3 Under-the-Radar Big Ten Transfers to Watch in 2026

With thousands of players transferring to new schools, it is easy for a few to slip through the cracks. Here are three in the Big Ten that didn’t get enough attention but will make an important impact during the 2026 season.

DL Sahir West (UCLA from James Madison)

The skinny: West enjoyed a breakout 2025 season at James Madison with 45 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks. While he received plenty of attention in the transfer portal, his destination became obvious when UCLA hired Bob Chesney as their next head coach.

Aside from Chesney, West is also very familiar with former Dukes’ defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, who also ended up in Los Angeles. Expect West to be the centerpiece of a defensive unit that needed overhauling.

TE Luke Dehnicke (Northwestern from DII Minnesota Duluth)

The skinny: At 6-foot-5, 240-pounds, Dehnicke dominated DII football in 2025 with 61 receptions for 1,119 yards and 14 touchdowns. Northwestern is hoping that he can seamlessly make the transition to P4 football in 2026.

Dehnicke’s size and receiving skills will immediately make it necessary for defenses to plan against him. Expect another transfer tight end, Alex Honig (UConn), to take care most of the blocking, while Dehnicke serves as a receiving option for transfer quarterback Aidan Chiles (Michigan State). Dehnicke may not total 1,119 yards and 14 touchdowns, but he will make an impact in the Big Ten.

RB L.J. Phillips Jr. (Iowa from South Dakota)

The skinny: Phillips led all of FCS in rushing last season with 1,920 yards and 19 touchdowns, while averaging 6.5 yards per carry. He is the perfect addition for an offense that often relies on their running game and defense to win games.

Iowa also returns their leading back from 2025, Kamari Moulton, who rushed for 878 yards and five touchdowns. Expect a fierce battle during the spring and summer to determine who the lead back will be in 2026, but either way expect both to play a vital role in 2026.