College Football Transfers Following Coaches in 2026

This season, some notable college football transfers have chosen to move alongside their coaches to new schools. Former North Texas coach Eric Morris has taken over the Oklahoma State program, bringing with him 21 former players from the Mean Green. Among these is Drew Mestemaker, who led FBS with 4,379 passing yards last season. “Coach Morris was a big factor,” Mestemaker said regarding his decision. “Wherever he went, that was probably going to be where I was going.”

John Henry Daley, who recorded 11½ sacks at Utah last season, made a similar move, following coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan. New Penn State coach Matt Campbell now has about two dozen former Iowa State players joining him, including quarterback Rocco Becht. Becht stated, “My main decision was to play for Matt Campbell my final year, because I had built relationships with many of the guys here already.” Becht had an impressive career at Iowa State with 9,274 passing yards, 64 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions.

Transfers often believe playing under familiar coaches will help them succeed at their new schools. Daley said, “With Coach Whittingham, there’s discipline and hard work. We expect to win games. It’s not always going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.”

Indiana is an example of transfer success, with coach Curt Cignetti bringing 13 former James Madison players. These transfers helped Indiana achieve a College Football Playoff berth in 2024 and clinch the national title last season.

Impactful College Football Transfers in 2026

• Texas WR Cam Coleman (Auburn)

  Cam Coleman caught 93 passes for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns at Auburn over two seasons. He now joins Texas, where a video of him making a spectacular catch recently attracted attention.

• Indiana QB Josh Hoover (TCU)

  Josh Hoover takes over for Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana. Hoover amassed 9,629 yards, 71 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions at TCU. He will team up with former Michigan State receiver Nick Marsh and Boston College running back Turbo Richard.

• LSU QB Sam Leavitt (Arizona State)

  Sam Leavitt, who started at Michigan State, helped Arizona State reach the playoffs in 2024. He has 4,652 career passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 816 rushing yards. He will now work behind a strong offensive line.

• Miami QB Darian Mensah (Duke)

  Darian Mensah led Duke to an ACC title before transferring. Mensah has a 66.5% completion rate with a career total of 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and six interceptions at Duke, in addition to 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns at Tulane.

• Oregon S Koi Perich (Minnesota)

  Koi Perich, a versatile safety, was named first-team AP All-Big Ten in 2024. He contributed 82 tackles last year and offers offensive and special teams skills.

• BYU LB Cade Uluave (California)

  Cade Uluave joined BYU after earning 100 tackles and 12 for a loss last season at California. His three-season record includes 237 tackles, 21½ tackles for loss, six sacks, and three interceptions.