The 2025-26 transfer portal window may not officially open until January 2 — but college football is already buzzing with movement. Several eye-catching names have emerged, creating shockwaves across Power Five rosters. Here are the five biggest surprises from today’s transfer-portal chatter — and what to watch next.
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1. Nick Marsh (WR — Michigan State)
Michigan State Spartans’ top receiver, Nick Marsh — a 6’3″, 203-lb sophomore — has officially announced his plan to enter the transfer portal after the Spartans fired their head coach. ESPN.com+1
Marsh is coming off a strong two-season stint where he posted ~1,311 yards and 9 touchdowns. ESPN.com+1 That kind of production makes him one of the most coveted WRs on the board — and his departure from a Power Five program will trigger intense competition among any team needing a top playmaker at receiver.
2. Makhi Frazier (RB — Michigan State)
Alongside Marsh, MSU’s lead back Makhi Frazier also plans to transfer. Newsweek+1
Frazier tallied 520 rushing yards this season despite a turbulent year, and his decision to exit adds major uncertainty to a backfield that just lost its top weapons. ESPN.com+1 The fact that a ready-to‐play RB is leaving at this moment is a surprising hit for MSU and a possible boon for contenders looking for serious carry potential.
3. Jaden Craig (QB — formerly Harvard)
The former Ivy-League standout signal-caller Jaden Craig is entering the portal with one year of eligibility remaining. PFSN
Craig leaves Harvard as the school’s all-time passing leader (6,074 yards, 52 TDs) and a two-time Walter Payton Award finalist — yet he’s choosing to transfer to an FBS program to test himself against stronger competition. PFSN His move is a surprise because it reflects the shifting mindset in college football: top-tier QBs leaving stable programs to chase exposure, NIL potential, and NFL visibility.
4. Max Johnson (QB — formerly North Carolina)
Another quarterback turning heads is Max Johnson. Reports say he’s expected to enter the portal soon. SI
Johnson — a veteran passer with 6,356 career yards and 49 touchdowns — could become a high-value option for teams seeking experienced QB depth or a starter for 2026. SI+1 The surprise lies in timing: Johnson is leaving after a 2025 season that many assumed would end his transfer speculation.
5. Caden VerMaas (S — Nebraska)
Stepping away from star-name skill-position players, one under-the-radar but unexpected portal entry comes from Nebraska: freshman safety Caden VerMaas has announced his intention to transfer when the portal opens. https://www.wowt.com
While VerMaas saw limited action this season, his departure is a surprise because he was considered a potential future contributor. His early exit underscores that even young players — not just veterans — are reevaluating their situations under the evolving NIL-era roster dynamics.
Why These Moves Matter — And What to Watch
- Volume matters. When multiple top-level talents from one team (like Michigan State) dump the portal nearly simultaneously, it reshapes recruiting, depth charts, and pitching arguments for incoming recruits.
- Position-by-position shake-ups. Losing a WR and a RB together dramatically alters a program’s offensive identity. That’s a big red flag for fans and a big opportunity for suitors.
- Growing portal culture at all levels. From proven FBS contributors to Ivy-Leaguers to freshmen backups, today’s moves show that everyone’s rethinking where they can best elevate — financially and competitively.
- Team-by-team consequences. Programs like Michigan State and Nebraska suddenly have holes; others watching the portal may pounce fast.