College football programs are spending more money on their rosters than ever before entering 2025. Throughout the December and April portal windows, some splurged on six- and seven-figure deals with players available in the transfer portal whom they hoped could be difference-makers.
Entering Week 3, the return on investment is already showing up in a massive way. The national leaderboards for total offense, rushing, receiving, tackles and sacks are full of transfer newcomers who are starting and thriving at their new schools.
Here's a ranking of the 10 most impactful transfer portal pickups so far this season and how they got where they are today.