DE John Henry Daley (Utah to Michigan): Daley, a second-team AP All-American, tallied 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss at Utah. His move to Michigan reunites him with his former defensive coordinator. Why this matters: A dominant edge rusher is a valuable asset, and Daley's addition significantly strengthens Michigan's defense.

QB Josh Hoover (TCU to Indiana): Hoover brings experience with 9,627 passing yards and 71 touchdowns at TCU. His arrival suggests the departure of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Why this matters: Hoover's experience and arm talent make him a strong contender to lead Indiana's offense.

QB Rocco Becht (Iowa State to Penn State): Becht follows his head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State after throwing for 9,209 yards and 64 touchdowns at Iowa State. Why this matters: Becht's familiarity with Campbell's system should provide a seamless transition for Penn State's offense.

WR Nick Marsh (Michigan State to Indiana): Marsh totaled 100 receptions for 1,311 yards and 9 touchdowns at Michigan State. Why this matters: Marsh fills a void in Indiana's receiving corps and offers a promising target for Hoover.

CB Jontez Williams (Iowa State to USC): Ranked as a top cornerback in the portal, Williams had a breakout 2024 season with 4 interceptions. Why this matters: Despite a recent injury, Williams' high coverage grade and potential make him a valuable addition to USC's defense.

Illinois: Added LS Zach Haber, EDGE William Holmes, QB Katin Houser, and others. Lost LB Easton Baker, DL Eli Coenen, and WR Malik Elzy.

Indiana: Gained DE Josh Burnham, P Billy Gowers, DT Joe Hjelle, QB Josh Hoover, WR Nick Marsh and others. Lost EDGE Aden Cannon, WR Makai Jackson and others.

Iowa: Added DL Kahmari Brown, DB Anthony Hawkins, and others. Lost P Rhys Dakin and RB Jaziun Patterson.

Maryland: Added RB Harry Dalton, WR Na'eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding, and others. Lost EDGE Neeo Avery and QB Justyn Martin.

Michigan: Gained Jonah Lea'ea, P Cameron Brown, and others. Lost LS Evan Boutorwick, QB Jadyn Davis, and DB Elijah Dotson.

Michigan State: Added K Liam Boyd, CB Charles Brantley, P Rhys Dakin, WR Fredrick Moore and others. Lost OT Justin Bell, WR Evan Boyd and others.

Minnesota: Added EDGE TJ Bush Jr., DL Naquan Crowder, and others. Lost RB Tre Berry and CB Jaylen Bowden.

Nebraska: Added OT Tree Babalade, OL Brendan Black, and others. Lost K Tristan Alvano and QB Marcos Davila.

Northwestern: Added OT David Anchondo, QB Aidan Chiles, and others. Lost RB Albert Kunickis and K Jack Olsen.

Ohio State: Added LB Christian Alliegro, WR Devin McCuin, and others. Lost OL Devontae Armstrong and DL Jarquez Carter.

Oregon: Added K Keaton Emmett. Lost CB Daylen Austin and TE Kade Caton.

Penn State: Added LB Caleb Bacon, QB Rocco Becht and others. Lost DL Randy Adirika and DL Kaleb Artis.

Purdue: Added P Dylan Drennan, RB Jerrick Gibson, and others. Lost WR Arhmad Branch and LB Owen Davis.

Rutgers: Added TE Kam Anthony, DL Malachi Davis, and others. Lost OT Zach Aamland and RB Samuel Brown V.

UCLA: Added CB DJ Barksdale, WR Landon Ellis, and others. Lost CB Jamir Benjamin and K Mateen Bhaghani.

USC: Added WR Terrell Anderson, LB Deven Bryant, and others. Lost OL Micah Banuelos and LB Anthony Beavers Jr.

Washington: Added S Jeremiah Bernard, DL Darin Conley, and others. Lost OL Davit Boyajyan and LB Deven Bryant.

Wisconsin: Added QB Deuce Adams, CB Cai Bates and others. Lost LB Christian Alliegro and TE Tucker Ashcraft.

Q: When does the college football transfer portal open?

Q: Which Big Ten teams have been the most active in the transfer portal?

The transfer portal is a significant factor in college football roster construction.

Key transfers can have an immediate impact on team performance.

Teams are using the portal to address specific needs and improve their competitiveness.

Stay informed about transfer activity to understand the changing landscape of college football.