2026 transfer portal takeaways: Texas, LSU go big as others fall behind

The 2026 college football transfer portal cycle has come to a close with significant activity impacting various teams. With nearly 3,300 FBS scholarship players entering the portal, several teams emerged as winners and losers based on their acquisitions and losses.

Winners:

• Texas Longhorns: Texas successfully addressed key roster needs by acquiring top talent, including Hollywood Smothers (RB, No. 2) and Cam Coleman (WR, No. 1), positioning themselves as contenders in Arch Manning's potential final season.

• Oklahoma State Cowboys: After a dismal 1-11 season, the Cowboys revamped their roster by adding over 50 players, including standout QB Drew Mestemaker and RB Caleb Hawkins, in an attempt to rebuild their program.

• Indiana Hoosiers: Indiana strengthened its roster with quality over quantity, acquiring high-caliber players like QB Josh Hoover from TCU and WR Nick Marsh from Michigan State, maintaining their status as a playoff contender.