Indianapolis, IN – The NCAA Oversight Committee has taken a significant step by voting in favor of a new single transfer portal window set to take place in January. This decision, which awaits final approval from the Administrative Committee, aims to simplify the current transfer process for student-athletes.
If approved, the new transfer window will open on January 2 and will last for a span of 10 days. This change is set to replace the existing model that features two separate windows in winter and spring. Currently, student-athletes have 30 total days across these two periods to enter the transfer portal, and the updated model will significantly cut that time in half.
One important point to note is the timing of this window, which coincides with the 12-team College Football Playoff. In 2026, the transfer window would begin less than 24 hours after the quarterfinals of the playoff, and continue through the semifinals scheduled for January 8-9. It will conclude a week before the National Championship, which is set for January 19.
Along with changing the transfer portal timeline, the committee has proposed designating the entire month of December as a recruiting dead period. This means coaches and universities will not be able to scout or recruit during this time. Moreover, they aim to push back the date when high school seniors can start receiving written offers for financial aid or benefits, moving it from August 1 to November 15.
The Administrative Committee is expected to make its final ruling by October 1, 2023. If approved, these changes will go into effect by January 2026, marking a significant change in NCAA transfer policies.
