The quarterback transfer market is on track to reach unprecedented heights in 2026, with top signal-callers expected to command as much as $5 million for a single season.
Although the NCAA transfer portal does not officially open until Jan. 2, movement is already shaping the landscape. Multiple high-profile quarterbacks have announced intentions to enter the portal. This prompted ESPN's Pete Thamel to check out what the market was like.
“I made some calls today,” Thamel said Friday on College GameDay. “Sources told me the tip-top of this quarterback market, financially, could reach $5 million for one season. It’s supply and demand.”
The top quarterback market could reach up to $5 million for just one season, sources told @PeteThamel 😳
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 20, 2025
That's the most expensive in college football history 💰 pic.twitter.com/zXjP4CheAz
For comparison, Darian Mensah earned $4 million in 2025, making him one of the highest-paid players in college football. That deal was part of a two-year, $8 million agreement at Duke.
Several programs are expected to be quarterback shoppers, driving prices higher. Thamel cited early portal buzz surrounding Brendan Sorsby, Dylan Raiola, DJ Lagway and Josh Hoover, with links to Texas Tech, Louisville and Indiana, respectively. Oregon, Miami and LSU could also enter the market.
Last year’s portal quarterbacks were also among the sport’s highest earners. At Miami, Carson Beck signed a deal worth $3 million to $3.2 million, with incentives pushing it near $6 million.
The portal window runs from Jan. 2 through Jan. 16.
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