Top newcomers for Notre Dame and every Big Ten team; what coaches, GMs are saying

No conference in 2025 better felt how quality newcomers can reshape rosters like the Big Ten.

Indiana's magical run to a College Football Playoff championship was keyed by an exceptional season from transfer quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Oregon Ducks, who the Hoosiers beat in the semifinals, had a transfer (Malik Benson) as their leading receiver while two freshmen running backs, Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr., were core cogs in the rushing attack. The examples go on and on throughout the conference.

Whether it's blue-chip freshmen arriving with massive expectations or proven transfers stepping into high-leverage roles, roster turnover has become one of the biggest drivers of success in modern college football.

Spring is the right time to identify the newcomers poised to make the biggest impact.

To get a clearer picture of who could shape the 2026 season, ESPN selected one newcomer for each Big Ten team, plus a bonus look at Notre Dame, with a path to immediate contribution. Then we surveyed coaches, general managers and personnel staffers across the conference on what stands out most about that player's addition.

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Notre Dame

Illinois Fighting Illini

QB Katin Houser (East Carolina transfer)

Why: Three-year starter Luke Altmyer, who had 60 career touchdown passes, is departing. He was also a sneaky-good runner, so the Illini are losing an athletic player under center. However, Illinois has built exceptional depth around the quarterback position through smart recruiting and transfer portal additions. The program returns proven experience across the board at running back, wide receiver and tight end, creating an ideal situation for Houser. Rather than having to elevate an inexperienced supporting cast, he'll have established weapons at his disposal from Day 1. This offensive infrastructure, combined with the coaching staff's track record developing QBs, makes Houser's transition critical to maintaining the program's upward trajectory and competing in a loaded Big Ten conference.

What to expect: A very efficient and accurate passer who has accumulated 6,438 yards and 43 touchdown passes over two seasons as a starter at ECU. Like Altmyer, Houser can make plays with his legs and will be effective on broken plays, maintaining the dual-threat element that has become integral to Illinois' offensive identity. Houser is at his best in the spread offense and is well-versed in a high-speed, up-tempo scheme. He's a perfect fit for Illinois' offensive philosophy. His experience processing quickly in rhythm passing situations and ability to extend plays with his mobility should maximize the talent around him. Don't be surprised if Houser has his best statistical season, potentially matching or exceeding Altmyer's production while providing leadership and stability.

What they're saying: "Katin has been very impressive from the first time we met to where we are today. His attention to detail, his care factor for the way he does things and the way he prepares those around him is truly impressive. It's easy to see that the adversity he has had in the past has fueled him to be where he is today and given him a desire to go to an even higher level of success." -- Bret Bielema, head coach

Indiana Hoosiers

QB Josh Hoover (TCU transfer)

Why: Indiana has absolutely nailed its portal QB recruiting the past two cycles, helping to transform the program and win a national championship. It started with Kurtis Rourke and culminated with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The program lost backup Alberto Mendoza, who transferred to Georgia Tech, leaving a void behind the starter. With Mendoza departing for the NFL as a potential first overall pick, can the Hoosiers hit on their third consecutive quarterback portal addition? Hoover will be the key to sustaining Indiana's championship-level success and proving this wasn't a one-year miracle. With College Football Playoff expectations now the standard in Bloomington, Hoover needs to be a home run to keep the program's meteoric rise intact.

What to expect: Production, swagger and possibly more risk than Indiana fans are accustomed to after Fernando Mendoza's efficient brilliance. Hoover arrives as college football's leading returning passer with 9,629 yards and 71 touchdowns over three seasons as TCU's starter. However, he has been turnover-prone throughout his career, with only one season avoiding double-digit interceptions and 42 total turnovers in his time with the Horned Frogs. He's a gunslinger with supreme confidence who isn't afraid to challenge defenses vertically. Hoover is exceptionally well-versed in RPO concepts and will benefit from a quality running game behind him with the addition of Turbo Richard from Boston College. Indiana has also upgraded the receiving corps through the portal, bringing in former four-star recruits Nick Marsh and Shazz Preston to give Hoover elite targets. Expect a higher-volume, more aggressive passing attack that could produce explosive numbers but with the occasional risky decisions.

What they're saying: "Josh has started a lot of football games. He's won a lot of football games and thrown a lot of touchdown passes. He's got a quick release. He's very accurate. He's a competitor. He's smart, and we are looking forward to developing him." -- Curt Cignetti, head coach

Iowa Hawkeyes

WR Tony Diaz (UT Rio Grande Valley transfer)

Why: Iowa's roster management is a model of consistency, but to reach higher heights, the Hawkeyes need to improve their passing game and pass rush. We project Elon transfer Edge Kahmari Brown will be impactful but are going with another FCS star on the offensive side of the ball. After ranking 127th nationally in passing offense in 2025 despite a 9-4 season, Iowa needed to upgrade its receiving corps. Diaz is precisely the type of dynamic, playmaking wide receiver the Hawkeyes' offense has lacked. As a freshman he posted 67 catches for 881 yards and 11 TDs and his skills translate to the Power 4 level. His ability to win contested targets, make plays at all levels of the field, and generate yards after the catch should provide a massive boost to an Iowa passing attack that is in need consistent production. Paired with the versatile Evan James and the existing depth of Dayton Howard, Jarriett Buie, and KJ Parker, Diaz gives Iowa's new quarterback (either Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown) a legitimate go-to target. His electric playing style could be the missing piece as the Hawkeyes aim for possible CFP contention.

What to expect: An immediate impact as Iowa's primary or No. 2 receiving threat. Diaz has the ability to produce at a high level in all three levels, and his well-rounded game should translate seamlessly to the Big Ten. Look for Diaz to provide a reliable downfield threat but become much more than just a vertical option -- his YAC skills, elusiveness and prowess in the short/intermediate passing game will allow him to excel in Tim Lester's offense. Diaz has the potential to become a true difference-maker, capable of taking over games and elevating Iowa's passing attack to new heights as they chase CFP aspirations.

What they're saying: "Tony stood out to us not just for his clear on-field production at UTRGV, but for his exceptional ball skills, impressive catch radius, and ability to create yards after the catch. Though he carries himself with a quiet demeanor, he's a fierce competitor with a relentless motor that consistently shows up on the field." -- Tyler Barnes, Iowa general manager

Maryland Terrapins

CB Amari Jackson (Boston College transfer)

Why: Jackson is exactly the kind of proven, high‑ceiling corner Maryland needed to stabilize a thin secondary that allowed the third-most passing yards per game (226.5) in the Big Ten in 2025. When healthy, he looks like an NFL‑level talent. He was a fixture at Boston College as far back as 2022, then started all 13 games in 2023 with 39 tackles (33 solo), 3.5 tackles for loss and a pick‑six, showing both ball skills and physicality in run support. Even through an ACL tear in 2024 and another injury setback in 2025, he still produced 28 tackles, nine pass breakups and an interception over those two seasons and posted a 71.8 PFF coverage grade last fall. Reuniting with co‑defensive coordinator/corners coach Aazaar Abdul‑Rahim, who coached him at BC, should accelerate his transition and let Maryland plug him in quickly.

What to expect: Maryland returns Dontay Joyner and Jamare Glasker, but with La'khi Roland and Braydon Lee gone, it needed an experienced outside corner who can hold up in the Big Ten. Jackson brings starter‑level boundary ability, press skills and the versatility to bump inside in nickel if needed. At minimum, he raises the floor of the corner room and deepens sub‑package options. At best, he becomes the top cover man and a true matchup corner for 2026. If his health cooperates, Jackson is the type of addition who can help cut into the 226.5 pass yards per game Maryland allowed last season and give the Terps a steadier back end.

What they're saying: "Amari has a wealth of playing experience against power-conference competition and he'll be a leader to many of our younger players. He's a dedicated worker on and off the field, consistently setting the standard with his preparation and effort. We expect him to bring a competitive edge to our defensive backs room and elevate those around him." -- Mike Locksley, head coach

Michigan Wolverines

RB Savion Hiter (2026 signee)

Why: Edge John Henry Daley is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, otherwise he'd own the top newcomer as an obvious plug-and-play answer to Michigan's pass-rush losses. On offense, no newcomer is generating more spring buzz than Hiter, ESPN's No. 2‑ranked back in the 2026 class. As a high school prospect, he checked all the boxes: size, vision, balance and explosiveness, with a rare blend of lateral agility and lower‑body power. Hiter's a true power back who runs with his shoulders square, pushes the pile and flashes real burst when he hits the crease. His patience and tempo behind the line are advanced for his age. Hiter's exactly what Michigan wants as it leans back into a physical, point‑of‑attack identity under Kyle Whittingham and new offensive coordinator Jason Beck. With Jordan Marshall back but little proven depth behind him, Hiter walks into a room with real opportunity.

What to expect: Hiter is more nimble in tight spaces than a typical power back, but he still must grow as a receiver and in protection to become a full three‑down option. With three redshirt freshmen behind Marshall and Michigan expected to lean on the ground game to support Bryce Underwood's second season, there's a realistic path to early rotation snaps, especially in short‑yardage and four‑minute situations that fit Hiter's style. If Michigan is going to reassert itself as a line‑of‑scrimmage bully, Hiter is the kind of tone-setter between the tackles who can carve out a role quickly and grow into a featured player as his all‑around game develops.

What they're saying: "Hiter is a dynamic, powerful runner whose skill set fits perfectly with what we want to do offensively. He practices with great intensity and competes every day, and he's shown a strong commitment to learning and developing his game traits that bode well for his future. Enrolling early and practicing with our team will accelerate his transition, allowing him to learn our offense and giving our staff a chance to see how we can best utilize him this fall and into the future." -- Kyle Whittingham, head coach

Michigan State Spartans

RB Cam Edwards (UConn transfer)

Why: Michigan State's offense badly needed a proven, every‑down back, and Edwards arrives as one of the most productive runners in the 2026 portal. Over four seasons at UConn, he became one of the best backs in program history, finishing tied for first in yards per attempt (5.6) and fifth in rushing yards (2,690) and rushing touchdowns (27). He led the Huskies in rushing three straight years and posted nine career 100‑yard games. In 2025, he ran for 1,240 yards and 15 scores, finishing 15th nationally in rushing and averaging 94 scrimmage yards in three games against ACC opponents. He also added 47 career catches for 467 yards and four touchdowns, giving Michigan State a true featured back with three‑down production.

What to expect: Edwards steps in as the clear RB1 in a revamped Spartans backfield and should immediately elevate a run game that finished fourth worst in the Big Ten in both yards and yards per attempt last year. His elusiveness and contact balance show up in the advanced numbers. He forced 49 missed tackles and ripped off 28 runs of 10-plus yards last season, all without a single fumble. Behind an improved line and alongside complementary transfers Marvis Parrish and Jaziun Patterson, Edwards projects as the volume carrier who can move the chains, generate explosives and take pressure off a new quarterback. If his UConn efficiency translates to the Big Ten, he has a chance to be Michigan State's most impactful offensive newcomer and the centerpiece of an offense trying to regain its identity on the ground.

What they're saying: "I think Cam has all of the traits that you look for in a high-level back to play in the Big Ten. He's an explosive runner, he runs with a chip on his shoulder and he's always straining for extra yards and playing through contact. You look at the production that he's had over his career, and he was one of the more productive backs to enter the portal back in January, so we felt like it would be a great fit to bring that guy in, a known commodity who has proven himself on this stage." -- Bryan Gasser, GM

Minnesota Golden Gophers

OLB/Edge TJ Bush Jr. (Cal transfer)

Why: Bush was one of the most productive and underrated edge defenders in the portal and fills a specific need for Minnesota. Over three seasons at Liberty and Cal, he piled up 91 total pressures, 27 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 10 batted passes, including a 2025 campaign when he led Cal in pressures (39) and hurries (26) and finished second in tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (5.5). At 6‑foot-3, 260‑plus pounds, he brings the size to play a true five‑technique and the quickness to win on the edge, exactly what the Gophers were missing behind Anthony Smith.

What to expect: Bush arrives as a plug‑and‑play rotational starter who should immediately expand what Minnesota can do up front. He gives defensive coordinator Danny Collins a third proven disruptor alongside Smith and Karter Menz. Most importantly, Bush brings the body type to take real 5‑technique plays, so Smith doesn't have to log another 670‑snap season. Bush has more combined pressures than Menz and Jaxon Howard, and his presence should force protections to spread out, freeing Smith and Menz for more one‑on‑ones. Expect Bush to push for at least 400 snaps and help turn an already good front into one of the Big Ten's best.

What they're saying: "We played against TJ last year when he was at Cal and saw firsthand how disruptive and impactful he was on the line of scrimmage. TJ is a versatile edge who is a three-down player. He was extremely productive at Cal and led the team in sacks, and he has 130 career tackles. TJ's versatility and experience improves the competition and depth of our defensive line." -- P.J. Fleck, head coach

Nebraska Cornhuskers

QB Anthony Colandrea (UNLV/Virginia transfer)

Why: Colandrea is the kind of reset Nebraska needed at quarterback after the Dylan Raiola era. Colandrea arrives as a proven, confident playmaker without baggage. He was one of the most experienced signal-callers in the portal, with 17 starts at Virginia and a breakout 2025 at UNLV, where he threw for 3,459 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added 649 rushing yards and 10 scores. A true dual-threat who is fearless, he brings the off‑schedule creativity and confidence that Matt Rhule's program can rely on as Nebraska tries to grind back to college football relevance. Just as important, he has quickly become a locker room connector and peer recruiter, helping to convince key transfers and immediately winning over teammates.

What to expect: A far more quarterback‑centric offense and a different vibe at the position. Colandrea, who has 1,151 career rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, is built to be a designated runner in Dana Holgorsen's scheme while also punishing defenses with RPOs and second‑reaction plays. His style has always flirted with risk, but his decision‑making was better at UNLV. Nebraska will live with some volatility in exchange for real explosiveness. Expect him to be the clear front-runner to start, drive tempo and give the Huskers the kind of dynamic quarterback play they haven't consistently had since joining the Big Ten.

What they're saying: "He has brought great energy since he arrived here in January. He's unbelievably confident, yet he's not arrogant. ... On the field, Anthony has great experience, and he adds another element we haven't had with his mobility and ability to extend plays. He's got a unique gift, and when he gets out of the pocket, our receivers recognize that and they are fighting to get open." -- Matt Rhule, head coach

Northwestern Wildcats

QB Aidan Chiles (Michigan State transfer)

Why: Chiles is an athletic, experienced quarterback who can raise the ceiling of a Northwestern offense that has struggled to score in recent years. Arriving with 20 FBS starts between Oregon State and Michigan State, he brings a pro-style frame and clear playmaking upside. Chiles is big, fast and has the arm talent required to drive a modern passing attack. More importantly, he is the only quarterback on Northwestern's roster with significant starting experience, providing immediate clarity at the position. This gives the Wildcats a crucial head start in installing new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's fast-paced scheme. Kelly's extensive history of elevating dynamic, dual-threat QBs matches perfectly with Chiles' strengths, making this an ideal fit.

What to expect: Expect a quicker, more explosive Northwestern offense built around Chiles' ability to extend plays and create with his legs. He flashed major growth last season, throwing for 1,392 yards, 10 touchdowns and only three interceptions in eight games before an injury cut short his campaign. In Kelly's system, Chiles' running ability will open RPO leverage and designed quarterback runs that amplify the ground game and stress defenses horizontally. The main risk is his historical streakiness. Chiles will need to sustain accuracy and pocket discipline across a full season. However, if he can put it all together, he provides a transformational upgrade. With his immediate starting experience and matchup-creating athleticism, Chiles is exactly the type of quarterback who can turn a middling passing attack into a consistent, high-tempo threat in the Big Ten. The Chiles-Kelly marriage could make for a great combination that revitalizes the Wildcats.

What they're saying: "Chiles is an energetic, passionate leader who has made an immediate impact in our building. He commands the huddle, builds strong relationships and fits seamlessly into our culture of high achievers. On the field, he's a true dual-threat quarterback with big-play athleticism. ... He showed major improvements year-over-year and delivered his best performances against top competition." -- Christian Sarkisian, GM

Ohio State Buckeyes

DB Earl Little Jr. (Florida State transfer)

Why: How Ohio State transitions its secondary and replaces star safety Caleb Downs is one of the Buckeyes' biggest questions entering 2026. The answer might come from someone who plays a different spot on the back end. Little gives the Buckeyes a veteran defensive back with proven production, great versatility and the kind of experience that can stabilize a room during a transition year. The 6-foot-1, 193-pounder started 11 games in 2025, finishing with 76 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and second-team All-ACC honors. Little's versatility is important for Ohio State. The Buckeyes' defensive structure has leaned heavily on the nickel spot in recent years. That role has become less of a pure corner job and more of a hybrid assignment that must handle coverage, run support and post-snap movement. Little can handle that job well.

What to expect: Though Ohio State is losing star power in the secondary with the departures of Downs and Davison Igbinosun, the addition of Little and others should help balance things. Little's ball skills combined with his aggressive box-level support make him an ideal fit in Matt Patricia's complex, multilayered scheme. He processes things quickly and has the physicality and cover skills to handle corner, nickel or safety responsibilities. The expectation is that Little will emerge as the starting nickel, but don't be surprised if the coaching staff finds creative ways to deploy him in various roles. His veteran experience and versatility could prove to be one of the most impactful offseason pickups for Ohio State as it looks to reload its defense for a playoff run.

What they're saying: "We're excited to have Earl at Ohio State. He's earned the respect of his teammates through our offseason workouts, and we're looking forward to his continued development this spring."-- Ryan Day, head coach

Oregon Ducks

S Koi Perich (Minnesota transfer)

Why: Oregon didn't need many portal splurges, but landing Perich is a decisive move after Dillon Thieneman declared for the NFL draft. Perich arrives with a proven résumé from Minnesota. He notched 128 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and a sack across two seasons, along with consecutive All‑Big Ten honors. At 6‑foot-1, 200 pounds he blends length, speed and violent tackling with coverage instincts, making him an ideal fit for the Ducks' "star/rover" role. As the top‑ranked portal safety, Perich plugs Oregon's most urgent defensive hole and preserves the playmaking identity that powered its College Football Playoff run. With his high football IQ and professional mindset, he will also provide leadership that smooths the transition under new defensive coordinator Chris Hampton.

What to expect: Another championship-level defense. Perich's mix of experience and explosiveness lets Oregon be more aggressive up front while trusting the back end. He offers more than just coverage chops, too. He's a proven returner (617 return yards in 2025) and has even lined up on offense in the past. Under Hampton, Perich's anticipation, closing speed and contact comfort will allow the Ducks to dial up pressure packages and rely on him to correct or finish plays. Offenses must now account for a true center-field enforcer who can undercut deep shots and finish plays. That should, in turn, create more favorable one‑on‑one matchups for Oregon's front seven. Paired with Aaron Flowers and emerging corner Brandon Finney Jr., Perich elevates Oregon's secondary to a true championship‑level unit in a way that materially boosts the Ducks' title chances.

What they're saying: "Koi is football-serious. It starts there. The guy is infatuated with ball, and that stuck out even when he came on his visit here. He wasn't really interested in seeing where he was going to live or what that looks like; he was ready to watch some film. I think that carries over and is very similar to how Dillon [Thieneman] operated and what he wanted to create while he was here. Koi brings a lot of experience and a versatile skillset to our program ..." -- Dan Lanning, head coach

Penn State Nittany Lions

QB Rocco Becht (Iowa State transfer)

Why: Becht (39 starts) will be the most experienced returning Power 4 starter next season. He has significant big-game experience, and he far exceeded three-star expectations during his career with the Cyclones. He won 26 games as a starter and led Iowa State to the Big 12 title game in 2024 as well as the first 11-win season in program history. Statistically, Becht's production mirrors that of new Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover, having thrown for 9,274 yards and 64 touchdowns at Iowa State. Despite an up-and-down year in 2025 because of injury, Becht is an ideal fit for Penn State in 2026, bringing high-level experience, leadership and familiarity with head coach Matt Campbell's system. Becht will be an extra coach on the field.

What to expect: Becht will set the culture and instantly stabilize the quarterback room. He brings the grit and toughness the Nittany Lions have lacked, combined with a strong grasp of the offense. His pre-snap command should allow him to quickly get the Nittany Lions' attack up to speed as Campbell installs his system. Becht's skills align perfectly, as he excels at making quick, accurate decisions, delivering the ball on time and managing the pocket while also providing a running threat. His experience and savvy should empower Penn State's talented supporting cast and elevate the offense.

What they're saying: "Rocco is a tough, trusted, competitive player with three years' worth of game experience. He has proven over the course of his career the ability to lead from the front and make those around him better. He has been a consistent player from the time he earned the opportunity to start, and continues to get better and make those around him better." -- Derek Hoodjer, GM

Purdue Boilermakers

WR Bisi Owens (Penn transfer)

Why: Purdue's offense suffered significant losses, losing its top three pass catchers from 2025, and that created a critical need for proven playmakers on the outside. It also had one of the most inefficient and turnover-prone passing attacks in the Big Ten. Owens, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound transfer from Penn, addresses this void, bringing an impressive track record of size, strength and production as an outside receiver. Amassing 138 catches for 1,664 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons, Owens is a proven receiver, ready to step in and become a primary target for quarterback Ryan Browne. His ability to win contested balls and stretch the field vertically is what a retooled passing attack requires to move the chains and generate explosive plays.

What to expect: Owens arrives as a first-team All-Ivy League performer and an obvious go-to target. Expect him to excel in downfield situations and as a dangerous red zone threat, particularly on jump balls, leveraging his size and body control. He will immediately be a key component for Browne, providing a reliable option to challenge defenses at the third level. Owens' consistent production and proven ability to make difficult catches should significantly improve Purdue's passing game, giving the offense a much-needed dimension and helping Browne get on track under coach Barry Odom.

What they're saying: "Bisi has played a lot of really good, quality snaps, and his production has been proven over that time. We are excited to get him in the program. We think he has the opportunity to be an impact player due to his willingness to make plays because of his physical makeup and his football IQ." -- Barry Odom, head coach

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

WR Dyzier Carter (2026 signee)

Why: Rutgers faces some defensive inexperience heading into 2026, placing pressure on its offense to generate prolific production and secure a bounce-back season. The Scarlet Knights have the weapons to do so. Though star running back Antwan Raymond and top receiver KJ Duff are returning, the departure of multiyear starting quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and slot receiver DT Sheffield leaves critical voids, particularly in the passing game. Carter, a highly touted, former Under Armour All-American and longtime Scarlet Knights commit, is a great addition. The four-star receiver brings a strong combination of route-running ability and reliable hands, positioning him as a potential quick contributor. With the slot receiver position wide open after Sheffield's departure, Carter provides whoever wins Rutgers' quarterback competition with a much-needed reliable target.

What to expect: Carter will immediately contend for the starting slot receiver role and high-leverage snaps. He's smart, coachable and advanced in his route-running craft. He has strong hands and is a quick underneath separator, making him a dependable option for either Dylan Lonergan or AJ Surace. Though he will face competition from Jourdin Houston and Michael Thomas III, Carter's experience and strong fundamentals should allow him to quickly acclimate and carve out a significant role. Expect him to be a high-volume target on short-to-intermediate routes, capable of consistently moving the chains and excelling in quick-game concepts. His immediate impact will be crucial for maintaining the offensive firepower necessary to propel Rutgers back to a winning trajectory.

What they're saying: "We are excited to have Malachi in the program. He is a cultural fit who will be a disruptive player vs. the run, and a game changer as a pass rusher." -- Eric Joseph, assistant GM, director of player personnel

UCLA Bruins

Edge Sahir West (James Madison transfer)

Why: West is projected to make an immediate impact at one of the two edge spots, filling a critical need for a UCLA defense that finished last in the Big Ten with 10 sacks in 2025. This will be a retooled defensive front, as the Bruins lost their top seven most productive members from a year ago. West's 34 quarterback pressures in 2025 were double that of any player on the previous year's UCLA roster. His decision to follow coach Bob Chesney from James Madison to UCLA was a major coup for the Bruins, as he received significant interest from programs such as Ohio State and Texas A&M, validating his status as a premier edge defender.

What to expect: Skills that translate to the Power 4 level. West will be disruptive off the edge and create double-digit negative plays as UCLA's No. 1 edge rusher in 2026. He was voted Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and first-team Freshman All-American, recording 45 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and seven sacks in 2025. His career highs of 10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in the Sun Belt championship game, which helped lead the Dukes to a CFP berth, highlight his ability to perform in big games. There are high expectations for Chesney to turn around UCLA's defense in Year 1. West is a great place to start.

What they're saying: "Sahir is just a very productive football player. We watched his work at JMU, and he just keeps getting better and better. He is the complete package right now for us. He stops the run and is also able to be a threat in the passing game. His motor doesn't stop, and we know he is going to play this relentless style of ball. Sahir is the definition of what we want on the defensive line." -- Bob Chesney, head coach

USC Trojans

WR Terrell Anderson (NC State transfer)

Why: USC faces a critical need at wide receiver, losing five of its top six targets, including Biletnikoff winner Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane, to the NFL draft. Anderson, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound transfer from NC State, addresses this void, bringing proven production and the explosive playmaking ability Lincoln Riley's offense demands. Riley's scheme excels at manipulating formations and personnel to create mismatches, and Anderson's versatility allows him to be a threat on the outside with his big frame and in the slot, where he has significant experience. His ability to stretch the field and create after the catch makes him an ideal fit for an offense looking to maintain its high-flying attack.

What to expect: Anderson projects to be an immediate, high-volume target and the de facto WR1, complementing the promising talent of Tanook Hines. Anderson averaged 16 yards per reception on 39 grabs in 2025 with NC State -- numbers poised to increase significantly within USC's explosive system. Anderson's presence will provide a reliable veteran option for the Trojans' quarterback and allow Hines to take the next step in his development without facing constant double-teams, while also easing the pressure on incoming freshman Ethan Feaster. Expect Anderson to be utilized in a variety of alignments, creating separation on deep routes and capitalizing on the space generated by Riley's dynamic playcalling.

What they're saying: "We were able to watch Terrell's production from last season. He was a consistent player and a really smooth route runner. We thought he had some nice ability after the catch and a nice frame. And for us, we have a young receiver room. It's a talented room, but adding somebody else that has played meaningful snaps and has really produced at this level was something that was important to us and something that stood out early in the process. And we were fortunate enough to get him." -- Lincoln Riley, head coach

Washington Huskies

DT DeSean Watts (Sacramento State transfer)

Why: Jedd Fisch has the Huskies on a similar winning path as Arizona but knows sustaining the turnaround begins up front. Watts is a "plug-and-play" defensive tackle projected to be a critical starter on the 2026 defense. A 6-foot-2, 318-pound transfer, he addresses a razor-thin interior defensive line after the loss of several veteran starters to graduation and the portal. Ball State defensive tackle transfer Darin Conley is another welcome addition, but both players will have to prove they can make the jump in level of competition look seamless. Unlike those other transfers, Watts enters healthy and unrestricted, giving him an advantage in the battle for starting reps. His compact, explosive playing style and quick-twitch athleticism should help his dominant FCS production translate to the Big Ten.

What to expect: Interior disruption and freed up edge rushers. One of the nation's premier run defenders, Watts finished the 2025 season with the highest run-defense grade among all FCS interior linemen. What he lacks in ideal size, he makes up for in explosiveness and a great first step, allowing him to be disruptive in one-on-one situations and force double-teams. This should help him generate more negative plays on defense and bolster Washington's already stout run defense. He is fundamentally sound and should require a limited adjustment period, providing an immediate return to a Ryan Walters defense that is on an upward trajectory.

What they're saying: "DeSean is a player who immediately ratchets up the ruggedness, the power, and the physicality of our interior defensive line. His toughness and motor are evident on every snap, and he's one of the strongest tacklers amongst all the interior defenders we evaluated this past cycle. He has the kind of line-of-scrimmage stopping power that is critical to truly competing in this league." -- Matt Doherty, senior director of player personnel

Wisconsin Badgers

QB Colton Joseph (Old Dominion transfer)

Why: Joseph is the ideal convergence of scheme fit and program culture for Jeff Grimes' evolving system as a dynamic dual‑threat who marries downfield precision with game‑breaking mobility. The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year arrives after a stellar 2025 campaign (2,624 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 1,007 rush yards, 13 rushing touchdowns) that showcased his explosive ceiling and consistent production. His elite efficiency metrics, tops among portal quarterbacks, reflect advanced processing and decision‑making that should translate immediately. Injuries at quarterback have impacted production over the past three years. Joseph brings the talent and intangibles to stabilize the position while unlocking Grimes' full offensive vision.

What to expect: Joseph's multidimensional skills will transform a Wisconsin attack that finished second to last in yards per game (253.1) and last in Big Ten passing yards in 2025. His dual-threat ability will force defenses into difficult decisions as they account for designed quarterback runs, enhance RPO packages and constraint plays that exploit aggressive coverage. His elite athleticism and speed at the position create explosive-play potential on every snap, while his experience in high‑leverage situations should minimize the boom‑bust tendencies that plagued previous Wisconsin quarterbacks. The accuracy questions remain valid. He'll need to push his 59.8% career completion percentage closer to 65% for sustained success, but improved pass protection and complementary players, such as Abu Sama III, should create cleaner pocket situations. Most importantly, Joseph gives Wisconsin a dynamic playmaker who can single‑handedly shift field position and keep Big Ten defenses honest.

What they're saying: "We identified Colton early on as a great fit for Wisconsin. He understands that his role as a quarterback isn't just to distribute the ball. His role is to lead -- not just an offense, but a program -- and that's something he embraces. He's a dynamic athlete and playmaker." -- Luke Fickell, head coach

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

S Joey O'Brien (2026 signee)

Why: It's unfair to compare a college freshman to an NFL All-Pro, but it's impossible not to mention former Irish safety Kyle Hamilton when discussing O'Brien's trajectory in South Bend. They share an uncommon blend of physical and mental traits at safety. O'Brien will be difficult to keep off the field. The 6-foot-5, 203-pounder was a 2025 Under Armour All-American and the fifth-ranked safety in the 2026 ESPN 300. He has elite ball-hawking instincts and impressive range. O'Brien's rare size-speed combination makes him a particularly intriguing prospect who can match up in man-to-man over quicker slots and slide down into the box and take on blocks, similar to a linebacker. He has the scheme versatility to make an immediate impact in Chris Ash's defense, which has consistently leaned on versatile, intelligent safeties who can handle multiple responsibilities at all levels of the defense and hold up physically versus the run.

What to expect: Though most true freshmen need time to adjust to college football, O'Brien projects as one of the rare exceptions who could crack the two-deep and see valuable snaps in 2026. Ash's defense strives for fast-attacking defenders who can create turnovers, and O'Brien has those traits. Expect him to start off in subpackages and play a significant role on special teams while he acclimates to the speed of the game and develops physically. O'Brien's role should increase as the season progresses, even in a veteran safety room. He's too big, smart and athletic not to add value. His presence gives Notre Dame a legitimate playmaker in the secondary and adds another layer of depth to a unit that will be crucial to its 2026 championship aspirations.

What they're saying: "We've been very impressed with Joey's athletic ability, but we've been more impressed with this ability to pick things up mentally and to be able to go out on the field and compete at a high level at such an early stage in his career. He works extremely hard. He has spent a lot of time in the film room learning more about the intricacies of football." -- Chris Ash, defensive coordinator