Teams that found the best fits in the college football transfer portal - ESPN

The transfer portal is now college football's most immediate roster-shaping tool, capable of changing a program's trajectory in a single offseason.

Not every high-profile move works, but when scheme and opportunity align, the fit can do wonders. We know it's a challenge to keep up with all the player movement in early January. So, with that in mind, we ranked the 15 best portal additions based on providing the greatest fit and value to their new programs.

South Florida to Auburn

Brown reunites with new Auburn coach Alex Golesh after the duo was among the most prolific quarterback-coach pairings in the Group of 5 over the past two years. Brown knows Golesh's offense, giving the Tigers a critical head start as they install a new system with plenty of unfamiliar faces. His pocket awareness has really progressed, and physically, he has SEC arm talent with the dynamic skill set to put up big numbers for the Tigers. His familiarity with the scheme's terminology should allow him to function as an extension of the coaching staff in meeting rooms to accelerate Auburn's offensive transition.

Cincinnati to Texas Tech

Sorsby should be an upgrade over Behren Morton in 2026, and the Denton, Texas, native has the luxury of joining an offense that returns most of its proven skill players next season. He has Big 12 experience and adds a dynamic dual-threat skill set that Texas Tech's offense lacked in 2025. Sorsby is well-versed in the Red Raiders' spread elements and he's effective as a designated runner who creates with his legs when plays break down. Sorsby's ability to operate the run-pass option game efficiently will make Texas Tech harder to defend.

Arizona State to LSU

Leavitt is Lane Kiffin's most high-profile portal addition,