Mitchell January Enters Transfer Portal from Drake; 63 Catches, 970 Yards

Mitchell January, a four-season wide receiver at Drake University, entered the NCAA transfer portal during the special window that opens when a program changes head coaches, with On3’s Pete Nakos first noting the entry Feb. 27, 2026. January compiled 63 receptions for 970 yards and six touchdowns in 25 games for the Bulldogs, a body of work that includes a 15.4 yards per reception career average.

"In four seasons, January has appeared in 25 games for the Bulldogs, reeling in 63 receptions for 970 yards and six touchdowns. He has an explosive element to his game; he averages 15.4 yards per reception in his collegiate career." That stat line, reported and summarized by Hawkeyes Wire, frames January as a vertical threat with a proven yards-per-catch mark that often draws schematic interest from higher-level offenses seeking chunk plays.

January is a native of Excelsior, Minnesota, and a graduate of Richfield High School; On3’s player profile lists him as class of 2022 at Richfield Senior and carries a Transfer Portal tag and an invitation to "claim your profile and boost your exposure with schools and college coaches." The On3 profile page shows sections for Measurements & Testing but the captured excerpt did not supply numeric values for 40-yard dash, weight, or height, leaving physical testing data unverified in public reporting.

The portal entry comes amid a coaching turnover at Drake that Hawkeyes Wire says triggered the special window: Drake coach Joe Woodley departed for Rutgers and Matt Walker of Wisconsin-River Falls was hired, with Hawkeyes Wire noting, "While the transfer portal is closed for most athletes, it does open for athletes under a few circumstances. One of those circumstances is the hiring of a new head coach." That personnel shift explains the timing of January’s decision to explore opportunities elsewhere.

Hawkeyes Wire identified Iowa as a potential suitor given January’s Minnesota roots and regional ties, writing, "Being an in-state player, Iowa could have some quick connections to January, but it remains to be seen if they will pursue him." The Hawkeyes have been active in the portal this cycle, adding wide receivers Evan James from Furman and Tony Diaz from UT Rio Grande Valley, a context that could influence how quickly interest or offers materialize for January.

Available reporting contains no direct quotes from January, no comment from Drake Athletics, and no confirmation of contact or offers from prospective programs. With 63 catches, 970 yards and six touchdowns over 25 games and an appealing 15.4 yards per reception mark, January projects as a mid-tier transfer target who will attract attention from regional FBS programs weighing scheme fit and big-play capability; his next move will depend on confirmed outreach and whether testing measurements surface to complement the film and production.