What Happens to Teams and Players When the College Football Transfer Portal Window Closes on January 12?

This article will explore in depth what happens once the portal closes, the impact on players and teams, and what comes next in the transfer and recruitment process.

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Understanding the College Football Transfer Portal Window

The transfer portal is a system established by the NCAA that allows student-athletes to declare their intention to transfer to another school. When a player enters the portal, other programs can contact them, and they can explore new opportunities. The transfer portal is governed by specific windows, which dictate when players can enter their names.

The winter transfer portal window for FBS football typically opens in early December and closes on January 12. This period allows players to explore transfer options following the regular season, bowl games, and coaching changes.

However, it’s important to note that January 12 is only the deadline to enter the portal—it does not mean players must commit to a new team by that date. Once a player has entered the portal before the window closes, they can take as much time as they need to decide their next destination.

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What Happens to Players After the Transfer Portal Closes?

When the January 12 deadline passes, players who have not entered the portal are no longer eligible to transfer unless they qualify for a special exemption (such as a graduate transfer or a hardship waiver). Here’s how different groups of players are affected:

1. Players Who Entered the Portal Before the Deadline

Players who entered the transfer portal before January 12 are free to take their time in choosing a new school. They can continue communicating with coaches, taking visits, and evaluating offers. Some key considerations for these players include:

• Finding the Right Fit: Players need to assess not just football opportunities but also academics, campus culture, and potential playing time.
• Competing for Roster Spots: With hundreds of players entering the portal each cycle, not everyone will find a landing spot. Some players may have to walk on at a new school or return to their original program if a spot is still available.
• Enrolling for Spring Semester: Many players aim to enroll at their new school in time for spring semester workouts and spring football, which means they must make their decision relatively quickly.

2. Players Who Did Not Enter the Portal

For players who chose to stay at their current school or missed the deadline, their options are more limited:

• Staying Put: If a player did not enter the portal before January 12, they must remain at their current program unless they qualify for a graduate transfer or other waiver.
• Waiting for the Spring Portal Window: There is another transfer window in the spring (typically in April), which provides another opportunity for movement, particularly after spring practices when depth charts begin to take shape.

3. Uncommitted Players in the Portal

Some players enter the portal but struggle to find a new team. Once the portal window closes, they must rely on continued recruiting efforts to secure a new opportunity. If they are unable to land a scholarship offer, they may have to consider walking on somewhere, dropping to a lower division, or even returning to their original school (if the program allows it).

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What Happens to College Football Teams?

Once the transfer portal closes, coaching staffs shift their focus from recruiting portal entries to finalizing their rosters for the upcoming season. Here’s how teams are affected:

1. Evaluating Roster Needs

With the influx and outflow of players, coaches must reassess their rosters:

• Filling Gaps: Teams that lost key players to transfers must find replacements, either through high school recruiting or remaining portal options.
• Reallocating Scholarships: If a program loses players to the portal, it may have extra scholarships to offer late in the cycle.
• Managing Depth Charts: Coaches must ensure they have the right balance of talent across all positions.

2. Preparing for Spring Practice

With the majority of transfers and early high school enrollees arriving in January, teams begin preparing for spring practice:

• Integrating New Players: Transfers must adjust to new systems, coaching styles, and teammates.
• Evaluating Position Battles: Spring practices provide an early glimpse of how transfers will impact the depth chart.

3. Planning for the Spring Transfer Window

While most roster adjustments happen in the winter portal window, teams must also prepare for the spring transfer portal window (typically in April). This period is crucial for:

• Replacing Spring Departures: Some players realize they are buried on the depth chart after spring practice and decide to transfer.
• Adding Final Pieces: Teams that missed out on key transfer targets in the winter may take another swing at filling needs.

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Key Takeaways from the Post-Portal Period

1. The Transfer Portal Has Changed Roster Management

College football teams must now recruit their own players every year, as athletes can leave if they feel they aren’t getting enough playing time. This has forced coaches to be more proactive in keeping players engaged and satisfied.

2. Not Every Player Finds a New Home

While the portal creates opportunities, not every player who enters finds a new team. Some end up without a scholarship, which can be a harsh reality check.

3. Teams Must Balance Recruiting and Retention

Coaches must not only recruit high school players and transfers but also work to retain their current roster. This means managing NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, playing time expectations, and relationships with players.

4. Spring Portal Window Offers a Second Chance

For players who missed the January 12 deadline, the spring transfer portal window provides another opportunity. However, the spring window is much shorter, meaning players must make quicker decisions.

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Final Thoughts

The closing of the college football transfer portal on January 12 marks a crucial moment in the offseason. For players, it means decisions must be made about their future, whether staying at their current school, committing to a new program, or continuing to evaluate options. For teams, it signifies a shift toward integrating transfers and preparing for spring practices.

While the transfer portal provides flexibility for athletes, it also introduces uncertainty. Players must be strategic about when and how they enter the portal, while teams must balance roster stability with the pursuit of new talent. As college football continues to evolve, managing the transfer portal effectively has become just as important as recruiting high school players.

Ultimately, once the portal closes, the next phase begins: finalizing rosters, preparing for spring practice, and looking ahead to the next transfer cycle.