The NCAA Transfer Portal was supposed to be a revolution, a way to empower student-athletes, allowing them to move from one program to another with fewer barriers. What was originally a win for the athletes has become a frantic scramble for power, money, and prestige, leaving many players stranded in the process. The portal, once an allowance of choice and opportunity, has turned into a situation where the only winners seem to be the schools with the deepest pockets and the most extravagant recruiting pitches. In this new world, it’s not just the athletes’ futures at risk, it’s the integrity of college sports itself.
The Transfer Portal has undergone significant rule changes in recent years, making it easier for student-athletes to transfer without penalty. Under the old rules, players had to sit out a full season unless they received a waiver which was often difficult to obtain. However, the new rules allow athletes a one time transfer without sitting out, leading to an increase in player movement. While this has given players more freedom, it has also been exploited by athletes and programs. Some players now transfer multiple times, taking advantage of loopholes such as graduate transfers or claiming special circumstances.
Meanwhile, powerhouse football programs like Georgia, Oregon, and Ohio State can build competitive rosters almost entirely through the Transfer Portal. For instance, Oregon has sought to create a national championship team with the help of alumni and founder of Nike, Phil Knight. Knight has provided almost unlimited funds to see his alma mater win a national championship with the use of NIL. Because of this, Oregon can recruit through the portal at the highest level leaving other teams who get less money at a disadvantage.
Through these changes, athletes can earn the same amount of money as some professional athletes which raises the question: where is the line between amateur and professional sports?
College football is built on education and amateur competition rather than profit and business interests. Unlike professional leagues where players are paid to perform, college athletes are students first, balancing academics with athletics. The spirit of college football lies in school pride, tradition, and community support, rather than contracts and endorsements. NIL deals have allowed athletes to earn money, turning college football into a professional-like system which could overshadow the academics of universities and create an uneven playing field. Additionally, the constant movement of players through the Transfer Portal mirrors free agency, diminishing team loyalty and long-term development. If college football fully mimics the professional league, it risks losing the passion and uniqueness that makes it special, reducing it to another commercialized sports league.
Ultimately, there needs to be major changes in the new rules regarding both the Transfer Portal and NIL in order to uphold the core values of college football relying on loyalty, resilience, and passion.
