NCAA transfers: mixed reactions to the new formula

Big changes are coming to college football's transfer portal.

Following a vote to move to a single transfer window in January, eliminating the spring window. The proposed transfer window would be a 10-day period, beginning January 2, 2026, one day after the end of the playoff quarterfinals. The committee also proposes that December be a dead period for recruiting. Coaches could still have contact with recruits, but would not be allowed to make recruiting visits.

Eliminating the spring window would generally be welcomed by coaches, but could be challenged legally, as it limits athletes' transfer possibilities. Last year, the NCAA had to abandon the process in the face of legal challenges, and passed emergency legislation allowing unlimited transfers, provided athletes were academically eligible and progressing through their degree. The spring window was often the last chance for players to change universities before the following season. This period gave players too much power to renegotiate their NIL contracts with other universities

A striking example in recent months

In April, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback with Tennessee, used the spring window to enter the portal and transfer to UCLA, after a disagreement with his coaches over his NIL contract. The NCAA has also already made exceptions to the transfer window dates for schools undergoing a coaching change, or for players whose team plays after the portal closes

Article by Patrick Thouin: regular contributor to Caucus Football and avid College Football fan

This content was created with the help of AI.