Every year, a handful of NFL Draft–eligible players face a difficult decision: declare early, return to school, or hit the transfer portal to elevate their stock. With NIL money now leveling the playing field, top prospects no longer sacrifice financial opportunity by staying in college, especially if a new environment can help them grow, get healthy, or find a scheme better suited to their strengths.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, several talented underclassmen could benefit from a fresh start. Whether due to injuries, coaching turnover, stalled development, or team struggles, these five players, all with bright NFL futures, may want to consider entering the transfer portal in 2026.
Sam Leavitt: QB, Arizona State
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is already viewed as a likely transfer candidate, with reports suggesting he could seek lucrative NIL offers elsewhere. After beginning his career at Michigan State, Leavitt transferred to ASU in 2024 and helped lead the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth.
In 2024, he posted strong numbers:
- 61.7% completions
- 2,885 yards (8.2 YPA)
- 24 touchdowns, six interceptions
- 150.2 passer rating
- 443 rushing yards, five rushing touchdowns
His 2025 season, however, was derailed by a foot injury, stalling the breakout many expected. His PFSN QB Impact Grade barely moved from 82.0 (2024) to 81.6 (2025), a sign of stagnation rather than progression.
A transfer to a program with a stronger supporting cast and elite QB development pipeline could give Leavitt the boost he needs to reclaim early-round NFL buzz.
LaNorris Sellers: QB, South Carolina
Coming into the season, LaNorris Sellers was widely viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick candidate. While his physical tools still scream first-rounder, a down year statistically created uncertainty around his draft projection.
Football analyst Todd McShay recently suggested that Sellers could explore his portal options, even hinting that a major program known for pursuing transfer QBs could target him in 2026.
Sellers’ PFSN grades show growth but also room for improvement:
- 2024: 76.5
- 2025: 83.2
NFL scouts reportedly believe Sellers would benefit greatly from one more college season, especially under a coach who can polish his mechanics and decision-making. At just 20 years old, development, not rushing to the draft, should be the priority. With NIL money available, a transfer to a QB-friendly system might be the best route to secure his long-term success.
LJ Martin: RB, BYU
BYU running back LJ Martin has been a force, helping lead the Cougars to a 10–1 season and pushing them toward a Big 12 Championship appearance. However, injuries have started to raise red flags with NFL scouts.
If Martin returns to school, entering the transfer portal could:
- Give him access to better training staffs/resources
- Place him in an offense that expands his role as a receiver, an area BYU hasn’t fully showcased
- Allow him to capitalize on significant NIL income while staying healthy
Martin has the tools to be a top NFL running back with a great size/speed combo, but proving he can stay healthy and develop his passing-game versatility would dramatically improve his draft positioning.
T.J. Parker: EDGE, Clemson
Few prospects suffered a sharper draft stock dip than Clemson EDGE T.J. Parker. A season ago, he looked like a top-10 pick, posting 11 sacks and an 85.5 PFSN grade. This year, that production plummeted to just two sacks and a 75.3 grade.
Clemson’s down year as a team didn’t help, but Parker’s regression suggests poor schematic fit and a lack of development.
A transfer makes sense for several reasons:
- He can find a defensive scheme that maximizes his explosiveness
- He can work with a staff known for developing elite pass rushers
- He can reset his draft stock and return to early-round form
Parker still has the talent to be a Round 1 edge rusher; he may just need a new stage to prove it.
AJ Harris: CB, Penn State
Penn State cornerback AJ Harris is another player whose draft stock dipped due to circumstances beyond his control. Viewed as a potential first-rounder before the season, Harris struggled in 2025, posting a 67.2 PFSN CB Impact Grade, a steep decline from 84.2 the year prior.
Penn State endured one of its worst seasons in recent history, culminating in the midseason firing of head coach James Franklin. With a new coaching staff, system changes, and uncertainty looming, Harris could benefit from transferring to a more stable program with a defensive scheme that fits his strengths.
Tall, physical press corners like Harris are rare, and plenty of top schools would jump at the chance to develop him into the lockdown NFL prospect he’s capable of becoming.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 NFL Draft class will be filled with talent, but these five players, Leavitt, Sellers, Martin, Parker, and Harris, may benefit more from a strategic transfer than declaring early or staying put.
With NIL opportunities allowing them to earn while they develop, transferring to the right program could:
- Revitalize their draft stock
- Place them in better offensive or defensive schemes
- Help them stay healthy
- Give them access to superior development resources
- Rebuild confidence after tough seasons
In today’s college football landscape, the transfer portal isn’t just an escape hatch; it’s a career accelerator. And for these five 2026 NFL Draft prospects, it could be the smartest move they make.