The NCAA has announced significant changes to the transfer portal for college football. Starting in 2026, the designated transfer window for Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) players will be from January 2 to January 16. This shift was approved by the Division I Administrative Committee during their recent meeting.
NCAA Transfer Portal Changes for 2026
Under the new rules, players, including graduate transfers, will be required to wait until January 2 to officially enter the transfer portal. This date falls just after the conclusion of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, which wrap up before the new window opens.
Extended Portal Access for National Championship Teams
For teams competing in the College Football Playoff national championship on January 19, an additional five days is granted for transfer portal entry. Players on these teams will have until January 24 to make their decisions following the championship game.
Reforms After Coaching Changes
The NCAA also modified the transfer window rules that apply when a coaching change occurs. Effective immediately, players will have a 15-day window to enter the portal, beginning five days after the appointment of a new head coach. Previously, players had a 30-day period which often led to premature departures from programs.
- Players at Arkansas, Oklahoma State, UCLA, and Virginia Tech are exempt from this change due to recent coaching changes.
- These players can enter the portal based on the old 30-day rule following the termination of their previous head coaches.
Feedback and Future Challenges
The initial proposal by oversight committees suggested a shorter 10-day transfer window, but feedback from student-athletes led to the extension to 15 days. This change aligns with previous modifications, including the elimination of the 15-day spring transfer window, effectively consolidating transfer activity into a single offseason period.
Despite support for these reforms from FBS head coaches, potential legal challenges have been noted. Attorney Tom Mars has indicated that experienced legal professionals are prepared to contest the newly implemented restrictions.
Transfer Movement Statistics
The 2024-25 school year marked a record year for transfers, with over 4,900 FBS players and more than 3,200 FCS players entering the transfer portal. This trend highlights the ongoing shifts within college football as players navigate their options in an evolving landscape.
As these reforms take effect, the NCAA aims to streamline the transfer process while addressing the concerns of all stakeholders involved in college athletics.
