The 2026 Football Transfer Portal rankings have been released, showcasing 50 of the most sought-after collegiate football prospects, each bringing a unique blend of athletic prowess and significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations to the evolving landscape of college athletics. The list provides a snapshot of the talent pool available, ranging from seasoned veterans seeking new opportunities to rising underclassmen looking for a fresh start.
At the pinnacle of the rankings, an unnamed quarterback from West Linn, standing at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, leads the pack. As a redshirt sophomore, this signal-caller boasts an impressive IND rating of 98.49 and an ON3 rating of 98.00, commanding a substantial NIL valuation of $4.5 million. This top-ranked player sets a high bar for the talent and financial stakes involved in the current transfer market.
Following closely is Cam Coleman, a sophomore wide receiver from Central, listed at 6-foot-3.5 and 190 pounds. Coleman, with an IND rating of 98.48 and an ON3 rating of 98.00, holds a NIL valuation of $3 million, underscoring the premium placed on elite pass-catching talent. The offensive line also features prominently at the top, with Jacarrius Peak, a redshirt junior offensive tackle from Valdosta, at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds. Peak’s ratings (IND 98.44, ON3 98.00) and $1 million NIL valuation reflect the critical need for dominant linemen in modern football.
Jordan Seaton, a sophomore offensive tackle from IMG Academy, continues the trend of highly-rated linemen, measuring 6-foot-5 and 295 pounds. His IND rating of 98.07 and ON3 rating of 97.00 are complemented by a $4 million NIL valuation. The defensive side of the ball is well-represented by Princewill Umanmielen, a junior edge rusher from Manor, who stands at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds. Umanmielen’s 98.05 IND and 97.00 ON3 ratings, along with a $1.5 million NIL, highlight the demand for disruptive defensive playmakers.
Damon Wilson II, a junior edge rusher from Venice, at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, also features prominently with IND 97.27 and ON3 96.00 ratings, and a $2 million NIL valuation. Quarterbacks continue to be a high-value commodity, with Drew Mestemaker, a sophomore from Vandegrift (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), securing a $3.5 million NIL valuation alongside IND 97.26 and ON3 95.00 ratings. Lance Heard, a junior offensive tackle from Neville (6-foot-5.5, 305 pounds), boasts a $2 million NIL and strong ratings (IND 96.47, ON3 94.00).
The top ten is rounded out by two more significant talents: Darian Mensah, a redshirt sophomore quarterback from St. Joseph (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), who commands the highest NIL valuation in the top ten at $6.5 million, reflecting the intense competition for elite quarterbacks. His ratings are IND 96.01 and ON3 96.00. John Henry Daley, a junior edge rusher from Lone Peak (6-foot-4, 255 pounds), completes this elite group with a $2 million NIL and IND 95.93, ON3 96.00 ratings.
The next tier of players, ranked 11 through 20, continues to demonstrate a diverse array of positions and substantial NIL figures. Mateen Ibirogba, a redshirt junior defensive lineman from Clarksburg (6-foot-4, 290 pounds), leads this group with a $1 million NIL. Safety Koi Perich from Lincoln Secondary (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), a sophomore, also carries a $2 million NIL valuation. Wide receivers Nick Marsh (River Rouge, sophomore, $1 million NIL) and Terrell Anderson (Grimsley, sophomore, $750,000 NIL) underscore the depth of talent at the position. Running backs Caleb Hawkins (North Rock Creek, freshman, $1 million NIL) and Justice Haynes (Buford, junior, $1 million NIL) highlight the continued importance of strong ground games. Linebackers Rasheem Biles (Pickerington Central, junior, $1 million NIL) and Austin Romaine (Hillsboro, junior, $1 million NIL) are also prominent, as is quarterback Josh Hoover (Rockwall-Heath, redshirt junior, $4 million NIL).
Players ranked 21 through 30 further illustrate the breadth of talent entering the portal. Chaz Coleman, a freshman edge rusher from Warren G Harding, is valued at $2 million, while cornerback Jontez Williams (Bradford, redshirt junior) and offensive tackle Melvin Siani (Wyoming Seminary Upper School, junior) both carry significant NILs of $750,000 and $850,000, respectively. Quarterback Byrum Brown (Rolesville, senior) has a $3 million NIL, and wide receiver Quincy Porter (Bergen Catholic, freshman) is valued at $1 million. Notably, safety Terry Moore (Washington, senior) and wide receiver Reed Harris (Great Falls, redshirt sophomore) are listed without NIL valuations, indicating the varied nature of these agreements.
The rankings from 31 to 40 include interior offensive lineman Coleton Price (Bowie, redshirt junior, $500,000 NIL) and defensive lineman Francis Brewu (Thomas Worthington, sophomore, $750,000 NIL). Wide receivers Cooper Barkate (Mater Dei, senior, $1 million NIL), Eric Singleton Jr. (Alexander, junior, $1 million NIL), Jayce Brown (Choctawatchee Academy, junior, $700,000 NIL), and Ian Strong (St. Anthony’s, junior, $500,000 NIL) demonstrate the continued abundance of receiving talent. Quarterback Dylan Raiola (Buford, sophomore) is listed with a $500,000 NIL valuation, while tight end Benjamin Brahmer (Pierce, junior) has a $750,000 NIL. Offensive tackle Carius Curne (Marion, freshman) rounds out this segment with a $750,000 NIL.
Finally, the players ranked 41 through 50 continue to showcase the depth of the transfer portal. Edge rushers Wendell Gregory (Walton, sophomore, $2 million NIL) and Anto Saka (Loyola Blakefield, senior, $1 million NIL) are key defensive additions. Cornerback Rickey Gibson (Hewitt-Trussville, junior, $750,000 NIL) and defensive lineman Devan Thompkins (Edison, redshirt junior, $700,000 NIL) also feature. Notable offensive talents include quarterback Husan Longstreet (Centennial, freshman, $1 million NIL), running back Raleek Brown (Mater Dei, redshirt junior, $1 million NIL), and offensive tackle Wilkin Formby (Northridge, redshirt sophomore, $800,000 NIL). Wide receivers Trell Harris (Nazareth Academy, senior, $400,000 NIL), Wyatt Young (Tompkins, sophomore), and JJ Buchanan (Coronado, freshman) complete the list, with Young and Buchanan also listed without NIL valuations.
This comprehensive list of 50 players underscores the dynamic and financially significant nature of the 2026 Football Transfer Portal. The valuations and ratings reflect a highly competitive environment where talent mobility is a defining characteristic of collegiate football in the current summer season.
Why it matters in Florence
The unveiling of the 2026 Football Transfer Portal rankings provides a national lens through which to view the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, a topic of interest for sports fans and aspiring athletes throughout Florence and the Pee Dee region. While institutions like Francis Marion University may operate at a different competitive level than the Power Five programs vying for these top-tier transfers, the broader trends of player mobility and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations ripple through the entire sports ecosystem. Local high school football players in Florence dreaming of collegiate careers are navigating an environment increasingly shaped by these national developments, influencing their recruitment prospects and the paths they might consider. The financial aspects of NIL, as highlighted by the multi-million dollar valuations in these rankings, also contribute to ongoing discussions among families and coaches in Florence about the future of amateur sports and the opportunities available to young athletes.
