Standout transfers, freshmen turned heads in spring practice

Spring practice is one of the most important periods of the college football offseason. It gives coaches a chance to see what their roster can do before the season actually matters. 

With the transfer portal reshaping multiple teams across the country this offseason, spring 2026 gave us a look at who could make some noise in the fall. 

Here are some of the transfers and freshmen who may have solidified a role and turned their coaches' heads.

Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana

One of the most hyped skill position players to transfer was Nick Marsh. Marsh transferred from Michigan State, where he led the Spartans in catches (59), yards (662), and touchdowns (6) in 2025. In spring ball, he wasted no time clicking with new QB Josh Hoover. The two were already building chemistry in Indiana's spring practices, and it looks like they could be a problem in a couple of months. At 6-foot-3 and 203 pounds, Marsh has the size and skill to be one of the best receivers in the Big Ten this season.

Cree Thomas, CB, Colorado

Notre Dame transfer Cree Thomas didn't just impress coaches in spring camp; he dominated it. Thomas had five interceptions in just the first two spring practices alone. That performance was more than enough to grab head coach Deion Sanders' attention. 

"Cree is the No. 1 guy right now. He's that guy. I am loving what I am seeing right now," Sanders said. 

After 13 spring practices, Thomas seems to be locked as the Week 1 starter at corner for the Buffs.

Salesi Moa, WR, Michigan

One of the most intriguing freshmen in the country is Salesi Moa. He was a top-50 prospect who transferred to Michigan from Utah before enrolling. Mao did not disappoint. Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham was asked about his spring standouts, and he went straight to Mao. 

"Salesi Mao, our freshman wide receiver who just got here a few months ago, has done some really good things. I'm not saying that's a surprise, but he's really made strides," Whittingham said. 

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete has been playing receiver this spring, but he has the versatility to line up at corner, too.

Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami

Miami lost two of the best pass-rushers in the country in Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor to the NFL Draft. Damon Wilson II transferred in from Missouri, where he had 9 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and 24 pressures in 2025, to fill that void. He was one of the most disruptive players of Miami's spring ball, and with Wilson, it gives the Hurricanes a genuine shot at keeping their defense elite heading into the CFP.

Jermaine Bishop Jr., WR/ATH, Texas

Texas already has one of the most dangerous offenses in the country with Arch Manning, but Jermaine Bishop is making everyone know he belongs there, too. The No.3 ATH and No. 57 overall player in the 2026 class has created a strong connection with Manning through this spring. He is a true freshman who could push for meaningful snaps in the fall.

One thing that's been taught through the years is that spring doesn't guarantee anything for the fall. But when transfers and freshmen are winning reps against starters in March and April, it usually means something is to come by September. 

Keep an eye on these names; they could end up being some of the biggest stories of the 2026 college football season.