The transfer portal quarterback market is expected to be as active as ever during the 2024-25 offseason cycle. Several big-name quarterbacks have already announced their intentions to transfer, and more are coming soon now that the winter transfer window (Monday through Dec. 28) is officially open.
Last year's portal class yielded five quarterbacks -- Dillon Gabriel (Oregon), Riley Leonard (Notre Dame), Will Howard (Ohio State), Kurtis Rourke (Indiana) and Sam Leavitt (Arizona State) -- who guided their new teams to the College Football Playoff, and Cam Ward (Miami) turned into a Heisman Trophy contender and projected first-round pick. Which transfer QBs will have a chance to do the same in 2025?
To help you keep up with who's going where, ESPN is ranking the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal. We will update this list frequently as more passers enter the portal and make commitments, and we'll add scouting reports from ESPN analyst Tom Luginbill along the way.
These rankings are based on production, potential and demand. If your favorite team is hunting for a new starter for 2025, here are the QBs it could target for an upgrade:
More portal coverage:
Ranking the best transfers overall (ESPN+)
Live updates on who's entering the portal
1. John Mateer
Transferring from: Washington State | Transferring to: Oklahoma
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-1 | WT: 219 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: After spending two years behind Cam Ward, Mateer put together an impressive breakout season in 2024 that made him one of the most coveted starting QBs in the country. Mateer threw for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns on 65% passing and ranked fourth among FBS starters with 1,032 rushing yards (excluding sacks) while scoring 15 rushing TDs. He's explosive and fearless when he's on the run, accounting for 58 forced missed tackles, according to ESPN Research (most among FBS QBs), and 22 rushes of 15 or more yards.
The Little Elm, Texas, native went 8-4 as a starter, leading the Cougars as high as No. 18 in the College Football Playoff rankings, with a top-five EPA (expected points added) per dropback average among FBS starters. Washington State put together a strong offer to bring back Mateer in 2025, but he now has moved on via the portal and has an opportunity to be the most impactful player in this portal cycle for 2025.
Scout's take: Mateer is a true Air Raid player in the passing game. He excels in rhythm and timing throws and is very decisive. He's a very tough player to rush, because he gets the ball out of his hand. He's a solid runner who can get out of trouble and extend plays. He plays with a high confidence level and raises the play of the people around him. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Oklahoma: Much-needed swagger. Oklahoma hired Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle on Dec. 2, which made Mateer-to-OU the worst-kept secret in portal recruiting over the past few weeks. Miami and others made a strong push, but Mateer couldn't turn down a chance to join his coaches in Norman and play on a big stage next season. The Sooners aren't done adding talent via the portal to get things fixed, but Mateer will inject a ton of playmaking ability and confidence into their offense.
2. Carson Beck, QB
Transferring from: Georgia | Transferring to: Miami
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-4 | WT: 220 | Class: Redshirt senior
Background: Beck is the biggest surprise entry of this portal cycle so far, reversing course and putting his name in the portal after announcing on Dec. 28 that he'd enter the NFL draft. The season-ending elbow injury Beck suffered during Georgia's SEC championship victory over Texas is one key reason why he'll try to play one more college season to get back to first-round pick status. The elbow injury is also the lone reason why Beck isn't the No. 1 overall player in our transfer rankings.
Beck won't be able to start throwing until March and will miss spring practice at his next school, but the experience he brings to the table as a two-year starter is hard to beat. Beck went 24-3 as Georgia's starter and put up 8,157 total yards and 63 total TDs during his time in Athens. He'll bring big-game experience -- with nine wins over top-25 opponents -- a ton of arm talent and toughness to his next team.
Scout's take: When Beck is healthy with a steady run game behind him, he's one of the purest, smoothest passers in college football. He's an exceptional ball handler who has the ability to drive the football into tight spots at intermediate and deep levels of the field, but also layer the football and change ball speeds. His decision-making took a step back this fall, and he took too many risks with the football. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Miami: Cam Ward was a total game-changer for Miami's program in his lone season, turning the Hurricanes into a legit ACC and College Football Playoff contender with his talent, experience and leadership. He also proved he deserves to be a first-round pick. Beck is chasing all those same goals in 2025, so this fit makes too much sense. He hasn't had a chance to start a playoff game, and Miami hasn't been to one. Beck's arrival means another year of extremely high expectations for Mario Cristobal and his squad.
3. Darian Mensah
Transferring from: Tulane | Transferring to: Duke
Seasons remaining: 3
HT: 6-3 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt freshman
Background: Mensah was a completely under-the-radar two-star recruit out of San Luis Obispo, California, when the Green Wave found him and extended his first scholarship offer. He was their scout team QB last year and was expected to be their third-string option this fall. But the redshirt freshman earned the starting job and proved he's one of the best young QBs in the country in 2024.
Mensah threw for 2,723 yards with 23 total touchdowns and six interceptions in his first season as a starter, leading Tulane to a nine-win season and a trip to the American Athletic title game in coach Jon Sumrall's debut season. His 76.5 QBR ranks fourth among G5 starters and 20th in the FBS, and he led all AAC starters in yards per attempt (9.5) and completion percentage (66%). Opposing coaches see elite arm talent and exciting upside. Tulane fought hard to keep Mensah, but he'll have several Power 4 contenders battling for his services.
Scout's take: Mensah reminds us of former Cincinnati passer Desmond Ridder. Mensah is poised, composed and extremely accurate. He has good -- not elite -- arm strength, and his ball placement and ability to change speeds to suit the throw is impressive. He's a good runner as well. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Duke: The Blue Devils went 9-3 in coach Manny Diaz's debut season with Texas transfer Maalik Murphy at quarterback. Moving on from Murphy and shoving all-in on Mensah makes a pretty serious statement about Diaz's ambitions to contend in the ACC in 2025. Mensah told ESPN he was drawn to Duke's academic prestige and the pieces already in place to win big next season. Mensah probably could've gone just about anywhere but preferred a quick recruitment and committed on his first visit. He's trusting that Diaz and OC Jonathan Brewer can take his game to the next level.
4. Fernando Mendoza
Transferring from: Cal | Transferring to: Indiana
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-5 | WT: 225 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Mendoza was an incredible find for a Cal, an under-the-radar, three-star recruit out of Miami who was committed to Yale until the Bears extended a late offer. He developed into one of the best young QBs in the country after taking over as Cal's starter for their final eight games last season. This year, he was the ACC's third-leading passer with 3,004 passing yards and raised his completion percentage to 69% (second-best in the ACC) while scoring 18 total touchdowns with just six interception over 11 games. He led all FBS quarterbacks with 41 sacks this season but overcame inconsistent protection to have a really productive year with strong performances against Miami and Auburn and a 98-yard game-winning drive to rally and beat rival Stanford. Mendoza is viewed as one of the most promising QBs in the country by several personnel departments and will have no shortage of options when he hits the market.
Scout's take: Mendoza is a great athlete and tough as nails. He was sacked a lot and just kept getting back up. He can make all of the throws and is a sneaky, crafty athlete. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Indiana: Indiana coach Curt Cignetti values production over potential when it comes to recruiting the transfer portal. He's getting plenty of both with Mendoza as his successor to Kurtis Rourke. Mendoza is looking to take his game to another level in the Big Ten and help make the Hoosiers a contender again in Year 2 under Cignetti.
5. Miller Moss
Transferring from: USC | Transferring to: Louisville
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-2 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Moss paid his dues over his first three years with the Trojans, including two seasons behind No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, before earning his opportunity to start in 2024. Moss led the Big Ten in passing yards per game, throwing for 2,555 yards and completing 64% of his attempts with 20 total touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 73.5 QBR that ranked 28th in the FBS. USC went 4-5 in his starts, with all five losses coming by one score, prompting coach Lincoln Riley to bench Moss and see what he had in UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava over the team's final three games.
Given his limited game experience, Moss needs to find a spot where he can get 12 more starts under his belt and prove he's an NFL passer.
Scout's take: Moss is mature, seasoned and has played good football and showed flashes of being extremely productive. He has competed in his career and didn't just bolt for the portal when Williams arrived. He can escape and keep plays alive and is solid on designed rollouts. He is an ideal spread passer, but he's not the runner some would like him to be. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Louisville: Moss has identified an ideal opportunity at Louisville. Jeff Brohm has gotten the best out of veteran transfers Jack Plummer and Tyler Shough in his two seasons at Louisville and developed Aidan O'Connell into an NFL passer at Purdue. Moss is looking to take the next big step as a second-year starter and is joining a program with an elite freshman back in 1,000-yard rusher Isaac Brown, a proven receiver in Chris Bell and a staff that will keep adding talent around him via the portal.
6. Jackson Arnold
Transferring from: Oklahoma | Transferring to: Auburn
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-1 | WT: 210 | Class: Sophomore
Background: After backing up Dillon Gabriel as a freshman, the former five-star recruit was expected to have a breakout year in 2024. Arnold endured a frustrating season as the Sooners' starter. He was benched during his SEC debut against Tennessee and sat out two games before regaining the job against South Carolina.
Arnold threw for 1,421 yards on 63% passing, rushed for 444 yards and scored 15 total TDs with eight turnovers and a 47.8 QBR in an Oklahoma offense that struggled along the offensive line (46 sacks allowed), lost its top five wide receivers to injuries and fired its OC at midseason.
Scout's take: Arnold needs a fresh start. The vast majority of his play this fall was without the services of Oklahoma's top five wide receivers. He's talented, accurate and can really run, as we saw when he had 131 rushing yards against Alabama. Arnold should be widely coveted given his physical tools and pedigree. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Auburn: Auburn finally picked up a top QB out of the portal. Coach Hugh Freeze landed his No. 1 target by selling him on what the Tigers bring back (including rising star Cam Coleman and their young receiving corps) as well as who they plan to land in the weeks ahead. Following a disappointing 5-7 season, Auburn looks poised to make a big push in this portal window and seriously upgrade its roster.
7. Mark Gronowski
Transferring from: South Dakota State | Transferring to: Iowa
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 230 | Class: Redshirt senior
Background: Gronowski put his name in the portal to explore options while weighing an NFL draft decision. By hitting the portal at the end of the winter cycle, he immediately became the top QB available on the market. Why? Because nobody in this cycle comes close to matching his career production. He's been one of the most dominant QBs in the sport, a four-year starter with a 49-6 career record and two national championship rings at the FCS level.
Gronowski is the active career leader at the FCS level in total offense with 10,309 passing yards, 1,767 rushing yards and 130 total touchdowns. He won the Walter Payton Award in 2023 as the top offensive player at that level. He went into the 2024 season with a late-round NFL draft grade.
Scout's take: This guy is the very definition of substance over style. All he does is make good decisions and win. It's not always pretty and his methods can be unorthodox, but the end result is amongst the elite in college football. An adequate athlete, Gronowski shines with his accuracy. He'll bring experience and smart play along with a sky-high expectation to perform, which he has done his entire career. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Iowa: What a win for the Hawkeyes. They were looking to improve their QB situation for 2025 via the portal, and their patience paid off when Gronowski hit the market. There's not a more experienced or accomplished QB in this cycle when you consider he's played more than 3,000 career snaps. Gronowski was productive in his lone start against Power 4 competition in 2024, throwing for 264 yards and two TDs with one interception in a 44-20 loss at Oklahoma State. He'll be eager to prove he can compete at the highest level in the Big Ten.
8. Kaidon Salter
Transferring from: Liberty | Transferring to: Colorado
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Salter led a historic season for Liberty in 2023 with a 13-0 run, a Conference USA title and a trip to the Fiesta Bowl. He earned C-USA MVP honors in his first season operating coach Jamey Chadwell's spread option attack. The Flames couldn't match that performance in 2024, going 8-3, but few QBs in this portal market have more proven dual-threat production. The former Tennessee transfer has put up 5,887 passing yards, 2,013 rushing yards and 77 total touchdowns with 31 turnovers in his career.
Scout's take: Salter is another version of SMU's Kevin Jennings. Salter is crafty, makes a ton of plays off platform and can make things happen on the move. He can be incredibly accurate on small-window throws down the middle of the field. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Colorado: Salter is exactly what Colorado needed for 2025, a veteran one-year starter who can be highly productive in the Big 12 and give five-star freshman Julian Lewis a chance to develop during his freshman year in the program. It'll be interesting to see how Pat Shurmur adjusts his offensive attack to play to Salter's strengths as a runner, and there's no doubt the senior will enjoy playing with the Buffaloes' talented young receiving corps.
9. Conner Weigman
Transferring from: Texas A&M | Transferring to: Houston
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-3 | WT: 220 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: After missing most of last season with a foot injury, Weigman hoped to put together a big year under the Aggies' new coaching staff. He struggled in their season-opening loss to Notre Dame and missed time with a shoulder injury. When he came back against then-No. 9 ranked Missouri, he went 18-of-22 for 276 yards in a 41-10 victory. But after his slow start against LSU, the Aggies went with backup Marcel Reed for the rest of the season.
Weigman has thrown for 2,694 yards, completing 60% of his throws over 15 career games with 21 total touchdowns and eight turnovers. He's eager to prove what he can do at his next stop when he's healthy and playing with confidence.
Scout's take: Weigman is very similar to Jackson Arnold in the sense that he just needs a new landscape. He is 9-4 as a starter and has plenty of quality film showcasing his arm talent and accuracy in tight windows to make him highly desirable. Much like Haynes King, Weigman has to be able to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season. He has competitive intangibles that we love and really good timing and rhythm as a passer. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Houston: Here's a smart move for both parties. Weigman gets to play for his hometown team and for coaches who developed Michael Pratt into the AAC Offensive Player of the Year at Tulane and an NFL draft pick. Willie Fritz and his OC Slade Nagle get a talented passer who can help them level up on offense after their young QB Zeon Chriss showed potential but had 10 turnovers over seven starts.
10. Devon Dampier
Transferring from: New Mexico | Transferring to: Utah
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 5-10 | WT: 198 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Dampier emerged as one of the more electric playmakers in the Group of 5 this season and earned first-team All-Mountain West honors. The former three-star recruit from Phoenix led the conference in total offense with 3,934 yards, including a whopping 1,166 rushing yards (third most among FBS QBs) and 19 rushing touchdowns. He put up 390 yards and five TDs against Arizona, led an upset win over then-No. 18 Washington State and finished with a 71.3 QBR (ninth among G5 starters) in his first season as a full starter for the 5-7 Lobos.
Dampier is now in the portal after coach Bronco Mendenhall left for the Utah State job after one season.
Scout's take: Dampier was one of the biggest surprise steals in the 2023 class for New Mexico and is about to be one of the hottest commodities on the market for his dual-threat traits and creative play-making. He reminds us of Jayden Daniels as both a runner and thrower. He's the type of player that can pull a rabbit out of a hat and defending his improvisational plays is a nightmare. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Utah: Kyle Whittingham just hired New Mexico's offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, so the Utes know exactly what they're getting in Dampier. Utah's backup quarterbacks Isaac Wilson, Sam Huard and Brandon Rose have all entered the transfer portal, so there's no question Dampier is being brought in to play right away. It's unclear what Cameron Rising is going to do next as he tries to come back from another season-ending injury, but this is clearly going to be an offense built around Dampier's playmaking ability that should be fun to watch in the Big 12.
11. Michael Van Buren Jr.
Transferring from: Mississippi State | Transferring to: LSU
Seasons remaining: 3
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Class: Freshman
Background: Van Buren was one of the highest rated QBs in last year's ESPN 300 as the No. 57 overall recruit and made a late flip from Oregon to Mississippi State to play for new coach Jeff Lebby. He ended up having to play earlier than expected after Blake Shapen went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. Van Buren made good progress over eight starts, throwing for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven turnovers.
Scout's take: Van Buren played very well for Mississippi State considering the difficulty of starting as a true freshman on a team that is struggling. He showed composure in leading the offense and had to grow up fast. We think he has very similar traits to Dillon Gabriel, only he's right-handed. He's an athlete who can create with his feet and make plays off platform with good arm strength and ball placement. -- Luginbill
What he brings to LSU: Van Buren gets a chance to be the No. 2 QB at LSU and the successor to Garrett Nussmeier. He's arriving at a good time, after the Tigers lost No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood to Michigan and backup Rickie Collins to the portal, and could potentially use his redshirt in 2025 to buy an extra season of eligibility. Van Buren surely could've moved down to play right away, but he's betting on himself with this choice and putting himself in a great position to develop and take over in 2026.
12. Billy Edwards Jr.
Transferring from: Maryland | Transferring to: Wisconsin
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-1 | WT: 214 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: The former Wake Forest transfer earned the starting job as the successor to Big Ten all-time leading passer Taulia Tagovailoa and finished third in the conference in passing yards (2,881) and second in completions (273) despite missing time at the end of the season with a thumb injury. After starting just three games over his first two years with the Terps, Edwards played well when he finally got his shot. Now he's looking for a new opportunity for his final season.
Scout's take: Edwards is a big, strong-armed, athletic passer who can really push the ball vertically. He's a deceptively good runner in a similar fashion to Virginia Tech's Collin Schlee. He has the look of a pro-style guy, but he has got an athletic skill set that could be utilized in the quarterback run game. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Wisconsin: Edwards is staying in the Big Ten and will provide a nice upgrade at QB for the Badgers and their new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. Luke Fickell hasn't had the best luck with one-year rentals during his tenure, but pairing Edwards with San Diego State transfer Danny O'Neil looks like a solid plan for the present and future.
13. Maalik Murphy
Transferring from: Duke | Transferring to: Oregon State
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-5 | WT: 230 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Murphy's decision to transfer again is a surprising one. After spending two seasons as a backup at Texas, it seemed Murphy had found a great fit with the Blue Devils. He'd started two games for the Longhorns in 2023, leading wins over BYU and Kansas State while Quinn Ewers was sidelined with an injury, and was ready to move on and become a starter in 2024. He teamed up with Manny Diaz at Duke and exceeded expectations in Year 1 with a 9-3 season and a solid stat line: 2,933 passing yards on 60% passing with a school-record 26 passing touchdowns and 13 turnovers. It'll be interesting to see what the former ESPN 300 recruit from Gardena, California, is looking for in his next school after proving he can be a successful starter.
Scout's take: Murphy checks all the physical boxes. He's big with a strong arm and showed good productivity this past season. While he can drive the ball downfield, accuracy has been his issue on intermediate and deep routes. He is a streaky player. When he's on, this is a good Power 4 quarterback, when he's not, he can lose you games. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Oregon State: The Beavers were a contender for Murphy during his portal recruitment a year ago and are giving him another chance to be their QB1. He's moving into a good situation with a wide-open starting job and young, unproven backups and should be highly productive at his next stop.
14. Chandler Morris
Transferring from: North Texas | Transferring to: Virginia
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-0 | WT: 191 | Class: Redshirt senior
Background: Morris turned his college career around this fall with a productive season at North Texas. The former TCU and Oklahoma transfer has gone through a lot but got his swagger back in coach Eric Morris' offense. The American's leading passer ranks fourth nationally in total offense after putting up 3,774 passing yards, 242 rushing yards and 35 total TDs for the 6-6 Mean Green. He'll have an opportunity to return as a sixth-year senior in 2025 and is back in the portal to make one more move.
Scout's take: Morris has won the starting quarterback job at two schools over the last four years and has a large sample size of experience to evaluate which makes him attractive. He's a scrapper, a coach's kid and he knows the game. He can be a bit streaky in terms of completion percentage, but did throw 31 touchdowns this fall. Not sure he's a guy that will garner a ton of Power 4 interest at the highest level, but he has been productive. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Virginia: Morris could've taken several more visits but locked in a commitment to Virginia to play for coach Tony Elliott, who previously worked with his father Chad Morris at Clemson. The Cavaliers lost starter Anthony Colandrea to the portal and have put together a great combo with Morris, a one-year pickup, and Nebraska freshman transfer Daniel Kaelin. If you're Elliott, you have to feel good about the new direction of your QB situation.
15. Beau Pribula
Transferring from: Penn State | Transferring to: Missouri
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-2 | WT: 203 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: After three seasons as a backup at Penn State, Pribula is ready for a chance to become a starter. First-year offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki carved out a fun role off the bench for Pribula in the Nittany Lions' offense this season, and he put up 275 passing yards, 242 rushing yards and nine total TDs with one interception on 182 snaps. The former four-star recruit from York, Pennsylvania, averaged 6 yards per carry on designed runs, according to ESPN Research, and made Kotelnicki's offense tougher to defend. But Drew Allar returning to Penn State for 2025 means it's time for Pribula to move on. He's not waiting until the end of the CPF run or the spring window to test the market -- he's transferring now with the hopes it gives him the best possible options. Similar to when Will Levis left Penn State after 2020, Pribula is eager to prove he can be a starter and lead a team.
Scout's take: Pribula is a true dual-threat. He's an exciting player with confidence and a street-ball mentality. He's very crafty in his methods, and while he might not always be technically sound, he finds unorthodox ways to make plays through the air. He can change his arm angle to suit the throw and has the arm strength to make all the throws on the field. He is a really good ball handler in the backfield, which makes him a dangerous runner on misdirection and play action. He's young and has a very high ceiling to become a feature player under center. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Missouri: Eli Drinkwitz was in the market for a QB1 in this cycle and came close to landing Moss. Pribula possesses less starting experience but all the tools to be a quality successor to Brady Cook, the Tigers' 38-game starter. Mizzou has done a nice job adding talent in this portal cycle and will put Pribula in a good position to be successful in 2025.
16. Thomas Castellanos
Transferring from: Boston College | Transferring to: Florida State
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 5-10 | WT: 196 | Class: Junior
Background: After one season in a reserve role at UCF, Castellanos transferred to Boston College and shined right away as a dual-threat weapon. He threw for 2,248 yards with 28 total touchdowns and 16 turnovers, and his 1,253 rushing yards (excluding sacks) led all FBS quarterbacks last season -- yes, even more than Heisman winner Jayden Daniels -- according to ESPN Research.
In his lone season under coach Bill O'Brien, Castellanos improved his completion percentage (61%) and cut down on his turnovers (eight) but rushed for just 194 yards and one score and finished with a 38.3 QBR. The 20-game starter left the program in November after he was benched for FIU transfer Grayson James. He'll need to find the right scheme to lean into his strengths, but Castellanos' talents in the run game should make him a good get.
Scout's take: It's a mystery as to what actually transpired leading to his benching and eventual trip to the portal, but when he's on, Castellanos is an exciting, dynamic runner and passer. He is a perfect fit for any spread offense that wants to feature the QB as a runner. He's diminutive in stature, but is a very difficult player to defend and has good tape. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Florida State: Gus Malzahn is bringing a familiar face down to Tallahassee. Castellanos signed to play for Malzahn at UCF and was his third-string QB during his lone season in the program. He knows Castallenos can bring a more explosive element to his offense than any of the Seminoles' quarterbacks from this past season. It'll be exciting to see them reunite and get Castellanos back to playing like he did in 2023.
17. Air Noland
Transferring from: Ohio State | Transferring to: South Carolina
Seasons remaining: 4
HT: 6-2 | WT: 192 | Class: Freshman
Background: Noland was a big-time recruit for the Buckeyes as the No. 52 overall player in last year's ESPN 300 coming out of Georgia. But one month after he signed, Ohio State brought in another QB from his class. Five-star Julian Sayin, the No. 9 overall recruit, transferred in from Alabama after Nick Saban's retirement. That addition put Noland in a tough spot in the Buckeyes' talented QB room, and he did not see the field during his redshirt season in the program. Now he's looking to start over in a program that can offer a clearer path to a starting role.
Scout's take: Noland is an effective rhythm and timing passer. He thrives through decisiveness and anticipation. He can make all the throws and throws a very catchable ball. Noland has the ability to layer the ball depending on the throw. He has always functioned at a very high level and needs to find a program with a timing offense that can accentuate his traits. -- Luginbill
What he brings to South Carolina: The Gamecocks have secured a developmental backup for LaNorris Sellers with big upside. That's a huge win for Shane Beamer and his staff. It's typically difficult to recruit a quality arm in the portal when you have an elite QB1 with multiple seasons of eligibility remaining. But Noland was willing to pick a school where he can continue developing into a future starter.
18. Luke Kromenhoek
Transferring from: Florida State | Transferring to: Mississippi State
Seasons remaining: 3
HT: 6-4 | WT: 208 | Class: Freshman
Background: The No. 159 overall player in the 2024 ESPN 300 probably did not anticipate he would need to play right away at Florida State, but the third-string QB ended up playing in six games during the Seminoles' disastrous 2-10 season and started their final two. Kromenhoek performed well in his first start, throwing for 209 yards and three TDs in a 41-7 rout of Charleston Southern, and put up 140 passing yards in a 31-11 loss to Florida. Coach Mike Norvell brought in a new OC in Gus Malzahn and is pursuing portal QBs, so Kromenhoek is now in the portal and looking to move on.
Scout's take: Kromenhoek is a good player who was thrown into an impossible position to succeed. He's a polished passer who, in the right spot, could be highly productive for someone. He reminds me of Kurtis Rourke when he was a sophomore at Ohio. Kromenhoek throws with good anticipation and timing and he's a good enough athlete to get out of trouble. He showed a lot of poise and composure this fall, considering he was constantly under duress. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Mississippi State: Here's a win-win situation for both sides. Coach Jeff Lebby gets a blue-chip freshman quarterback to replace Van Buren and compete with Shapen and ESPN 300 signee KaMario Taylor. Kromenhoek gets to play in a QB-friendly offense with a real opportunity to become a multi-year starter in the SEC if he proves he's the guy there.
19. Deshawn Purdie
Transferring from: Charlotte | Transferring to: Wake Forest
Seasons remaining: 3
HT: 6-4 | WT: 220 | Class: Freshman
Background: Here's an under-the-radar G5 quarterback who could be one of the steals of the cycle if he can find a good fit. Purdie earned six starts as a true freshman for the 49ers and flashed exciting potential while throwing for 1,802 yards with 11 total touchdowns and six interceptions. The Baltimore native is still raw and inexperienced, but coaches believe he put serious arm talent on tape.
Scout's take: If people are doing their homework, Purdie may be one of the most exciting high-upside prospects in the transfer portal at the quarterback position. He's naturally gifted at changing arm angles, throwing off platform and making plays on the move and has an extremely strong arm. We had him graded as a Power 5 prospect coming out of high school in the 2023 class. Somebody's going to get a really good player with Purdie. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Wake Forest: After initially signing with Florida, Purdie has found a much better opportunity to compete for a starting job at Wake Forest. He'll have a chance to put up big numbers under new coach Jake Dickert if he can beat out South Carolina transfer Robby Ashford and the team's returning reserves to become the Deacons' QB1.
20. Joey Aguilar
Transferring from: App State | Transferring to: UCLA
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-3 | WT: 220 | Class: Senior
Background: After two seasons at App State, Aguilar is making one more move thanks to the NCAA's blanket waiver granting former junior college transfers an additional season of eligibility. He threw for 6,760 yards on 60% passing with 61 total touchdowns and 24 interceptions over his two seasons as the Mountaineers' starter and earned Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year in 2023 after breaking App State's single-season passing records for yards (3,757) and touchdowns (33).
Scout's take: High risk, high reward. Aguilar is an absolute gunslinger. He possesses a live, powerful arm that can fit the ball into tight windows, and when he gets hot, he is really impressive. However, his mentality can lead to risky, ill-advised throws that at times can result in negative plays or turnovers. He's highly competitive and can play winning football.
What he brings to UCLA: Newly hired offensive coordinator Tino Sunseri was in the market for a portal addition and moved quickly to land Aguilar once he hit the portal. Their QB situation is wide open for 2025 with Ethan Garbers graduating and Justyn Martin transferring to Maryland, so bringing the Antioch, California, native back to his home state for his final season will give the Bruins time to develop their young arms.
21. Caden Veltkamp
Transferring from: Western Kentucky | Transferring to: FAU
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-6 | WT: 236 | Class: Redshirt sophomore
Background: Veltkamp put his name in the portal a year ago after being told to change positions to tight end. Then he came off the bench during Western Kentucky's bowl game and put up 383 passing yards and five TDs in a 38-35 comeback win over Old Dominion. Veltkamp stayed in the program, became the starter when Texas State transfer TJ Finley suffered an ankle injury and earned second-team All-Conference USA honors this season with 2,806 passing yards on 67% passing, 30 total TDs and 10 interceptions. After leading the Hilltoppers to the Conference USA title game, Veltkamp is now back on the market.
Scout's take: With Austin Reed deciding not to play in last season's bowl game, Veltkamp absolutely lit it up against Old Dominion. He's a big, athletic runner who has some skills as a passer and has shown enough on tape to be attractive. He's the perfect fit for an offense that wants utilize their quarterback in the run game. -- Luginbill
What he brings to FAU: Newly hired coach Zach Kittley has found his QB1 to begin his tenure in Boca Raton. Kittley recruited Veltkamp to WKU during his lone season as the program's offensive coordinator in 2021, so there's plenty of familiarity on both sides here as Kittley tries to turn the Owls back into a contender.
22. Anthony Colandrea
Transferring from: Virginia | Transferring to: UNLV
Seasons remaining: 2
HT: 6-0 | WT: 183 | Class: Sophomore
Background: Colandrea flashed exciting potential as a true freshman starter for the Cavaliers in 2023 and already has 18 career starts under his belt. The former three-star recruit from St. Petersburg, Florida, has produced 4,083 passing yards, 502 rushing yards and 28 total touchdowns with 24 turnovers during his career.
Colandrea was benched for Virginia's season finale against Virginia Tech, and even though coach Tony Elliott and his staff were still planning to continue building around Colandrea as their QB1 next year, Colandrea is looking to finish his career elsewhere following a 5-7 season. If he keeps maturing and can cut down on his turnovers, he'll be a solid addition for a team with a QB need.
Scout's take: Colandrea is a high risk, high reward quarterback. He can look really good and dynamic, but can also be way too risky with the ball and make decisions he shouldn't. He's not very big, but he's crafty, a terrific athlete and makes things happen. He must temper his risky play to maximize his ability. -- Luginbill
What he brings to UNLV: Given new coach Dan Mullen's track record with quarterback development, this is an exciting pairing for the Rebels to build around. They'll need to reload on offense with Ricky White III and lots more senior leadership moving on, but Colandrea should still be one of the most productive QBs in the Mountain West next season.
23. Dequan Finn
Transferring from: Baylor | Transferring to: Miami (Ohio)
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-2 | WT: 206 | Class: Redshirt senior
Background: Finn has entered the transfer portal with the hopes he'll be approved for a seventh season of eligibility in 2025. Finn had an extremely productive three-year run as Toledo's starter and earned MAC MVP honors in 2023 after putting up 3,220 total yards of offense and 29 TDs and leading the Rockets to 11 wins. He made the move up to the Big 12 and started two games for Baylor before being benched for Sawyer Robertson, who held onto the job for the rest of the Bears' 8-4 season. Finn only appeared in three games this season, so he's expected to seek a medical redshirt to gain an extra year.
Scout's take: Finn went from being the MAC's leading passer in 2023 and a hot commodity in the transfer portal to only playing in three games at Baylor this fall. A lot of people felt he could be the next Malik Willis moving from Auburn to Liberty and have a breakout season. After winning the job, Finn went down to an early season injury and never returned to the lineup. He's a very smooth, accurate passer who's athletic enough to keep plays alive off-platform. He should receive fairly significant interest based off his experience alone. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Miami (Ohio): One of the most successful QBs in recent MAC history is coming back to the conference for his final season of eligibility. The RedHawks couldn't have found a more qualified replacement for first-team All-MAC QB Brett Gabbert. After they defeated Finn and Toledo in the 2023 MAC title game, he's now switching sides for 2025.
24. Preston Stone
Transferring from: SMU | Transferring to: Northwestern
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 6-1 | WT: 214 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Stone was a huge recruiting win for SMU as the No. 121 overall recruit in 2021. After two seasons behind Tanner Mordecai, Stone lived up to the hype in 2023 by throwing for 3,197 yards and scoring 32 total TDs for an 11-win squad that won the American Athletic. When Stone suffered a broken leg in the regular-season finale, Kevin Jennings took over and beat Tulane in the conference title game. Coach Rhett Lashlee still went with Stone as his starter to begin 2024 but ended up benching him during an 18-15 loss to BYU. Jennings took over from there and led the program to the ACC title game and the College Football Playoff. As expected, Stone announced he's entering the portal, but he does plan to stay with the team while they make their CFP run.
Scout's take: Stone had a spectacular year in 2023 and brings enough to the table to garner fairly significant interest. He's not the dynamic athlete that Jennings is -- someone who can attack all the nooks and crannies of the field -- but he's an accomplished passer who has played a lot of football. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Northwestern: The Wildcats looked to the portal to upgrade their QB situation after finishing 16th in the Big Ten in passing offense during league play during a tough 4-8 season. Stone brings valuable experience and leadership and will be ready to bring his best after spending most of the season on the bench.
25. Mikey Keene
Transferring from: Fresno State | Transferring to: Michigan
Seasons remaining: 1
HT: 5-11 | WT: 200 | Class: Redshirt junior
Background: Keene began his career at UCF and had to start right away as a true freshman in 2021 after Dillon Gabriel suffered a season-ending injury. After coach Gus Malzahn brought in transfer John Rhys Plumee as his new starter, Keene moved on to Fresno State and had a productive two-year run for the Bulldogs with 5,868 passing yards on 69% passing, 42 passing touchdowns and 22 turnovers. Keene joined many of his Bulldogs teammates in entering the portal during the program's head coaching change.
Scout's take: Keene has always been overlooked because he's undersized. However, Keene has always produced at a very high level as a rhythm and timing passer who gets the ball out of his hand quickly and his biggest strengths are decisiveness and anticipation. He has a strong enough arm, but his best trait is his release and ability to beat the rush with his delivery. He is very similar to Rocco Becht at Iowa State. -- Luginbill
What he brings to Michigan: The Wolverines were involved with quite a few portal QBs in this cycle as they sought a veteran they could pair with incoming No. 1 overall recruit Bryce Underwood. The likelihood of Underwood taking over the job as a freshman probably made it tougher for the Wolverines to find a QB willing to come in and compete for the job. They got a good one, though, in Keene. He'll help give Michigan much better options than it had in 2024.