Transfer portal tracker: A look at how Utah’s 2026 roster is shaping up

It’s transfer portal season.

Though the NCAA football transfer portal does not open until Jan. 2, two days after Utah plays Nebraska in the Las Vegas Bowl, players are already announcing their intentions to enter the portal once it opens.

Last season, the portal was open from Dec. 9-28, but this year, it has been pushed back and will be open from Jan. 2-16. With the elimination of the spring transfer window, this will be the only time for players wishing to transfer to do so.

Here’s who’s transferring to Utah, who’s leaving, and a look at the incoming 2026 recruiting class, updated regularly.

Transferring from Utah

• Isaac Wilson, QB, sophomore. 2025 stats: 12 snaps, 3 rushing yards.
• Drew Cowart, QB, freshman. 2025 stats: Did not play.
• Jaylen Moson, CB, freshman. 2025 stats: 3 snaps.
• Christian Thatcher, LB, freshman. 2025 stats: Did not play on defense.
• Jaxson Jones, DE, freshman. 2025 stats: Did not play on defense.
• Bryan Spotwood, WR, sophomore. 2025 stats: Did not play on offense.
• Omar Shah, RB, sophomore. 2025 stats: Did not play on offense.
• Devin Green, RB, sophomore. 2025 stats: Did not play on offense.
• Justin Stevenson, WR, redshirt sophomore. 2025 stats: 31 snaps, no receptions.
• Brendan Zurbrugg, QB, redshirt freshman. 2025 stats: Did not play on offense.

Key players who have announced their return to Utah

• Byrd Ficklin, QB, freshman: 2025 stats: 301 yards, 3 TD, 0 interceptions passing; 503 yards, 10 touchdowns rushing.

Transferring to Utah

Utah’s 2026 high school and junior college signing class

• Kelvin Obot, offensive tackle, five-star, 6-5, 300, Fruitland High (Fruitland, Idaho).
• Salesi Moa, athlete, 6-1, 190, four-star, Fremont High (Ogden, Utah).
• Mataalii Benjamin, offensive tackle, four-star, 6-7, 315, Lehi High (Lehi, Utah).
• LaMarcus Bell, running back, three-star, 5-11, 190, Lake Oswego High (Lake Oswego, Ore.).
• Moses Sparks Jr., interior offensive line, three-star, 6-4, 280, V. Sue Cleveland High (Rio Rancho, N.M.).
• Fameitau Siale, defensive end, three-star, 6-4, 260, O’Dea High (Seattle, Wash.).
• Preston Pitts, linebacker, three-star, 6-4, 213, Clear Falls High (League City, Texas).
• LaGary Mitchell, linebacker, three-star, 6-2, 200, Meridian High (Meridian, Idaho).
• PJ Takitaki, defensive end, three-star, 6-4, 230, Lehi High (Lehi, Utah).
• Michael Johnson, quarterback, three-star, 5-11.5, 165, Douglas County High (Douglasville, Ga.).
• Kane Archer, quarterback, three-star, 6-1, 205, Greenwood High (Greenwood, Ark.).
• Major Hinchen, cornerback, three-star, 6-2, 175, La Quinta High (La Quinta, Calif.).
• Rowdy Pearce, interior offensive lineman, three-star, 6-3.5, 285, Midland Christian High (Midland, Texas).
• Aisa Galea’i, cornerback, three-star, 6-1, 185, Orem High (Orem, Utah).
• Dylan Waters, cornerback, three-star, 6-1, 175, Fort Bend Marshall High (Missouri City, Texas).
• Bear Fisher, tight end, three-star, 6-5, 235, Queen Creek High (Queen Creek, Ariz.).
• Tayson Reid, linebacker, three-star, 6-1, 225, Snow College (Ephraim, Utah).