The landscape of college football continues its rapid evolution with the release of the 2026 Football Transfer Portal rankings, featuring 50 top prospects who have formally entered the system. This detailed compilation provides insights into player profiles, performance ratings, and, notably, their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuations, underscoring the financial dimension now integral to collegiate athletics.
The top entry on the list, an unnamed quarterback from West Linn, stands at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, classified as a redshirt sophomore. This player boasts an IND rating of 98.49 and an ON3 rating of 98.00, accompanied by a substantial NIL valuation of $4.5 million. This individual, like all 50 players on the list, is currently marked as ‘Enrolled,’ indicating their commitment to a new program.
Following closely in the top ten are several high-profile talents. Cam Coleman, a sophomore wide receiver from Central, measures 6-foot-3.5 and 190 pounds, with ratings of IND 98.48 and ON3 98.00, and a NIL valuation of $3 million. Offensive tackle Jacarrius Peak, a redshirt junior from Valdosta, is listed at 6-foot-5, 310 pounds, with ratings of IND 98.44 and ON3 98.00, commanding a NIL valuation of $1 million. Jordan Seaton, a sophomore offensive tackle from IMG Academy, brings a 6-foot-5, 295-pound frame, IND 98.07, ON3 97.00, and a $4 million NIL valuation. Princewill Umanmielen, a junior edge rusher from Manor, is 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, with IND 98.05, ON3 97.00, and a $1.5 million NIL valuation.
The top tier also includes Damon Wilson II, a junior edge rusher from Venice (6-foot-4, 230 pounds; IND 97.27, ON3 96.00; $2 million NIL); Drew Mestemaker, a sophomore quarterback from Vandegrift (6-foot-4, 210 pounds; IND 97.26, ON3 95.00; $3.5 million NIL); Lance Heard, a junior offensive tackle from Neville (6-foot-5.5, 305 pounds; IND 96.47, ON3 94.00; $2 million NIL); Darian Mensah, a redshirt sophomore quarterback from St Joseph (6-foot-3, 215 pounds; IND 96.01, ON3 96.00; a leading $6.5 million NIL valuation); and John Henry Daley, a junior edge rusher from Lone Peak (6-foot-4, 255 pounds; IND 95.93, ON3 96.00; $2 million NIL).
The subsequent ranks, from 11 to 20, feature a diverse array of positions and valuations. Mateen Ibirogba, a redshirt junior defensive lineman from Clarksburg, enters with a $1 million NIL valuation. Koi Perich, a sophomore safety from Lincoln Secondary, and Nick Marsh, a sophomore wide receiver from River Rouge, both carry $2 million and $1 million NIL valuations respectively. Caleb Hawkins, a freshman running back from North Rock Creek, and Rasheem Biles, a junior linebacker from Pickerington Central, are both valued at $1 million. Quarterback Josh Hoover, a redshirt junior from Rockwall-Heath, stands out with a $4 million NIL valuation. Wide receivers Terrell Anderson (Grimsley) and Omarion Miller (North Caddo) are listed with $750,000 NIL valuations, while linebacker Austin Romaine (Hillsboro) and running back Justice Haynes (Buford) are each valued at $1 million.
Players ranked 21 through 30 continue to showcase the breadth of talent in the portal. Chaz Coleman, a freshman edge rusher from Warren G Harding, has a $2 million NIL valuation. Cornerback Jontez Williams (Bradford) and offensive tackle Melvin Siani (Wyoming Seminary Upper School) are valued at $750,000 and $850,000, respectively. Safeties Terry Moore (Washington) and Ty Benefield (Santa Margarita Catholic) appear, with Moore’s NIL valuation not specified and Benefield’s at $1.2 million. Quarterback Byrum Brown (Rolesville) commands a $3 million NIL valuation, while wide receiver Quincy Porter (Bergen Catholic) is at $1 million. Wide receiver Reed Harris (Great Falls) and edge rusher Jordan Ross (Vestavia Hills) have NIL valuations of unspecified and $700,000, respectively. Running back Hollywood Smothers (West Charlotte) is valued at $1 million.
The 31st to 40th ranked players include offensive lineman Coleton Price (Bowie) and defensive lineman Francis Brewu (Thomas Worthington), both with $500,000 and $750,000 NIL valuations. Wide receiver Cooper Barkate (Mater Dei) is valued at $1 million. Quarterback Dylan Raiola (Buford) and wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. (St. John Bosco) each have $500,000 and $1 million NIL valuations. Tight end Benjamin Brahmer (Pierce) is at $750,000. Wide receivers Eric Singleton Jr. (Alexander), Jayce Brown (Choctawatchee Academy), and Ian Strong (St. Anthony’s) are listed with valuations ranging from $500,000 to $1 million. Offensive tackle Carius Curne (Marion) is valued at $750,000.
Rounding out the top 50, players ranked 41 through 50 include edge rushers Wendell Gregory (Walton) and Anto Saka (Loyola Blakefield) with $2 million and $1 million NIL valuations. Cornerback Rickey Gibson (Hewitt-Trussville) is at $750,000. Quarterback Husan Longstreet (Centennial) and defensive lineman Devan Thompkins (Edison) are valued at $1 million and $700,000. Running back Raleek Brown (Mater Dei) is at $1 million. Offensive tackle Wilkin Formby (Northridge) has an $800,000 valuation. Wide receivers Trell Harris (Nazareth Academy), Wyatt Young (Tompkins), and JJ Buchanan (Coronado) complete the list, with Harris at $400,000 and the latter two having unspecified NIL valuations.
This extensive list, with all players marked as ‘Enrolled,’ highlights the dynamic nature of college football recruitment in the era of the transfer portal and NIL. The range of positions, from quarterbacks and offensive linemen to edge rushers and wide receivers, demonstrates that talent acquisition is a multi-faceted endeavor, with significant financial incentives playing a pivotal role in player decisions.
Why it matters in Memphis
The ongoing evolution of the college football transfer portal, as evidenced by these national rankings and NIL valuations, directly impacts the strategic planning for the University of Memphis football program. As a prominent institution in West Tennessee, the University of Memphis actively navigates this competitive landscape to build and sustain a successful team. The ability to attract and retain top talent is increasingly tied to understanding and engaging with the NIL market. The presence of high-value prospects in the portal means that programs like the Tigers must adapt their recruitment efforts, balancing traditional scouting with the new financial realities of collegiate sports. This national trend has tangible consequences for the University of Memphis, influencing everything from roster composition to fan engagement and the program’s competitive standing within the American Athletic Conference.
