The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers rivalry dates back to the earliest days of the NFL, and yet they’ve only ever met in the playoffs two times.

A new chapter will be added in the storied history of these teams in the wild-card round of this year’s postseason, when the Bears host the Packers for a third matchup this year. Chicago and Green Bay each won its home game in the two divisional clashes during the regular season, so this meeting in the playoffs will serve as something of a high-stakes rubber match for the season series.

It’s also a rubber match for the all-time postseason series. The Bears won the first playoff matchup between the two teams in 1941. It took over 60 years for the next postseason meeting in 2010, when the Packers won the NFC championship en route to a Super Bowl 45 victory.

Here’s what to know ahead of Chicago’s first home playoff game in seven years:

Bears vs. Packers wild card game odds

The Bears hold a very slight edge over the Packers in the wild-card matchup, according to the BetMGM NFL odds as of Jan. 5. Not interested in this game? Check out expert picks and best bets for every NFL game this week.

• Spread: Bears (-1)
• Moneyline: Bears (-110); Packers (-110)
• Over/under: 46

Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.

New to sports betting? USA TODAY readers can claim exclusive promos and bonus codes with the best online sportsbooks and sports betting sites.

Bears vs. Packers matchups to watch

Ben Johnson vs. Matt LaFleur

Two of the game’s best offensive minds are set to meet in another head-to-head matchup. We’ve seen plenty of this before, when Johnson was the Lions’ offensive coordinator playing the Packers twice per year. But we’ve only seen the two face off as head coaches twice – earlier this year – and never with the stakes so high. Expect to see both of these young masterminds reach deep in their bag to pull out any and everything they can to put more points on the board and move on to the divisional round.

Jordan Love and Packers WRs vs. Bears passing defense

Love was knocked out of the latter matchup between these two teams earlier this year with a head injury, but he put on a show against the Bears in the earlier regular season meeting, throwing for 234 yards and three touchdowns. Chicago’s defense led the NFL in takeaways during the regular season, boosted by a league-leading 23 interceptions as a defense – including one against Love.

The Bears’ takeaway-focused defensive strategy had major boom-or-bust potential all year – Chicago still had the 10th-worst scoring defense despite the turnovers – and they’ll need to figure out how to stop Love and the Packers’ young wideouts without relying so heavily on interceptions.

Packers’ Micah Parsons-less pass-rush vs. Bears O-line and Caleb Williams

In the first 15 weeks of the season, when Green Bay had their prized offseason acquisition healthy, the Packers ranked seventh in dropback success rate allowed (43.9%) and had 34 sacks as a team with 61 tackles for a loss. Since Parsons’ injury in Week 15, Green Bay is allowing the sixth-highest success rate on dropbacks (53.2%) and had two sacks as a team – both by third-stringers against Max Brosmer in Week 18 – with 11 TFLs.

The Bears’ re-tooled offensive line has been one of its biggest strengths this year, and Williams evades sacks better than almost any other starting quarterback. His 10.8% pressure-to-sack rate is third-lowest of quarterbacks with nine or more starts this year. The Packers are going to have a hard time getting to the quarterback in this matchup and are still looking for their first win without Parsons active.

Early prediction for Bears vs. Packers

• Bears 24, Packers 23

It’s a division game in the playoffs. If the first two games these two teams played in the regular season were any indication, this one is also coming down to the wire.

Ultimately, the Packers have looked like a different (read: weaker) team since Parsons suffered his season-ending ACL tear. Quarterback Jordan Love’s absence with a concussion did nothing to help their outlook as they lost four straight to end the season, but at least they’re getting him back for this game.

Week 18 weirdness aside, the Bears have looked resurgent in their first season under Johnson, particularly on offense. Williams has taken a step forward in his second season as a pro, and the offensive line is suddenly among the league’s best, opening up more possibilities in the run and passing games.

Green Bay has won three playoff games since LaFleur took over as head coach in 2019 and only one in the last four years. The injury to Parsons and lack of home-field advantage thanks to their four-game slide down the stretch may be enough to keep LaFleur and the Packers from a fourth playoff win since 2019 and first in two years.

The USA’s quarterfinal ouster means the world junior hockey championship will have a new champion.

And Canada’s loss to Czechia in Sunday’s semifinal means North America’s six-year run is also over.

Sweden (2012) and Czechia (2001) will look to end long gold medal droughts at the tournament for the world’s best under-20 players when they face off in Monday’s championship game (8:30 p.m. ET, NHL Network).

Sweden got past Finland 4-3 in a shootout, avenging a loss in last year’s semifinal. Draft-eligible Ivar Stenberg had a goal and an assist and Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Anton Frondell scored the shootout winner.

Czechia ended Canada’s gold medal hopes for the third year in a row with a 6-4 victory, a wild back-and-forth game that saw Canadian Michael Hage awarded back-to-back penalty shots. Czechia’s Vojtech Cihar scored twice and Tomas Poletin had the winning goal go in off his skate.

Canada and Finland will play for the bronze medal on Monday at 4:30 p.m. ET.

Canada vs. Czechia highlights

Medal games

Monday’s schedule at the world junior championships:

Bronze medal: Canada vs. Finland, 4:30 p.m. ET

Gold medal: Sweden vs. Czechia, 8:30 p.m. ET

Best players

Canada – Tij Iginla, Zayne Parekh, Sam O’Reilly

Czechia – Adam Jiricek, Petr Sikora, Tomas Galvas

Final score: Czechia 6, Canada 4

Czechia will advance to the gold medal game against Sweden. This is the third year in a row that the Czechs have beaten the Canadians in the playoffs. Canada will face Finland for the bronze medal.

Gavin McKenna out of game

He receives two minutes for abuse of officials, plus a misconduct.

Czechia scores empty-netter

Vojtech Cihar gets his second goal of the game. Canadian players are furious. Czechia 6, Canada 4

Canada penalized

Cole Reschny is called for goalie interference.

Czechia retakes lead

The puck goes in off Tomas Poletin’s skate with 1:14 left. It’s reviewed and the goal is upheld. Czechia 5, Canada 4.

Canada’s Porter Martone ties game

The captain scores off a rebound with 2:41 left. Canada 4, Czechia 4

Czechia power play

Gavin McKenna is called for cross-checking. It was reviewed for a possible five minutes, but was ruled to be only two minutes. But the penalty ends early when the Czechs are called for too many on the ice, so it will be 4-on-4. Then Michael Misa is penalized for putting his hand on the puck on a faceoff, so it’s 4-on-3. Now we’re back to 5-on-5.

Czechia retakes the lead

Vojtech Cihar enters the zone with speed, fights off a check and roofs a shot to give Czechia the lead with 10:11 left. Czechia 4, Canada 3

Cole Reschny ties game for Canada

Reschny makes a power move to the front of the net and ties the game at 3:59. Canada 3, Czechia 3

Third period underway

3-2 Czechia. Winner will face Sweden in the gold medal game.

End of second: Czechia 3, Canada 2

Czechia goes ahead early in the second period and dominates play. Canada tuns it around to tie the game, but a late turnover leads to a last-minute goal by Adam Benak and a Czech lead. Michal Hage gets two penalty shot attempts and has also hit the post three times in the game.

Czechia retakes lead

The Czechs take advantage of a Canada turnover and break into the zone. Max Curran makes a great pass to Adam Benak for the score with 42 seconds left in the second period. Czechia 3, Canada 2

Michael Hage awarded penalty shot

He’s slashed on a breakaway. Hage is tripped by the goalie on the shootout attempt, so he goes again. He tries the same move, but is stopped. Still 2-2.

Canada ties it up

Zayne Parekh scores. It’s the defenseman’s 11th point of the tournament. There’s still power play remaining. Canada 2, Czechia 2

Canada power play

Petr Sikora is called for slashing and Tomas Poletin is called for delay of game. Two-man advantage for 1:39:

Canada pressing

After being outplayed early in the period, Canada is started to press. Shot counter is not moving, however.

Czechia save

Michal Orsulak stops Tij Iginla in tight. Porter Martone tries to go for the rebound and is wrestled to the ice.

Brady Martin injury update

He won’t return to the game, TSN reports. Big loss for Canada.

Czechia takes the lead

The Czechs pin Canada in its own end and the puck eventually comes to Adam Titlbach, who gives Czechia its first lead of the game. Czechia 2, Canada 1

Second period underway

Czechia has a carryover power play, but it’s over. Canada’s Brady Martin is not on the bench, per TSN.

End of first: Canada 1, Czechia 1

Their first meeting at the tournament featured 12 goals. This is more of a defensive battle. But the action picked up late as Canada’s Tij Iginla and Czechia’s Max Curran swap goals. Canada’s Brady Martin is shown grimacing on the bench after a collision.

Czechia power play

Jett Luchaenko is called for cross-checking after he’s shoved into Czech goalie Michal Orsulak. Jack Ivankovic stops Adam Novotny twice and the power play will carry over into the second period.

Max Curran ties it for Czechia

Curran is left alone in front and he scores off a rebound of a Tomas Galvas shot. Canada 1, Czechia 1

Tij Iginla scores for Canada

The Canadians look dangerous on the power play. Michael Hage has a great chance. Later, Michael Misa feeds Tij Iginla for the opening goal at 15:14. Canada 1, Czechia 0

Canada power play

Tomas Poletin is called for goaltender interference. Canada has the best power play in the tournament.

Midway through first

Defensive battle so far. Czechia leads 3-2 in shots.

Canada vs. Czechia underway

Goalies are Canada’s Jack Ivankovic vs. Czechia’s Michal Orsulak.

Canada-Czechia lines

Canada vs. Czechia rivalry

Czechia ousted Canada the last two years in the quarterfinals. Canada beat Czechia in the 2023 gold-medal game.

When is Canada vs. Czechia?

The game is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Next up

Canada and Czechia will play in the second semifinal to determine the other gold-medal game opponent.

Sweden vs. Finland highlights

Final score: Sweden 4, Finland 3 (SO)

Sweden is heading to the gold medal game for the second time in three years.

Sweden wins in eighth round of shootout

Blackhawks prospect Anton Frondell scores to send Sweden to the gold-medal game. They’ll play the Canada-Czechia winner.

Shootout round five

Jack Berglund scores to extend shootout.

Shootout round four

Victor Eklund and Jasper Kuhta stopped

Shootout round three

Ivar Stenberg and Emil Hemming stopped.

Shootout round two

Anton Frondell stopped. Matias Vanhanen scores. 1-0 Finland

Shootout round one

Sweden’s Viggo Bjorck stopped as is Finland’s Leo Tuuva.

Shootout delay

They’re scraping the ice again.

Team Sweden will shoot first

Five-round shootout, then sudden death rounds if tied.

We’re going to a shootout

Finland hits the crossbar

There’s 32 seconds left in the power play.

Finland power play

Viggo Bjorck is called for slashing. Finland won last year’s game on an overtime power play.

Sweden chance

Petteri Rimpinen stops Viggo Bjorck for another time on an overtime breakaway.

Overtime so far

There’s 4:32 left. Good chances on either side.

Overtime underway

It’s 10 minutes of 3-on-3 sudden death before a shootout, if needed.

End of third: Sweden 3, Finland 3

2 minutes left

Tied 3-3.

Finland ties it up

Joona Saarelainen scores on a rebound of an Arttu Valila shot with 5:59 left to tie the game.

Sweden power play

Sweden on power play because of earlier call on Leu Tuuva. Sweden gets three shots but Finland kills it off. Petteri Rimpinen robs Jack Berglund.

Finland power play

Ivar Stenberg is called for tripping. Finland 0-for-2 so far. Finland gets chances but power play ends when Leo Tuuva is called for slashing.

Third period underway

3-2 Sweden. Winner goes to the gold-medal game. Loser plays for bronze.

End of second: Sweden 3, Finland 2

Two more strange goals in that period. Finland ties it up on a Sweden own goal and Sweden goes ahead after Petteri Rimpinen gets his stick stuck in the mesh after making a save. Shots are 20-15 Finland.

Finland pressure

The Finns hit the crossbar and two Swedish players break their sticks as Finland applies pressure late in the period. But Swedish goalie Love Harenstam dives out to cover the puck.

Sweden retakes lead on bank shot

Petteri Rimpinen is out of position with his stick stuck in the mesh after he make a save on Eddie Genborg. Genborg then banks in the puck off the goalie. Another strange goal in this game. Ivar Stenberg gets an assist for his second point of the game. Sweden 3, Finland 2

Finland ties it up on own goal

It’s an own goal as the puck comes off the glass and Swedish defenseman Alfons Freij puts it in off his goaltender as he tries to clear. Finland’s Jasper Kuhta get credit for the goal. Sweden 2, Finland 2

Sweden takes lead

Draft-eligible Ivar Stenberg scores through a screen on a delayed penalty. Sweden 2, Finland 1

Second period underway

Score is tied 1-1.

End of first: Sweden 1, Finland 1

The start of the game was nearly disastrous for Finland. Goalie Petteri Rimpinen misplayed a puck for a Sweden goal at 36 seconds. Then Sweden went on a power play 16 seconds later. Finland killed that off and settled down. They got a tying goal with 3:34 left in the period. Finland-Sweden games tend to be tight, and that’s the case again. Finland leads in shots, 11-7.

Finland ties it up

Atte Joki takes a pass atop the right faceoff circle, gets into better position and beats a screened Love Harenstam for the tying goal. Sweden 1, Finland 1

Finland power play

Felix Carell is called for delay of game for putting the puck over the glass. Sweden kills it off. Finland gets two shots and lead 8-4 in shots for the game.

Finland power play

Casper Juustovaara is called for slashing. Sweden kills it off.

Sweden power play

Heikki Ruohonen is called for tripping at 52 seconds. Finland gets a big kill, allowing no shots.

Sweden takes early lead

Linus Eriksson flips a shot toward the net and it goes in at 36 seconds as Petteri Rimpinen appears to misplay it. Sweden 1, Finland 0

Lucas Pettersson update

Sweden’s Lucas Pettersson is missing the game because he’s ill.

Sweden vs. Finland game underway

It’s Sweden’s Love Harenstam vs. Finland’s Petteri Rimpinen in net.

What channel is Sweden vs. Finland and Canada vs. Czechia world juniors hockey semifinals today?

TV channel: NHL Network

Livestream: Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers, or Sling TV.

Watch world junior championships on Fubo

What time are Sweden vs. Finland and Canada vs. Czechia world juniors hockey semifinals today?

Date: Sunday, Jan. 4

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET (3:30 and 7:30 local time)

The Sweden-Finland game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET and Canada-Czechia will start at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the home of the Minnesota Wild.

World juniors hockey semifinals: How to watch, stream

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 4

Location: Grand Casino Arena (Saint Paul, Minnesota)

TV: NHL Network

Streaming: Fubo and certain levels of Sling TV carry NHL Network.

World junior championships semifinals today

Jan. 4

All times p.m. ET

Sweden 4, Finland 3 (OT)

Czechia 6, Canada 4

Sweden has powerful power play

Sweden’s power play is connecting at 45% in the tournament, second only to Canada (47%).

Sweden vs. Finland lineups

Sweden players to watch

Blackhawks No. 3 overall pick Anton Frondell has five goals and seven points. Forward Jack Berglund (Flyers) and defenseman Alfons Freij (Jets) also have seven points. Forward Ivar Stenberg is expected to be a top draft pick in June. He has two goals and five points at the tournament.

Finland players to watch

Forward Heikki Ruohonen (Flyers) has two goals and six points. So does defenseman Lasse Boelius (Ducks). Finnish goalie Petteri Rimpinen (Kings) has played every minute of the tournament.

Sweden vs. Finland rematch

Sweden and Finland played in the 2025 semifinal, and Finland skated off with a 4-3 overtime victory. Benjamin Rautiainen scored the winner from a bad angle on the power play. Konsta Helenius, a Buffalo Sabres first-round pick, had four assists in the game.

The college football transfer portal opened Friday, Jan. 2, and players are flying off the shelf. The portal runs through Jan. 16, with an extra five-day window (Jan. 20-24) for teams playing in the national championship.

We’ll keep you posted with daily live updates of portal commitments.

Transfers by conference: SEC | Big Ten | ACC | Big 12

HIT REFRESH FOR UPDATE.

Today’s transfer portal commitments

QB

• Alonza Barnett III: James Madison to UCF
• Rocco Becht: Iowa State to Penn State
• Cutter Boley: Kentucky to Arizona State
• Jaden Craig: Harvard to TCU
• Drew Dickey: Vanderbilt to Arkansas State
• Billy Edwards Jr.: Wisconsin to North Carolina
• Josh Hoover: TCU to Indiana
• Katin Houser: East Carolina to Illinois
• Colton Joseph: Old Dominion to Wisconsin
• Lincoln Kienholz: Ohio State to Louisville
• Alex Manske: Iowa State to Penn State
• Mason McKenzie: Saginaw Valley State to Boston College
• Kenny Minchey: Notre Dame to Nebraska
• Aaron Philo: Georgia Tech to Florida
• Jaylen Raynor: Arkansas State to Iowa State
• Brendan Sorsby: Cincinnati to Texas Tech
• Marcelis Tate: South Florida to Tennessee State

RB

• David Avit: Villanova to Arizona State
• Landen Chambers: Central Arkansas to UCF
• Bill Davis: Louisiana to Virginia Tech
• Jalen Dupree: Colorado State to Kansas
• Jerrick Gibson: Texas to Purdue
• Carson Hansen: Iowa State to Penn State
• Caleb Hawkins: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Makhi Hughes: Oregon to Houston
• Jekai Middlebrook: Middle Tennessee to Virginia
• Turbo Richard: Boston College to Indiana
• Abu Sama: Iowa State to Wisconsin
• JaQuali Smith: Sacramento State to Colorado

WR

• Karon Brookins: Iowa State to Penn State
• Tychaun Chapman: Southern Miss to Memphis
• Miles Coleman: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Brett Eskildsen: Iowa State to Penn State
• RJ Garcia II: Bowling Green to FAU
• Jayden Gibson: Oklahoma to South Carolina
• Jackson Harris: Hawaii to LSU
• Cody Jackson: Tarleton State to Iowa State
• Marquis Johnson: Missouri to Mississippi State
• Jalen Jones: Alabama State to Texas Tech
• Donte Lee: Liberty to Texas Tech
• Terrence Lewis: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Nick Marsh: Michigan State to Indiana
• Christian Neptune: South Florida to Auburn
• Kory Pettigrew: South Florida to Auburn
• Jahmari Powell-Wonson: Maryland to FAU
• Shamar Rigby: Oklahoma State to Wisconsin
• Danny Scudero: San Jose State to Colorado
• Victor Snow: Buffalo to NC State
• Prince Strachan: USC to West Virginia
• Raiden Vines-Bright: Washington to Arizona State
• Wyatt Young: North Texas to Oklahoma State

TE

• Richie Anderson: Fresno State to Texas A&M
• Gabe Burkle: Iowa State to Penn State
• Jayvontay Conner: East Carolina to Vanderbilt
• Hayden Hansen: Florida to Oklahoma
• Jacob Harris: Bowling Green to Wisconsin
• Nate Kurisky: Louisville to Duke
• Ryan Schwendeman: Southern Illinois to Wisconsin
• Michael Smith: South Carolina to Syracuse
• Mason Williams: Ohio to Ohio State

OL

• Xavier Bausley: West Virginia to Marshall
• Trevor Buhr: Iowa State to Penn State
• Malachi Breland: Memphis to Arkansas
• Nicholas Cruji: Maine to Charlotte
• Johnny Dickson: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Coen Echols: LSU to Texas A&M
• Valen Erickson: NC State to Liberty
• Shadre Hurst: Tulane to Houston
• Toriyan Johnson: UConn to Colorado State
• Austin Kawecki: Oklahoma State to Wisconsin
• Maasai King: Akron to Iowa State
• Kuol Kuol II: Iowa State to Penn State
• Desmond Magiya: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Logan Moore: UAB to Baylor
• Ben Murawski: UConn to Michigan State
• Braydon Nelson: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Netinho Olivieri: Penn to Pitt
• Sione Perkins: Iowa State to Northern Arizona
• Gavin Proudfoot: Northern Iowa to Iowa State
• Connor Stroh: Texas to Kansas
• Drew Terrill: Miami (Ohio) to Houston
• Andrew Threatt: Charleston Southern to North Carolina
• Will Tompkins: Iowa State to Penn State
• Bennett Warren: Tennessee to Minnesota
• Brady Wayburn: UConn to UCF
• Christian Young: Emory & Henry College to Southern Miss

DL

• Demetrius Ballard: Buffalo to Boston College
• Justus Boone: Arkansas to Wisconsin
• Ahmad Breaux: LSU to Kentucky
• Josh Burnham: Notre Dame to Indiana
• Blake Burris: SMU to FAU
• Alijah Carnell: Iowa State to Penn State
• Esean Carter: Toledo to UConn
• Christian Davis: Louisiana Tech to SMU
• Malachi Davis: Toledo to Rutgers
• Ian Geffrard: Arkansas to Texas
• Nate Henrich: Gannon to San Diego State
• Carter Janki: Penn to Illinois
• Daniel Jennings: Penn State to Virginia Tech
• Lamont Lester Jr.: Monmouth to Colorado
• Jonathan Maldonado: Nevada to Ole Miss
• Dylan Manuel: Appalachian State to Colorado
• Andrew Marshall: Eastern Michigan to Minnesota
• Ryan McCulloch: Cal to UCLA
• Antonio O’Berry: Gardner Webb to Kentucky
• Tobi Osunsanmi: Kansas State to Indiana
• Chidera Otutu: UTSA to Cincinnati
• Khamani Potts: Grand Valley State to Colorado State
• Kevin Roberts: West Florida to James Madison
• Wisdom Simms: North Carolina Central to Purdue
• Eamon Smalls: UAB to Kansas
• Jordan Walker: Rutgers to Georgia Tech
• Landyn Watson: Kentucky to Kansas
• Solomon Williams: Texas A&M to Cal

LB

• Caleb Bacon: Iowa State to Penn State
• Cael Brezina: Iowa State to Penn State
• Nylan Brown: Kent State to Washington State
• Deven Bryant: Washington to USC
• Ray Coney: Tulsa to Texas A&M
• Kooper Ebel: Iowa State to Penn State
• Jon Jon Kamara: Kansas to Wisconsin
• Isaiah Patterson: UNLV to West Virginia
• Austin Romaine: Kansas State to Texas Tech
• Montreze Smith: Austin Peay to Iowa State
• Keaton Thomas: Baylor to Ole Miss
• Tavion Wallace: Arkansas to Kentucky

DB

• Khalil Barnes: Clemson to Georgia
• Tawfiq Byard: Colorado to Texas A&M
• MJ Cannon: Bowling Green to Cincinnati
• Nehemiah Chandler: South Alabama to Florida State
• Tyran Chappell: UConn to Michigan State
• Caleb Chester: Texas to Arizona State
• DJ Coleman: Baylor to Florida
• Jay Crawford: Auburn to Ole Miss
• Jameel Croft Jr.: Kansas to Charlotte
• Keshawn Davila: Arkansas to Kansas State
• Zahmir Dawud: Villanova to Rutgers
• Sharif Denson: Florida to Ole Miss
• Christian Ellis: Virginia Tech to Virginia
• Caleb Flagg: Missouri to UCF
• Dylan Flowers: Western Kentucky to Duke
• Quinton Hammonds: North Texas to Oklahoma State
• Christian Harrison: Cincinnati to Arkansas
• Anthony Hawkins: Villanova to Iowa
• A’Mon Lane-Ganus: Auburn to South Florida
• Kyon Loud: Montana to Duke
• Darius Malcolm Jr.: Wofford to Memphis
• Nateen Mitchell: New Mexico State to Colorado
• Qua Moss: Kansas State to Tennessee
• Marcus Neal: Iowa State to Penn State
• Anthony Rogers: Nicholls State to Tulane
• Jiquan Sanks: Cincinnati to Indiana
• Hasaan Sykes: Western Carolina to Kentucky
• Jaylen Thomas: San Jose State to Washington State
• Devin Vaught: Maine to Michigan State
• DJ Waller Jr.: Kentucky to Louisville
• Keyon Washington: Bowling Green to Iowa State
• Jontez Williams: Iowa State to USC
• Lavon Williams: East Texas A&M Commerce to Illinois
• Preston Zachman: Wisconsin to Indiana

K

• Braeden McAlister: Georgia State to Arkansas
• Max Gilbert: Tennessee to Arkansas
• Eli Ozick: North Dakota State to Iowa
• Gianni Spetic: Memphis to Texas

P

• Mac Chiumento: Florida State to Texas

LS

• Hudson Powell: Miami (Ohio) to Auburn
• Dalton Riggs: UCF to Ohio State

College football 2026 transfer portal dates: When does transfer portal open, close?

The portal period now runs from Jan. 2-16, with an extra five-day window (Jan. 20-24) for teams playing in the national championship. The spring portal window in April is no longer a part of the schedule, so January is the only open window for teams to add via the portal in 2026.

The Las Vegas Raiders are No. 1 − and former owner Al Davis would doubtless be sick about it.

But the Silver and Black’s current Commitment to Excellence unfortunately extends only to summiting the apex of the 2026 NFL draft order, the Raiders clinching − for lack of a better term − the spot Jan. 4 when the New York Giants, who cruised past Las Vegas 34-10 in Week 17, defeated the Dallas Cowboys in their regular-season finale. The Giants’ victory locked the Raiders into the league’s worst record, even though they improved to 3-14 by beating the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon. But Las Vegas’ .538 strength of schedule, the weakest among the four 3-14 clubs, kept it in the top spot.

2026 NFL Draft first-round order

1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14, .538 strength of schedule)
2. New York Jets (3-14, .552)
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14, .571)
4. Tennessee Titans (3-14, .574)
5. New York Giants (4-13)
6. Cleveland Browns (5-12, .486)
7. Washington Commanders (5-12, .507)
8. New Orleans Saints (6-11, .495)
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11, .516)
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11, .521)
11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons (8-9, .495))
14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9, .507)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9, .529)
16. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts (8-9, .538))
17. Detroit Lions (9-8, .490)
18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8, .514)

(Note: Spots 19 through 32 in Round 1 will be determined by when teams exit from the playoffs, wild-card round losers slotting 19 through 24.)

Who will the Raiders draft first in 2026?

That will likely be a topic of some debate over the next four months, but Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza from Indiana University will likely be the prohibitive choice − whether the Raiders use the pick or trade it.

Have the Raiders picked No. 1 overall before?

Yes, the then-Oakland Raiders chose QB JaMarcus Russell No. 1 overall in 2007 in one of the worst draft decisions in NFL history. Who could they have taken instead? Calvin Johnson, Joe Thomas, Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Marshawn Lynch and Darrelle Revis all came off the board in the first half of Round 1.

As evidenced by the 2025 College Football Playoff final four, quarterback play is extremely important to win a national championship.

All four finalists ― Indiana, Oregon, Ole Miss and Miami ― used the NCAA transfer portal to find their ‘franchise quarterback’ to guide them to the semifinal round of the CFP bracket. That’s why the position will be just as important this offseason for filling out a future CFP berth.

CFP semifinalists like Indiana and Miami need a QB for the 2026 season, while Oregon could be in the market, depending on Dante Moore’s NFL draft decision. Penn State, Florida and LSU are three teams with coaching changes in need of a new signal caller.

And of course, don’t discount another Trinidad Chambliss committing to a program as a potential backup and emerging as a superstar, as Chambliss has during Ole Miss’ run to the CFP semifinal.

Here’s a look at our tracker for the top quarterbacks in the portal this season, according to the 247 Sports Transfer Portal Rankings.

1. Sam Leavitt

• Old team: Arizona State
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

Leavitt is the No. 1 overall player in the 2026 transfer portal rankings. He threw for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in 2025.

2. Brendan Sorsby

• Old team: Cincinnati
• New team: Texas Tech
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

The Cincinnati QB is the No. 2 overall player in the portal, as well as the No. 2 QB. Sorsby is expected to be one of the most impactful players in the portal this cycle. He has totaled 5,613 passing yards, 1,027 rushing yards and 63 total touchdowns in two seasons with the Bearcats. Sorsby will take the baton from Behren Morton under center for the Red Raiders.

3. Drew Mestemaker

• Old team: North Texas
• New team: Oklahoma State
• Eligibility remaining: 3 years

Mestermaker opted to follow his North Texas football head, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State. He led the Mean Green to a 12-2 record during the 2025 college football season and to the American Conference Championship game.

4. Dylan Raiola

• Old team: Nebraska
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

Raiola suffered a season-ending broken right fibula against USC in early November, but should be ready to contribute to his next team in 2025. The former 5-star QB was originally committed to Georgia before flipping to have an opportunity to play as a freshman with the Cornhuskers.

5. Josh Hoover

• Old team: TCU
• New team: Indiana
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

Hoover has been entrenched as the Horned Frogs’ starting QB since his redshirt freshman season, making 31 straight starts for TCU. He has 9,629 career passing yards and 71 passing touchdowns, which lead all returning QBs in 2026. However, he needs to cut down on his turnovers, with 33 career interceptions thrown.

6. Rocco Becht

• Old team: Iowa State
• New team: Penn State
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

Like Mestemaker, Becht followed his former head coach, Matt Campbell, to his new destination at Penn State. He has made 39 career starts and could be someone to plug in right away in the Big Ten and play well.

7. DJ Lagway

• Old team: Florida
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

Lagway seemed to be the player who would save Billy Napier and the Florida program. However, following an injury-plagued 2025 season, Lagway is in the portal following Napier’s firing and the hiring of Jon Sumrall.

8. Byrum Brown

• Old team: USF
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

Brown could follow his head coach, Alex Golesh, from USF to Auburn. He has been the perfect fit in Golesh’s offense with an FBS-best 42 touchdowns during the regular season. With 32 career starts, Brown is one of the most experienced QBs in the portal this cycle.

9. Deuce Knight

• Old team: Auburn
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 3 years

Despite showing flashes of his potential for Auburn, Knight is in the portal and will play for a new team in 2026, with Alex Golesh taking over as the head coach. Knight finished 17-of-25 passing for 259 yards with two touchdowns and added 13 rushes for 178 yards and four scores as a true freshman.

10. Kenny Minchey

• Old team: Notre Dame
• New team: Nebraska
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

Minchey completed 20 of 26 passes for 196 yards and rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown as the backup to CJ Carr after losing the QB competition this season. The redshirt sophomore could likely step in as a starter at Nebraska, who needs to replace Dylan Raiola.

11. Aidan Chiles

• Old team: Michigan State
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

Chiles has never lived up to the promise he showed as a freshman with Oregon State, but he did show flashes with Michigan State under Jonathan Smith. He is in a prove-it year in his final year of eligibility and could still prove to be a good addition.

12. Beau Pribula

• Old team: Missouri
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

The 2025 season was a trying one for Pribula, but he showed off his talent and toughness. He led Missouri to a 5-0 start behind 1,941 and 17 total touchdowns, but suffered a dislocated left ankle. Pribula returned in less than a month from the injury and started the final two games for the Tigers.

13. Colton Joseph

• Old team: Old Dominion
• New team: Wisconsin
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

The Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year committed to Wisconsin on Sunday, Jan. 4. He threw for 2,624 yards and 21 touchdowns, while adding 158 rushes for 1,007 yards and 13 touchdowns, for the Monarchs in 2025.

14. Aaron Philo

• Old team: Georgia Tech
• New team: Florida
• Eligibility remaining: 3 years

In two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Philo has made just eight career appearances, but has shown flashes as Haynes Kings’ backup. However, with offense coordinator Buster Faulkner leaving for the Gators, Philo will continue his career in Gainesville, Florida.

15. Austin Simmons

• Old team: Ole Miss
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

Simmons began the 2025 season as the starter for Ole Miss, but lost his spot not due to poor play, but because of the emergence of Trinidad Chambliss following an injury to Simmons. The left-hander is expected to stick with Ole Miss for its playoff run before heading to Missouri.

16. Ethan Grunkemeyer

• Old team: Penn State
• New team: TBD
• Eligibility remaining: 3 years

The redshirt freshman stepped into a starting role following a season-ending injury to starter Drew Allar. He started the final seven games, which included four straight wins to end the season. Grunkemeyer finished his first year with 1,341 passing yards, nine total TDs and four interceptions.

17. Lincoln Kienholz

• Old team: Ohio State
• New team: Louisville
• Eligibility remaining: 2 years

Kienholz competed with freshman Julian Sayin for the starting position for the Buckeyes this past season. However, with Sayin’s strong season, the path for Kienholz is closed. He committed to Louisville and playing for coach Jeff Brohm on Jan. 3.

18. Cutter Boley

• Old team: Kentucky
• New team: Arizona State
• Eligibility remaining: 3 years

Cutter Boley committed to Arizona State on Jan. 3 and will be in line to replace Sam Leavitt. As a redshirt freshman in 2025, he threw for 2,160 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Boley started the final 10 games for Kentucky this season.

19. Katin Houser

• Old team: East Carolina
• New team: Illinois
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

The former Michigan State QB threw for 3,300 yards with 28 total TDs and 10 turnovers and led ECU to an 8-4 record. With his performance with the Pirates, he will to return to the Big Ten for his final year of eligibility at Illinois, replacing Luke Altmyer.

20. Jaden Craig

• Old team: Harvard
• New team: TCU
• Eligibility remaining: 1 year

The Harvard star threw for 2,869 yards, 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025. Over his career, he has been a 24-game starter with 6,074 career passing yards with 63 career total touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He could prove himself for the NFL with a strong performance in the Power 4 conferences. He’ll replace Josh Hoover, who entered the portal and committed to Indiana.