The first day of the college football transfer portal is officially in the books. While it didn’t deliver full-blown chaos, it certainly set the stage for what’s coming next. Day 1 was more about positioning, visits, and speculation than actual commitments. However, there were still clear winners, a few losers, and one surprise that raised eyebrows across the sport.
Winner: Brendan Sorsby
One of the biggest early winners of transfer portal season is former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby. ESPN college football analyst Pete Thamel took to Twitter early on Day 1, saying:
“Former Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby has visits lined up to both Texas Tech and LSU. He’s set to fly to visit Texas Tech today and will go from there to Baton Rouge. He’s ESPN’s No. 1 ranked portal player in @max_olson rankings.”
From the jump, analysts crystal-balled Texas Tech and LSU as the two most likely landing spots for Sorsby, and for good reason. Both programs are legitimate contenders, both have proven quarterback development, and both are well-equipped with the NIL resources needed to land a top-tier portal quarterback.
Sorsby is a winner on multiple fronts. No matter which school he chooses, he’ll compete at the highest level of college football, with a real shot at the College Football Playoff or, at minimum, a conference title.
The financial aspect is also significant; if Texas Tech and LSU enter a bidding war, Sorsby could see his value exceed initial expectations, as both programs have shown they’re willing to invest heavily for the right player.
Even without signing on Jan. 2, Sorsby’s leverage, options, and market value make him a clear early winner of portal season.
Winner: Texas Tech
Another major winner from the first day of the transfer portal window is Texas Tech. The Red Raiders’ aggressive approach doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. They’ve been linked to several high-end targets and continue to show they’re willing to spend big to upgrade their roster.
Among the notable names linked to Texas Tech are quarterback Sorsby, linebacker Austin Romaine from Kansas State, and edge rusher Wendell Gregory from Oklahoma State. After falling to Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, Texas Tech appears determined to attack the offseason immediately, having gained a taste of the national spotlight.
MORE: Top 25 Remaining Players in the College Football Transfer Portal After Day 1 Include Byrum Brown, Caleb Hawkins
Landing Sorsby would give them the 10th-highest graded quarterback in the country, according to PFSN, with an 88.2 PFSN College QB Impact score. Romaine, despite battling injuries and playing just nine games last season, has the potential to replace Jacob Rodriguez and anchor the linebacker room.
Gregory, meanwhile, was arguably the lone bright spot on Oklahoma State’s defense, receiving an 83.3 PFSN College Edge Impact score and ranking fourth nationally among edge defenders with nine tackles for loss.
Texas Tech isn’t just window shopping. They’re loading up.
Loser: Fans Expecting Day-One Fireworks
If there’s one clear loser from the first day of the transfer portal window, it’s college football fans hoping for instant chaos. Instead of a fireworks show, day one felt more like the appetizer before the entrée.
There was far more buzz, rumor, and speculation than actual signings. Social media timelines didn’t explode with commitments, but rather with visits, shortlists, and crystal balls. Fans looking for instant gratification will have to wait a bit longer, likely into the second day and beyond.
MORE: Austin Simmons Enters Transfer Portal: Ole Miss QB Expected to Land at Missouri
That said, patience will be rewarded. Plenty of elite talent remains available, including Byrum Brown, PFSN’s highest-graded transfer portal quarterback, with an 88.8 PFSN College QB Impact score. The former USF Bull is a dangerous dual-threat waiting for the right fit.
Running back Caleb Hawkins led the nation with 23 rushing touchdowns, while wide receiver Wyatt Young earned the top PFSN College WR Impact score (87.5), making him the highest-graded receiver in the country. The movement is coming, and once it starts, it won’t slow down.
Surprise: Koi Perich Enters the Portal
In today’s college football landscape, it’s hard to be truly surprised by anything involving the transfer portal, but Koi Perich entering his name still raised eyebrows.
A Minnesota native staying home to play for the Golden Gophers felt like a perfect story. That dream lasted until it didn’t. Perich’s decision came later in the process, and few saw it coming.
The move suggests Perich wants more than solid seasons and bowl appearances. Minnesota finished 8–5, good, but not great, and it’s clear he’s aiming to compete for championships. A dip in production may have also played a role, as Perich could be looking for a better environment to fully develop his skill set.
Now, he’ll have no shortage of suitors. Programs expected to show interest include the Ohio State Buckeyes and Miami Hurricanes.
Ohio State boasts a defense that earned a 96.6 PFSN College DEF Impact score, while undefeated Indiana leads the nation with the highest-graded defense (97.3).
Meanwhile, Miami, where his former defensive coordinator now coaches, posted the sixth-best defensive score (89.6). Each of these programs offers elite development, national exposure, and a clear plan to maximize Perich’s talents. If there were any doubts about his future, they won’t last long; help is on the way.
