Nine first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft transferred at least once in their collegiate career, highlighting the growing trend of players reaping rewards from switching teams.
The list of successful transfers includes Drew Mestemaker, the Oklahoma State quarterback who signed a $1.1m deal with the school. Mestemaker, a 6-4, 211-pounder, defied all odds by going from a walk-on at North Texas to a coveted transfer and starting quarterback in just two years.
Mestemaker's journey is a testament to the benefits of transferring for top prospects. In total, nine first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft transferred at least once in their collegiate career, with some players improving their draft stock significantly. Edge rusher David Bailey, for instance, flashed high-end talent at Stanford, but few could envision him becoming the No. 2 overall pick prior to his time with Texas Tech.
Other prospects who could benefit from new surroundings include Alliegro, a bigger linebacker prospect with some shock in his hands and added value as a spot rusher. Alliegro was a lacrosse All-American in high school and has the potential to excel in his new role at the Buckeyes. He will be tasked with replacing Sonny Styles, a defensive tackle who left the program.
Meanwhile, Green, a 6-feet-5, 319-pound defensive tackle, is now tasked with realizing his full potential along a talented Crimson Tide front. Green played sparingly for the Ducks over the past three seasons but has the size and athleticism to make an impact in his new role.
New defensive coordinator Aaron Henry had been with Illinois during the program's run as an NFL defensive-back factory. Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin, Sydney Brown, Kerby Joseph, and Nate Hobbs were all coached by Henry during that time. Henry's influence could help McKinney, a long, lean boundary cornerback, excel in his new role at Notre Dame.
Moore, a 6-1, 195-pound cornerback, is another prospect who could benefit from a change of scenery. Moore forced two fumbles and recorded four interceptions in 2024 as a member of Duke's program but missed all of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in the bowl game. He will have been roughly 20 months since the injury by the time he first takes the field for the Buckeyes.
Pegan, a 6-3, 210-pound wide receiver, averaged more than 15 yards per catch in 2025, accounting for nearly 1,000 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns for the Aggies. The upcoming season is an opportunity for him to showcase his talent against higher-level competition.
The success of these transfers highlights the growing trend of players reaping rewards from switching teams. With the 2027 NFL Draft on the horizon, it remains to be seen whether Mestemaker and other top prospects will continue to benefit from their transfers.
Source: CBS