College football's most impactful defensive transfers for 2026

The transfer portal has become essential in college football. Several programs made significant additions on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. These seven transfers bring proven production, experience and the potential to change the upside and ceiling of their new teams.

John Henry Daley — Michigan

The former Utah edge rusher broke out in 2025, recording 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

Now he gets an opportunity to continue his development at Michigan. The Wolverines have consistently produced elite defensive linemen, and Daley gives them an experienced edge rusher who has already proven he can get to the quarterback.

His biggest question entering 2026 is health. His 2025 season ended with an Achilles injury. If he returns at full strength, Daley could become one of Michigan's most important defensive players.

Rasheem Biles — Texas

Texas added one of the most productive linebackers in the transfer portal when it landed Biles.

Biles recorded 101 tackles (including 17 tackles for loss), 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles for Pitt in 2025, earning second-team All-ACC honors. He also returned both interceptions for touchdowns.

For a Texas team with national championship aspirations, Biles provides a proven three-down linebacker capable of stopping the run, rushing the passer and making plays in coverage.

Ty Benefield — LSU

The former Boise State safety started all 14 games in 2025 and recorded 70 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

His breakout season came after two productive years with the Broncos. Benefield recorded 46 tackles as a freshman and followed that with 82 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 2024.

LSU is getting much more than a talented defensive back. Benefield has already demonstrated that he can handle a major workload and consistently make plays around the football.

Damon Wilson II — Miami

After beginning his career at Georgia, Wilson transferred to Missouri and led the Tigers with nine sacks in 2025. He enters Miami with 23 career sacks, giving the Hurricanes an experienced player who has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks.

Miami has championship aspirations, and Wilson's ability to create pressure could make an already dangerous defense even more difficult to handle.

Koi Perich — Oregon

Perich brings proven playmaking ability to an Oregon secondary that will face some of the nation's best passing offenses.

The former Minnesota safety recorded 39 solo tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and two pass breakups in 2025. He finished his Minnesota career with six interceptions and two forced fumbles, establishing himself as a legitimate ball hawk.

Perich also provides value in the return game, giving Oregon an explosive weapon on special teams. 

Perich's versatility and ability to create explosive plays could make him particularly valuable in the Ducks' pursuit of another College Football Playoff appearance.

Trey White & Austin Romaine — Texas Tech

Texas Tech made multiple significant additions to its defense, including White and Romaine, giving the Red Raiders proven experience at two different levels.

White, an edge rusher, arrives from San Diego State after recording 30 solo tackles and seven sacks in 2025. He also earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2024.

Romaine brings Big 12 experience to the linebacker room. He recorded 41 solo tackles in 2025 and finished his Kansas State career with 184 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He was second-team All-Big 12 in 2024 and 2025.

With the Red Raiders coming off a breakthrough season, White and Romaine could help keep the defense among the Big 12's best.