The 2026 college football season has hit the quarter pole, with a fourth of the regular season in the books — and ESPN chose that significant marker to take a look at how transfers have impacted the young season.
That came in the version of announcing a sleeper all-transfer team, courtesy of college football insider Max Olson — essentially, it’s a list of the best surprise transfers at each position “who did not make ESPN’s top 100 transfer rankings but have made strong first impressions in nonconference play,” Olson wrote.
The list includes a player for both No. 9 BYU and No. 15 Utah, as well as a handful of new standouts around the Big 12.
Which BYU player made ESPN’s transfer all-sleeper team?
The Cougars had a relatively small transfer group in their 2026 recruiting class, with nine players added through the transfer portal this offseason.
It’s an impactful group, with tight ends Walker Lyons (from USC) and Roger Saleapaga II (Oregon) joining others like starting linebacker Cade Uluave (California), wide receiver Kyler Kasper (Oregon) and cornerback Jayven Williams (Mississippi State), all of whom have played key roles early in the year.
BYU brought in the most help, though, on the offensive line, and that’s where Olson found his sleeper: tackle Paki Finau.
The former Washington offensive lineman has started every game for BYU at the critical left tackle position, helping the Cougars rank first nationally in run-blocking grade and 18th in pass blocking, according to Pro Football Focus.
“After two seasons with the Huskies and four starts at left guard in 2025, Finau has brought much-needed versatility to BYU’s offensive line unit. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound big man can capably play any guard or tackle spot, but the Cougars needed him to be their left tackle and he has aced that test so far,” Olson wrote.
“Finau has allowed one pressure and zero sacks, ranks first among Big 12 starting tackles in PFF grading, and has helped the Cougars rank No. 7 nationally in yards per play (7.9) over their 3-0 start.”
Which Utah player made ESPN’s transfer all-sleeper team?
The Utes had a bigger transfer haul this offseason, bringing in 17 transfers in Morgan Scalley’s first year as head coach.
That’s included standouts like leading wide receiver Braden Pegan (from Utah State), cornerback Elijah Reed (Akron), and tight end Noah Bennee (Weber State).
Then there was defensive tackle Jireh Moe — the former San Jose State lineman stands 6-foot and weighs 280 pounds, though his impact has far outweighed any perceived physical limitations.
In Utah’s 43-10 win over Arkansas, Moe showcased just how disruptive he can be, finishing with a career-high eight tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack against an SEC opponent.
“The 6-foot, 280-pound sophomore transferred to Utah after a promising first season at San Jose State and is developing into a force up the middle for the Utes’ defensive line,” Olson wrote.
“Moe has started all three games and put together a dominant night against Arkansas with a team-high eight tackles, two TFLs and a sack off a spin move in the 43-10 rout of the Razorbacks.”
What other Big 12 players made ESPN’s transfer all-sleeper team?
Including Finau and Moe, there were seven Big 12 players who made Olson’s transfer all-sleeper list. They include:
- Baylor wide receiver Gavin Freeman (from Oklahoma State)
- Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Bowik (Illinois)
- Kansas State offensive guard Charlie Adams (Cal Poly)
- West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. (Oklahoma) — at offensive all-purpose position
- Houston cornerback Jalen Mayo (Stephen F. Austin)