The NCAA Division 1 Council has approved changes to the Transfer Portal.

The new rules will shrink the window for athletes to enter the portal.

The “window” is the allotted time during a year in which a student athlete can reach out and pursue their college career elsewhere.

The transfer window is different, depending on the sport the athlete plays and the season, in which the sport is played.

The new rule changes will have an impact on ALL sports.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

In a press release, the NCAA announced that the Transfer Window for FBS and FCS College Football, has been reduced from 60 days to 45 days.

The NCAA allows athletes that have not graduated, classified as undergraduates, will have two transfer windows.

• After the regular season, which is in December, and lasts for 30 days.

• The second half of April and lasts for 15 days.

• If an athlete’s team has made the College Football Playoff, an additional 5-day window will be granted in the month of January.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

The Transfer Window for Men’s and Women’s basketball programs for undergraduate students will open

• 45 days after the season ends.

The basketball season officially ends, the Monday AFTER “Selection Sunday”.

WINTER SPORTS

NCAA Division 1 winter sport athletes are eligible to enter their name into the transfer window

• 7 days AFTER “Championship Selection” and lasts for 45 days.

GRADUATE TRANSERS

Division 1 athletes who have graduated from their school, will have a Transfer Deadline of

• May 1st for sports played in the fall.

• July 1st for sports played in the spring.

WHY THE CHANGES?

Coaches had been lobbying and have been vocal about wanting shorter transfer windows. These changes will help with roster construction and recruiting.

– Sean McKenzie

Photos courtesy of The New York Times, NCAA, USA Today, fanbuzz, and collegead