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Oklahoma State Leads Nation in Transfer Portal Departures
Coaching changes at Oklahoma State, Iowa State, and Penn State lead to mass roster turnover
Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:39am
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With the 2026 transfer portal window now closed, a review of the schools hit hardest by player departures shows Oklahoma State leading the nation with 64 players entering the portal. Other programs with high transfer numbers include Iowa State (54), Penn State (46), West Virginia (44), and Arkansas and Mississippi State (38 each).
Why it matters
Coaching changes at several major college football programs led to a mass exodus of players through the transfer portal, with some schools losing over half their rosters. This significant roster turnover will force new head coaches to quickly rebuild their teams with incoming transfers, creating uncertainty heading into the 2026 season.
The details
Oklahoma State saw the most departures with 64 players entering the portal, breaking the previous record of 56 set by Colorado in 2023. The Cowboy's mass exodus was largely due to the firing of longtime head coach Mike Gundy just three games into the 2025 season. Iowa State (54 departures) also saw a major shakeup with head coach Matt Campbell leaving for Penn State, taking 23 Cyclone players with him. Penn State itself had 46 players enter the portal after the firing of James Franklin. Other schools hit hard by transfers include West Virginia (44), Arkansas (38), and Mississippi State (38).
- The transfer portal window officially closed in January 2026.
The players
Mike Gundy
Former head coach of Oklahoma State, fired just three games into the 2025 season.
Matt Campbell
Former head coach of Iowa State, left to take the head coaching job at Penn State, bringing 23 Iowa State players with him.
James Franklin
Former head coach of Penn State, fired in October and took 12 Penn State players with him to Virginia Tech.
Rich Rodriguez
Current head coach of West Virginia, continuing to overhaul the Mountaineers' roster.
Ryan Silverfield
Current head coach of Arkansas, hired after the Razorbacks fired Sam Pittman and quickly added 41 new players to the roster.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
The takeaway
The significant roster turnover caused by coaching changes at several major college football programs will force new head coaches to quickly rebuild their teams through the transfer portal. This creates a high degree of uncertainty heading into the 2026 season as these schools try to replace large portions of their rosters in a short period of time.
