The next era of the college football transfer portal officially opens Jan. 2, but make no mistake -- the 2026 cycle is already underway. Behind the scenes, portal boards have been set for months. Agents are working phones. Players are making quiet decisions. As one source put it, "Deals are being struck."

With early signing day in the rearview mirror, recruiters will now look to build up their 2026 rosters through the transfer portal. That method of roster additions proved crucial for Texas Tech, which won a Big 12 title and made the College Football Playoff after a transfer portal haul a year ago.

Notre Dame football's focus has shifted to the transfer portal after being left out of the College Football Playoff. Backup quarterback Kenny Minchey reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2. The new winter transfer portal window for most teams runs from January 2 through January 16.

A host of standout players from Group of Five schools are in the NCAA transfer portal, and here are some potential destinations for the best of them.

How does Matt Campbell's hire impact Penn State football players looking to transfer? Here's an explainer of the NCAA's rules on the matter.