One of Utah’s most promising young offensive playmakers is headed to the transfer portal.
Tight end JJ Buchanan, who transitioned more into a wide receiver role near the tail end of the 2025 season, is in the portal, according to On3 Sports’ Anthony Broome.
The 6-foot-3 Buchanan, who hails from Henderson, Nevada, had a breakout season for Utah, particularly toward the end of the year.
He finished 2025 with 26 receptions for 427 yards and five touchdowns.
That included eight catches for 215 yards and two touchdowns over the Utes’ final three games, including their Las Vegas Bowl win over Nebraska.
As a freshman this past season, and with senior Dallen Bentley exhausting his eligibility, Buchanan would have naturally taken on a larger role moving forward with the Utes in new offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven’s scheme.
Of the 10 Utah offensive players who’ve reportedly entered the transfer portal already, Buchanan had by far the most production.
Jonah Lea’ea reportedly enters transfer portal
Later on Wednesday, another significant Utah contributor reportedly entered the transfer portal.
Defensive tackle Jonah Lea’ea is the latest Ute to put his name in the portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Lea’ea started all 12 games for Utah and played 623 snaps. He totaled 34 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
With Aliki Vimahi out of eligibility and Dallas Vakalahi in the transfer portal, Lea’ea’s entry means that Utah is losing its three main defensive tackles from the 2025 season.
While Karson Kaufusi, who played 177 snaps and had 11 tackles, should slide into a starting role, Morgan Scalley and defensive tackles coach Luther Elliss still need to do some portal shopping to bolster the position group.