In Indianapolis, as the NCAA’s winter transfer portal window for college football officially closed on December 28, 2023, players are still on the move. The final deadline was set at 11:59 p.m. local time that day, giving players a chance to submit their paperwork. However, the process of entering the portal doesn’t end there. Schools have a 48-hour period to process these requests, which means that athletes who filed on time might not show up in the portal until as late as December 30.
It’s also important to note that players who are participating in postseason bowl games have a special advantage. They are granted a five-day window to enter the portal once their season ends. For example, those playing in games on January 1 have until January 6 to make their move. Players involved in the national championship game, scheduled for January 20, are allowed until January 25 to enter the portal. Additionally, there’s a 30-day window for athletes whose teams experience a head coaching change, which might lead to more movements, especially if changes happen late in the offseason.
Graduate transfers have more flexibility than underclassmen. They can enter the portal anytime throughout the year, even outside of the NCAA’s designated winter and spring windows. After this winter window, the next opportunity for FBS football players to transfer will open from April 16 to April 25. Last year during this spring window, over 1,200 players entered the portal, hinting at a busy time ahead once again.
While the winter portal window has officially closed, fans and teams can expect a steady stream of new names appearing as the exceptions and processing times continue to unfold.
