Top Non-QB Transfers 2026: Can Coleman and Brown Elevate Texas?
The 2026 college football season? It’s already looking wild, especially with a wave of non-quarterback transfers who could really shake things up. We’re talking running backs, wideouts, and defenders—all eager to make their mark on new teams.
There’s a lot to be excited about. If you want the full scoop, check out the details on key non-QB transfers for the 2026 college football season.
The Texas Longhorns’ Offensive Overhaul
After a pretty disappointing 2025, Texas is shaking up their offense in a big way. Raleek Brown and Hollywood Smothers are now in the backfield, hoping to take some pressure off Arch Manning.
Raleek Brown: A Proven Performer
Brown just wrapped up a monster season: 1,141 yards and four touchdowns on 186 carries. His USC years were quieter, but 2025 showed he’s ready for a bigger role with the Longhorns.
Hollywood Smothers: A Solid Backup
Smothers almost landed at Alabama, but Texas got him instead. He ran for 939 yards and six touchdowns last year, so he’s bringing some solid depth and stability to the running game.
Cam Coleman: The New Receiving Threat
Cam Coleman, a five-star recruit, is about to give Texas’ receivers a serious boost. In two seasons at Auburn, he grabbed 93 passes for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns—even with less-than-stellar QB play.
Michigan’s Defensive Boost
Michigan’s been busy, too, hunting for defensive upgrades. Daley, a top-tier pass rusher, is the big headline here.
Daley: A Rising Star
Daley went off in 2025: 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He’s following coach Kyle Whittingham to Michigan and should slot right in as their main edge threat.
Oklahoma State’s Potential Rebound
Oklahoma State wants to turn things around in 2026. New coach Eric Morris is bringing in a bunch of North Texas transfers to help out.
Hawkins: The Freshman Phenom
Hawkins blew everyone away as a freshman, racking up 1,434 yards and 25 touchdowns. If he keeps that up, the Cowboys could be back in business.
Texas A&M’s New Receiving Trio
Texas A&M has been busy, too, snagging a key receiver from Miami. That gives them one of the SEC’s most interesting trios.
The Miami Transfer
This guy led Miami with 511 yards and eight touchdowns last year. Now he’s teaming up with Mario Craver and Ashton Bethel-Roman, so Aggies fans have reason to be optimistic.
UCLA’s Offensive Enhancements
UCLA’s trying to spice up their offense, especially on the ground. Knight from JMU is their new weapon.
Knight: A Dual-Threat
Knight ran for 1,373 yards and nine touchdowns in 2025, plus he added 397 yards catching passes. That kind of versatility? Hard not to like it for the Bruins.
Oklahoma’s Wide Receiver Addition
Oklahoma’s patching up their receiving group with a Texas transfer. His 2025 wasn’t huge, but there’s upside.
Livingstone: The Roommate Connection
Livingstone, who roomed with Texas’ QB, heads to Oklahoma after posting 516 yards on 29 catches. With Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt gone, he’s got a chance to step up.
South Carolina’s Offensive Line Reinforcement
South Carolina’s offensive line was a mess last year, so they’ve brought in Peak to play left tackle. They really needed this one.
Peak: A Much-Needed Addition
Peak is one of four transfers likely to start for the Gamecocks, who gave up over 40 sacks in 2025. He’s supposed to help settle things down up front.
Texas Tech’s Defensive Upgrade
Texas Tech wanted more muscle at linebacker. Enter Romaine, who’s replacing Jacob Rodriguez.
Romaine: A Defensive Powerhouse
Romaine led the Wildcats with 96 tackles in 2024, then put up 66 in nine games last year. He’ll join Ben Roberts and John Curry to form a pretty tough linebacker group.
Oregon’s Defensive Hope
Oregon’s hoping Perich can give their defense a spark, kind of like what Dillon Thieneman did last year.
Perich: The Versatile Defender
Perich was Minnesota’s No. 2 tackler with 96 stops in 2025. He can play all over, and Oregon’s banking on that versatility.
Louisville’s Receiving Corps
Louisville’s top three receivers are gone, which means there’s room for someone new to step up.
Richardson: The Downfield Threat
Richardson led the Commodores with 806 yards on 46 catches last year. Louisville will be looking to him for big plays and experience.
LSU’s Offensive Line and Pass Rush
LSU’s been retooling up front and on defense for 2026. They’ve landed some key pieces.
Seaton: The Blind Side Protector
Seaton, who came over from Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes, will be protecting Sam Leavitt’s blind side. He was second-team All-Big 12, even though he missed the last three games of 2025.
Umanmielen and Wilson: Pass Rush Enhancements
Umanmielen led Ole Miss with nine sacks. Now, he and Wilson—Missouri’s top pass rusher—are heading to LSU.
They’re expected to beef up the Tigers’ defensive front. It could shake things up for the team, but who really knows until the season starts?
The 2026 college football season is shaping up to be pretty wild with transfers like these. If you’re curious for more, there’s a deeper dive in this article: key non-QB transfers for the 2026 college football season.
