5 Transfer Quarterbacks Who Could Impact the College Football Playoff in 2025

Nico Iamaleava’s departure from Tennessee grabbed national headlines. 

The former Citrus Bowl MVP and five-star recruit parted ways following a public NIL dispute and promptly committed to UCLA. Standing 6-foot-6 with a rocket arm, he’s the centerpiece of DeShaun Foster’s new offense in Westwood.

Last season, as a sophomore, Iamaleava passed for 2,616 yards with 19 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Now heading into his junior year, he’ll look to take another step forward and elevate his game even further in 2025.

With Big Ten defenses ahead and no established QB1, UCLA could quietly emerge as a contender if he stays healthy and adapts quickly.

John Mateer – Oklahoma

At Washington State, John Mateer stormed onto the scene in 2024, racking up over 3,100 passing yards, 29 TDs, and 826 rushing yards—leading the nation with 44 total touchdowns. 

As one of the most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks in the portal, Mateer now brings that explosiveness to Norman under Brent Venables. 

Stepping into a QB room without a clear leader after the departure of Jackson Arnold to Auburn, Mateer has every opportunity to secure the job. 

If he takes advantage, he could be the spark that spins the Sooners back into SEC and playoff contention.

Fernando Mendoza – Indiana

Indiana surprised many by reaching the College Football Playoff last season—and now, they’ve landed Fernando Mendoza to keep the momentum rolling. 

Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards at Cal in 2024, completing nearly 70% of his passes and showing some steady progression with 16 TDs. 

At 6-foot-5, Mendoza brings arm strength and poise to a QB position that’s suddenly become a true strength for the Hoosiers. 

With a playoff taste in the rearview and coach Curt Cignetti investing heavily in QB talent, Indiana is positioned to push even further, and Mendoza could be the key.

Kaidon Salter – Colorado

Kaidon Salter exploded at Liberty in 2023, throwing for 2,800+ yards and rushing for over 1,000 more. 

Salter took a significant step back in 2024, finishing with 1,886 passing yards and a 15-to-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio over 11 games. A fairly noticeable dip from his breakout campaign the year prior.

He now heads to Colorado, where Deion Sanders is in search of a steady hand to guide the offense after the departure of his son, Shedeur Sanders. 

Salter blends impressive arm strength and mobility, plus a flair for big plays that aligns well with Coach Prime’s high-energy approach. 

If he wins the QB battle against highly-touted freshman Julian Lewis, Colorado has the talent to surprise in Big-12 contention.

Carson Beck – Miami

Carson Beck’s transfer from Georgia to Miami has the potential to fully revamp the Hurricanes’ offense. 

After losing Cam Ward to the draft, Mario Cristobal's crew needed a quarterback. They got a star in Beck. 

A two-time national champion as a backup with 3,485 passing yards and 28 TDs in 2024, Beck brings elite fundamentals and big-game experience to Hard Rock Stadium.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 220 pounds, he offers Miami the security and composure they desperately sought in the portal.

With a tough but explosive schedule ahead, Beck could be the true stabilizing force that propels the Canes into playoff relevance again.