Transfer portal QB tracker 2026: Latest news on DJ Lagway, Dylan Raiola and others on the move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The business of college football waits for no one, if this year's coaching carousel taught any lesson. After 15 power-conference programs hired a new head coach, player movement is inevitable.

The transfer portal doesn't actually open for players until Jan. 2, thanks to new rules adopted by the NCAA, but murmurs of certain players making plans to enter the portal began as soon as the regular season came to an end.

Quarterback movement promises to dominate the headlines as the college football season wraps up, particularly with a few major programs searching for new signal-callers.

The Sporting News is tracking all of the quarterback movement in the college football transfer portal. Follow along below with the latest news.

MORE:College Football Playoff bracket expert picks

NCAA transfer portal tracker 2025: Latest news on QBs changing schools

Friday, Dec. 26

UNLV's Anthony Colandrea returns to portal

Former Virginia QB Anthony Colandrea will enter the transfer portal for the second consecutive year. Colandrea threw for 3,459 yards, 23 touchdowns and nine interceptions under Dan Mullen in 2025, rushing for 649 yards and 10 touchdowns, and is likely looking for a Power Four return.

James Madison QB Alonza Barnett III entering portal

Fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance, James Madison QB Alonza Barnett III will enter the transfer portal. Barnett, who has one year of eligibility remaining, has spent the last two seasons as the Dukes' starter with 71 total touchdowns to 12 interceptions, including 15 rushing touchdowns this season. Barnett's coach, Bob Chesney, recently accepted the head coaching job at UCLA. 

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Kennesaw State's Amari Odom headed to portal

Kennesaw State QB Amari Odom plans to enter the portal, according to CBS Sports' Chris Hummer and Matt Zenitz. Odom was part of a Kennesaw State team that surprised with 10 wins and won the Conference USA title, throwing for 2,594 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions along with seven rushing touchdowns. Odom will have multiple years of eligibility remaining.

Monday, Dec. 22

Nebraska QB Marcos Davila to enter portal

Matt Zenitz reported that Davila would be entering the transfer portal, leaving Nebraska. He was a four-star recruit in the 2024 class, and saw limited action. Davila redshirted for the 2025 season. 

USF's Byrum Brown enters transfer portal 

Just a couple weeks after USF's hire of Brian Hartline was announced, the Bulls' signal-caller for the few seasons is on the move, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. He has been with the Bulls since 2022, throwing for 7,691 yards with 61 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, adding another 2,265 yards with 31 scores on the ground.

Expect Auburn to be a heavy favorite, since Brown's former head coach, Alex Golesh was just hired there.  

Air Noland re-enters the transfer portal

Noland began his collegiate career at Ohio State in 2024. He transferred to South Carolina ahead of the 2025 season, likely to serve as the heir apparent to LaNorris Sellers. When Sellers got hurt, it was QB turned WR turned back to QB Luke Doty who actually got the reps under center. Between that and Sellers returning to the Gamecocks for the 2026 season, Noland decided to enter the transfer portal once again, per Pete Nakos. 

Sunday, Dec. 21

Memphis QB AJ Hill to enter portal

Hill was a Top 100 recruit in ESPN's Class of 2025 rankings. He had offers from Alabama, Georgia and Notre Dame, but chose to play for the Tigers for a better chance of seeing game action sooner. 

Hill saw limited action behind starting quarterback Brendon Lewis. He finished his first season with 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. 

Saturday, Dec. 20

Iowa State's Rocco Becht entering portal

After Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell departed for Penn State, starting quarterback Rocco Becht is entering the transfer portal, per On3.

The redshirt junior had been the Cyclones' QB1 for three seasons, leading them to a 26-13 record in that span and moving up the program's charts for all-time passing yards and touchdowns. Becht is set to become one of the top quarterbacks in the portal, especially with a winning history, and a reunion with Campbell at Penn State could be one possible destination for the quarterback.

Friday, Dec. 19

LSU's Tre People entering portal

On3 reported that People is heading to the portal. He will have four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting as a freshman. People opted not to stick around for the Tigers as LSU enters the Lane Kiffin era. 

Thursday, Dec. 18

TCU's Josh Hoover to enter portal

Pete Thamel reported that Hoover intends to enter the portal. Barring any surprises, the former Horned Frogs quarterback is expected to have the most passing yards and passing touchdowns of any QB in the portal this season. 

In 2025, Hoover threw for 3,472 yards with 29 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Hoover is more of a pocket presence, and is not known as a dual-threat quarterback, but he does have two rushing TDs. 

Beau Pribula to enter portal

On Thursday, CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula informed his team that he plans to enter the transfer portal.

Pribula had 11 passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns with nine interceptions for the Tigers in 2025, his first season with the team after transferring from Penn State. With a dual-threat skillset, Pribula will now be headed elsewhere. 

Pribula will not play in the Gator Bowl, per Pete Thamel.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Drew Mestemaker to enter portal

On Tuesday, On3's Pete Nakos reported that Mestemaker — who led the nation with 4,129 passing yards this season — will enter the transfer portal.

Mestemaker was arguably the best non-power conference signal-caller, leading North Texas to an 11-2 season where it lost to Tulane in the American Conference championship. He was tied for second in America with 31 passing touchdowns and never threw for less than 200 yards in a game.

He immediately becomes not only one of the top quarterbacks, but one of the top targets, in the transfer portal.

Jadyn Davis to enter portal

Michigan backup Jadyn Davis will be entering the portal, On3 reported on Tuesday. This is the first Wolverines signal-caller to transfer since the shocking firing of Sherrone Moore.

Davis, the sophomore from Charlotte, North Carolina, appeared in one game for Michigan over his two-year career, throwing two passes.

Of course when it comes to the Wolverines, all eyes are on quarterback Bryce Underwood and whether he will leave Ann Arbor.

Aaron Philo to enter portal

Georgia Tech quarterback Aaron Philo, who backed up Haynes King in the Yellow Jackets' 9-3 season, will enter the transfer portal, On3 reports. Philo took $1 million to stay at Georgia Tech this season.

Philo is an intriguing transfer prospect primarily because of his historic high school production, where he became the all-time leading passer in Georgia high school history with 13,922 yards, breaking the record previously held by Trevor Lawrence. Furthermore, he demonstrated his potential in limited action at Georgia Tech, notably earning a 93.7 PFF grade in one appearance and leading the team to a late-game victory over NC State with an 18-yard game-winning touchdown run.

This pedigree is coupled with the fact that he has multiple years of eligibility remaining, making him a valuable long-term asset.

Monday, Dec. 15

Dylan Raiola to enter portal

Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola will enter the transfer portal, ESPN's Pete Thamel reports.

The writing had been on the wall for Raiola to leave Nebraska, as his brother decommitted from the program and his uncle was fired from his role as offensive line coach. A former five-star recruit, Raiola made tangible progress in 2025 but saw his season cut short by a broken leg in early November.

Brady Allen, Brendan Sorsby latest to enter portal

The transfer portal continues to stay hot on Monday. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that both Louisville's Brady Allen and Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby are heading to the portal. 

Allen will have two years of eligibility remaining after being granted a medical redshirt for the 2023 season. He only saw action in five games this past season for Louisville. 

Sorsby has one eye on the portal and one eye on the 2026 NFL Draft. Thamel reported that the dual-threat quarterback is waiting on feedback for the NFL Draft to see if it is worth declaring this year, or staying in college another season. 

Michigan State junior Aidan Chiles enters portal

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Chiles will be entering the transfer portal. He is a true junior and has one year of eligibility remaining. It will be his second time transferring after starting his career at Oregon State. 

Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway enters portal

ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Lagway intends to enter the transfer portal. The dual-threat QB had a down year as Florida left the Billy Napier era, but is still just two years removed from being the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the 2024 class. If he bounces back to the player he was recruited to be and lands in the right spot, he could be the steal of the portal.

Lagway then released a statement, announcing his intention to transfer. 

DJ Lagway confirms on Instagram that he's heading to the NCAA transfer portal. https://t.co/86ygTn701zpic.twitter.com/grILMLQDa8

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 15, 2025

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Division II star Marcus Stokes in transfer portal

Stokes was one of the best players in Division II, tallying 3,664 yards & 40 TDs this season. He is a finalist for the Harlon Hill award, which is the equivalent of the Heisman.

Since entering the portal, Stokes has heard from plenty of schools.

West Florida standout transfer QB Marcus Stokes has heard from these schools since entering the @TransferPortal, he tells @On3Sports

The 6’2 210 QB totaled 3,664 yards & 40 TDs this season

Is a finalist for the Harlon Hill (D2 Heisman)https://t.co/HntQTAnGZypic.twitter.com/yMTf5RdtJR

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 10, 2025

Monday, Dec. 8

Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt expected to transfer

The portal is set to receive one of its top overall players in Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt, as Leavitt is expected to be on the move, according to PHNX Sports. Leavitt helped push the Sun Devils to a surprise Big 12 championship in 2024 and started 2025 strong before undergoing season-ending surgery. Still only 20, Leavitt's name has been floated as a potential first-round draft prospect in 2027.

Notre Dame's Kenny Minchey plans to enter portal

Notre Dame backup QB Kenny Minchey will enter the portal, On3 reports. Minchey lost a preseason battle with CJ Carr and threw only 26 passes in 2025. With Carr in line to start again in 2026, Minchey will seek an opportunity to compete to start elsewhere as he enters his redshirt junior season.

Texas backup Trey Owens headed to portal

Texas backup QB Trey Owens will hit the portal, On3 reports, after spending 2025 behind Arch Manning. While Manning's status for 2026 isn't yet clear, Owens was a four-star recruit in 2024 and will head into his redshirt sophomore season looking for a chance to compete for a starting job elsewhere.

Utah backup QB Isaac Wilson heads to portal

Utah QB Isaac Wilson will hit the portal, per Hayes Fawcett. Wilson didn't see the field much, playing in only one game. He attempted just one pass, but it fell incomplete. He is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Zach Wilson, and will have three years of eligibility remaining. 

Friday, Dec. 5

North Carolina QB Max Johnson plans to enter portal

Journeyman QB Max Johnson is entering the transfer portal and will petition the NCAA for a seventh year of eligibility. Johnson, who started games for LSU as early as 2020, appeared in four games at North Carolina as Gio Lopez's backup this season, but major injuries have largely kept him off the field in recent years. With four or fewer games played in three of his six seasons, Johnson will hope to gain an additional year of eligibility and play out his age-25 campaign elsewhere.

Thursday, Dec. 4

Boston College QB Dylan Lonergan entering portal

Boston College's Dylan Lonergan is set to enter the transfer portal after an ugly season in Chestnut Hill. Lonergan actually started out the season strong, but he was benched in October before returning to the starting role for a Boston College team that just couldn't find ways to win. A former Alabama backup, Lonergan completed 66.9 percent of passes for 2,025 yards, 12 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2025.

Wednesday, Dec. 3

UCF starter Tayven Jackson entering portal

UCF's Tayven Jackson will enter the transfer portal after spending most of the season as the Knights' starter. A former Indiana backup who started his career at Tennessee, Jackson threw for 2,151 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2025. He has one year of eligibility remaining.

MORE:Complete college football bowl schedule

Notable QBs in transfer portal

The transfer portal doesn't officially open until Jan. 2. All players listed reportedly plan to enter the portal once it opens.

Grading Michigan's Kyle Whittingham hire: Wolverines land perfect replacement for Sherrone Moore originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Michigan hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham on Friday, a move that will be met with favorable reviews. 

Given the state of the program in the aftermath of Sherrone Moore's unceremonious firing – this is a win for the Wolverines, similar to how Penn State landed Iowa State coach Matt Campbell.

Whittingham, 66, took over for Urban Meyer at Utah after the 2004 season. Whittingham kept the program competitive in the Mountain West Conference, Pac-12 and Big 12 – and Michigan offers something in return for the long-time coach – one he never got in all those seasons with the Utes. What is that?

Better College Football Playoff access in the Big Ten. If you believe age is just a number, then Whittingham-to-Michigan should work out for at least the next five years.

MORE: Everything to know about Sherrone Moore scandal, following arrest

Why did Michigan hire Kyle Whittingham? 

Michigan could not afford to wait on a shot at Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer – who led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl with a 34-24 victory against No. 8 Oklahoma on Dec. 19. Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham – another target – signed an extension to stay with the Sun Devils.

The Wolverines were thin on options heading toward the opening of the transfer portal window on Jan. 2, and the program needed a coach to fix an unstable environment in Ann Arbor. 

Jim Harbaugh led Michigan to a national championship in 2023, but the Wolverines were subject to a pair of NCAA investigations – one from impermissible contact with recruits during COVID-19 and the other the in-person scouting and sign-stealing scandal involving former staffer Connor Stalions. Moore was fired on Dec. 11 after "credible evidence" was found he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. 

Michigan needed a no-nonsense makeover that made a clean break from the Harbaugh era  – and from that standpoint Whittingham is the perfect coach to take that on. It should be noted that Utah is 3-0 against Michigan under Whittingham, and all of those wins came at notable inflection points for the Wolverines' program.

On Aug. 30, 2008, Utah beat Michigan 25-23 in Rich Rodriguez's debut with the Wolverines – an ominous harbinger for a three-year period in which the Wolverines went 15-22. Utah finished 13-0 that season. 

On Sept. 20, 2014 – Utah beat Michigan 26-10. That fast-tracked the end of the Brady Hoke era. On Aug. 30, 2015 – the Utes beat the Wolverines 25-23 in Harbaugh's debut at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Now, Whittingham takes over at one of those turning points. 

Grading Kyle Whittingham to Michigan 

We gave Penn State an A- for hiring Campbell. Did Michigan land a similar hire given the circumstances? Whittingham was ranked No. 13 when Sporting News ranked the coaches 1-136 this season, and that was coming off a 5-7 season at Utah. Look at some of the other coaches on that list in between the gap to DeBoer – who was at No. 6.

James Franklin (No. 8) is at Virginia Tech now. Brian Kelly (No. 9) was fired by LSU and replaced by Lane Kiffin (No. 10). Whittingham had a 177-88 record at Utah.

Since the start of the CFP era in 2014, Michigan is 111-40. Utah is 101-49. The Wolverines have won 10 or more games six times. The Utes have won 10 or more games five times – including a 10-2 season this year. 

Utah has 36 NFL Draft picks since 2015 – and Whittingham has a solid track record of player development. That includes three first-round picks in tackle Garrett Bolles (2017), linebacker Devin Lloyd (2022) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (2023). Tackle Spencer Fano won the Outland Trophy and was a Unanimous All-American this season. Whittingham's teams are known for their physicality. The Utes ranked second in the FBS with 269.8 rushing yards per game. 

Whittingham faced criticism for his handling of injury reports this season in the Big 12. For the most part, Whittingham avoided scandal during two-plus decades with the Utes, and that kind of a well-respected reputation is exactly what the Michigan athletic department needs right now given the temperature around athletic director Warde Manuel. 

Whittingham's age and the circumstances from his departure from Utah will be scrutinized, but those concerns should be secondary for Michigan. Imagine the reaction had the Wolverines hired Kelly, a 64-year-old coach who had head coaching stints at Grand Valley State and Central Michigan. It would have been met with far-more criticism. Whittingham has built a reputation as one of the “good guys” in the sport, and now we get to see it on the biggest stage in the Big Ten. 

Grade: A- 

MORE: Ranking the eight remaining College Football Playoff teams

Will Kyle Whittingham lead Michigan back to CFP? 

That will be the expectation. Michigan finished 8-5 in 2024 in Moore's first season, and the Wolverines were 9-3 this year. That was not enough to get back to the College Football Playoff after three straight appearances from 2021-23. 

This is the carrot for Whittingham. Utah never made the four-team CFP.

Utah finished 12-0 as the Mountain West Conference champion in the regular season in 2008, and that was good for No. 5 in the final BCS standings. The Utes pushed up to No. 5 in the CFP rankings in 2019 before a 37-15 loss to No. 13 Oregon in the Pac-12 championship game. Utah finished 10-2 in the Big 12 this season but was No. 15 in the final CFP rankings. Whittingham has fought for respect in all of those conferences, but Michigan offers a different opportunity. 

If you get to 10 wins with the Wolverines, then you will be in the College Football Playoff almost every time. Michigan was close this season. The 2026 schedule is brutal with four games against playoff teams from this season, including home games against Oklahoma and No. 1 Indiana and road games at No. 5 Oregon and No. 2. Ohio State. Speaking of rivalries, Whittingham was 11-6 against BYU in the Holy War, albeit with head-to-head losses in the Big 12 each of the last two seasons. 

The key will be the coaching staff, especially with Whittingham's age. Michigan needs an offensive coordinator like Utah's Jason Beck who can immediately maximize the talent around sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood and maintain the defense that stood out during the national championship run in 2023. That combination seems more possible with Whittingham on a shorter timeline than the other candidates, and the timing is what it is. 

It's a good hire. 

That's all Michigan can ask for at this point.

SN AWARDS: 2025 All-America team | Player of the Year | Coach of the Year

It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part in a total of 47 games that will ultimately conclude with the 2026 CFP National Championship.

NESN has you covered with previews for each and every game — with our next contest bringing us to America’s Most Beloved Ballpark:

2025 Wasabi Fenway Bowl

Matchup:UConn Huskies vs. Army Black Knights
Date:Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025
Kickoff:2:15 p.m. ET
Stadium:Fenway Park — Boston, Mass.
TV:ESPN

Game Overview

The Fenway Bowl has become a local favorite, with Boston College and UConn taking home the last two iterations of the contest in 2023 and 2024.

It’s probably unsurprising to hear that these games are slugfests, with the lack of overall space and bad weather contributing to three straight low-scoring contests that have all gone under the betting total.

I’d be surprised if things change considering who will take place in the fourth annual iteration of the contest…

Team Overviews

UConn Huskies
Conference:Independent
Head Coach:Gordon Sammis (Interim)
Record:9–3

UConn is undergoing significant change, as head coach Jim Mora’s departure set up a mass exodus that includes opt outs from the likes of starting quarterback Joe Fagnano, offensive linemen Carsten Casady (774 snaps), Ben Murawski (773 snaps) and Brady Wayburn (430 snaps), cornerback Cam Chadwick (796 snaps) and linebacker Oumar Diomande (790 snaps).

Yikes!

The Huskies are coming off their best regular season performance (9-3) since 2007 (9-3), but can they withstand all those losses?

Army Black Knights
Conference:American
Head Coach:Jeff Monken
Record:6-6

Army doesn’t do opt outs.

Jeff Monken’s club is coming off a bitter loss to rival Navy, but also boasts victories over Kansas State, Air Force and UTSA.

The Black Knights run the ball as effectively as ever, but they’ve also added an element in the passing game that was missing in prior seasons. It’s the same old story when you watch their games, however, as they control the clock and keep things in the middle of the field — because things don’t change that easily…

Players to Watch

UConn
RB Cam Edwards
WR Skyler Bell
WR Reymello Murphy
LB Bryun Parham
DB Malachi McLean

Army
QB Cale Hellums
QB Dewayne Coleman
RB Noah Short
RB Hayden Reed
DL Jack Bousum
LB Eric Ford
LB Andon Thomas
LB Kalib Fortner

Key Notes

UConn could be down to its fourth-string quarterback if backup Nick Evers enters the portal alongside starter Joe Fagnano and fellow backup Tucker McDonald.

Betting Lines

DraftKings Sportsbook: Army -9.5 | O/U 43.5
FanDuel Sportsbook: Army -9.5 | O/U 43.5
BetMGM Sportsbook: Army -9.5 | O/U 43.5

The Pick: Under 43.5

It’s bowl season, which means we have a lot of football to watch between Dec. 13 and Jan. 19! Ohio State, Utah, Georgia Southern, Army, Texas A&M — and just about everyone in between — will take part in a total of 47 games that will ultimately conclude with the 2026 CFP National Championship.

NESN has you covered with previews for each and every game — with our next contest bringing us down south:

2025 Servpro First Responder Bowl

Matchup:Florida International Golden Panthers vs. UTSA Roadrunners
Date:Friday, Dec. 26, 2025
Kickoff:8 p.m. ET
Stadium:Gerald J. Ford Stadium — Dallas, Texas
TV:ESPN

Game Overview

The First Responder Bowl has a nice message, but let’s not forget that it has gone by several names over the years —  including the TicketCity Bowl (2011-2012) and Heart of Dallas Bowl (2013-2017).

Case Keenum won the game’s MVP in 2012.

I don’t have anything else on this one…

Team Overviews

Florida International Golden Panthers
Conference:Conference USA
Head Coach:Willie Simmons
Record:7–5

FIU looks like it just might escape mediocrity in 2025, with the program reaching the sixth bowl game in program history.

Willie Simmons has been good in his first season as head coach, having an opportunity to lead the program to its second highest win total (eight games) ever.

UTSA Roadrunners
Conference:American
Head Coach:Jeff Traylor
Record:6-6

UTSA has seen its win total decrease each of the last four seasons, with the transition from Conference USA to the American seeing them dip from double-digit winning seasons to relative mediocrity.

Jeff Traylor, the club’s head coach, has been good for them, however, and is looking to win a bowl game for the third consecutive season — Frisco Bowl (2023) and Myrtle Beach Bowl (2024).

Traylor admitted his team will “be a shell of themselves” for the bowl game, as he expects to be without 10-20 players due to a mix of opt-outs, injuries and transfer portal entries. The Roadrunners will be without several starters on defense.

Players to Watch

FIU
QB Joe Pesansky
QB Keyone Jenkins
RB Kejon Owens
WR Alex Perry
DL Kenton Simmons
DB Jessiah McGrew
DB Mister Clark

UTSA
QB Owen McCown
RB Robert Henry
RB Will Henderson III
WR Devin McCuin
DL Nnanna Anyanwu
DB Tyan Milton

Key Notes

Owen McCown is the son of former NFL quarterback Josh McCown and nephew of Luke McCown.

Betting Lines

DraftKings Sportsbook: UTSA -6 | O/U 59.5
FanDuel Sportsbook: UTSA -5.5 | O/U 59.5
BetMGM Sportsbook: UTSA -6 | O/U 59.5

The Pick:FIU ML

WASHINGTON — As East Carolina prepares for Saturday’s Military Bowl matchup with Pittsburgh, the Pirates took to the practice field on Wednesday.

ECU got practice underway at about 10 a.m. Wednesday morning inside the St. James indoor facility in Springfield, VA, and wrapped up around 11:20am.

From there, the team traveled to American Legion Post 176 in Springfield, where they participated in a community service event, as the Pirates helped set up supplies for America’s Adopt-a-Soldier Packing program.

Later in the evening, ECU made their way to a team bowling event at Lucky Strike in Bethesda, Md. before having dinner at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant in Washington.

ECU will not practice on Christmas Day, as they will attend Thursday’s Cowboys-Commanders game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. at 1 p.m. Former Pirate CB Shavon Revel Jr. is part of the Cowboys active roster and safety Julius Wood is on the Cowboys practice squad.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.

As he came up from walk-on to All-American at Texas, Michael Taaffe took a calculated approach through NIL. He build a strong following with more than 80,000 followers across Instagram and X.

But when it came to navigating the space, Taaffe had a plan. His goal was to focus on long-term success, meaning he wanted to leave an impact on the greater community.

SUBSCRIBE to the On3 NIL and Sports Business Newsletter

That approach helped Taaffe win the Wuerrfel Trophy, the premier award for community service in college football. He took on a central role with Texas Against Fentanyl and visited children in local hospitals. Along the way, he wanted his brand to be about more than just NIL deals.

“How do you want your platform to be remembered?” Taaffe told On3 via Zoom on behalf of Allstate. “I think everybody is an entrepreneur in the game of football. You all have your own business. You all have your own brand. How do you want your brand to be remembered?

“When I say this, I don’t mean to take any shots at anybody, but do you want your brand to be filled of [an] Instagram filled of the local sandwich shop or the local smoothie shop or the local clothing store? Or, do you want it filled for good and significance in your life that will be far more important than $5,000 or $10,000? That’s how I truly live it.”

Michael Taaffe: ‘My calling is to give back’

Michael Taaffe admitted his approach to NIL was “different,” and he signed multiple deals during his time at Texas. He was part of Sonic’s activation along with some Longhorns teammates and Texas A&M players, and he joined Seat Geek’s initiative ahead of last year’s College Football Playoff.

That’s why Taaffe said there are multiple ways to go through the NIL landscape. His focus, though, was on giving back.

“There’s no wrong or right way to go about NIL,” Taaffe said. “It’s just, how do you want your business to be programmed and ran?

“I’ve been chosen to be on the side of, I want my brand to mimic who I am as a person. I believe that my calling is to give back. I’ve been trying to use my brand to give back.”

One of the top 2028 four-star two-way high school football players in the country announced on Monday night that he’s transferring schools.

According to an announcement by A’mir Sears, the 2028 four-star athlete and Rivals Sophomore All-American penned a letter via social media that he would be transferring from 2025 Class 6A finalist West Broward to Columbus. Sears just helped West Broward reach a state championship for the first time in the program’s history, but fell in the FHSAA Class 6A title game to West Boca Raton, 31-0.

Here is the letter Sears wrote addressing his transfer to Columbus:

These coaches, this field, and this program helped shape me into the young man I am today. Football here wasn’t just a sport – it was a family, a brotherhood, and a journey filled with memories I’ll carry with me forever. The moments I shared with my teammates are ones I could never replace, and I’m grateful for every practice, every game, and every challenge that pushed meto grow.

I want to give a special shoutout to the entire coaching staff. Especially Coach BMac, Coach Mario, and Coach Kendoll. You three poured into me in ways I can’t ever fully repay. Your guidance, your belief in me as a 14 year old freshman, and your commitment to helping me become better – both on and off the field – will stay with me for life. I am forever grateful for everything you’ve done.

Due to a lot of movement within the program that is out of my control, l’ve made the difficult decision to transfer. This isn’t goodbye to the memories or the people who impacted me – it’s simply the next step in my journey as I continue to chase excellence in the game of football that I love. Thank you, West Broward, for helping me become who 1 am today. No further questions at this moment.

Sears displayed in the 2025 high school football season why he’s one of the top two-way players, not only in Florida, but in the Southeast when it comes to the 2028 class. The sophomore standout compiled over 1,000 all-purpose yards and scored 11 receiving touchdowns. On defense, Sears notched 61 total tackles and picked off three passes.

The Explorers are coming off a down season where the team went 4-8 and started the 2025 campaign 0-5. Columbus still was able to reach the Class 7A playoffs where they fell to Miami Palmetto, 27-10, in the region semifinals.

How to Follow Florida High School Football

For Florida high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the Sunshine State, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the state, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the Florida high school football excitement across the state.