College football keeps changing, and the transfer portal is both a blessing and a headache for non-power schools. Players chase big conferences and flashy NIL deals, so coaches at Group of Five programs scramble to keep their best guys on the roster.
Let’s look at what these programs are actually doing to hold onto their stars. From making things feel like family to getting creative with money, some of these strategies might just change the game.
Understanding the Transfer Portal Phenomenon
The transfer portal has flipped college football on its head. Players can switch schools and play right away, no more waiting a year on the bench.
That gives athletes more power, but it’s also turned power-conference schools into talent-hungry sharks. A recent article in The New York Times says coaches at smaller schools feel the heat more than ever.
The Impact on Group of Five Programs
Coaches like Jon Sumrall at Tulane and Ryan Silverfield at Memphis know the transfer portal isn’t going away. “Every year, we all have a brand-new team and a brand-new roster,” Sumrall said.
The numbers are wild: over half of Tulane’s 2025 roster is new. That much turnover? It’s tough to build a team that gels, let alone keeps winning.
Strategies for Player Retention
So how do these coaches fight back? They’re trying everything from building tight-knit teams to thinking ahead financially.
Building a Family-Like Atmosphere
K.C. Keeler, Temple’s new head coach, really leans into personal connections. “If a player is going to leave, I want him to feel like he’s leaving the whole building, not just a coach.”
It’s the little things—staff reaching out on birthdays or when something big happens in a player’s life. Florida Atlantic’s Zach Kittley takes a similar approach, saying it’s about treating everyone like family and making things fun so guys want to stick around.
Maintaining Cultural Standards
UTSA’s Jeff Traylor doesn’t budge on culture. “Your standards and norms in the program culturally cannot change,” he says.
His success and ability to get players to the NFL are huge selling points. Winning and showing a real path to pro football? That can make staying pretty tempting.
Financial Incentives and Strategic Decisions
Money’s a big deal now, thanks to NIL. Coaches have to get smart about how they spend to keep their best players.
Proactive Financial Management
Keeler remembers his time at Sam Houston. His general manager suggested bumping up Chris Murray’s pay before bigger programs could swoop in.
It worked—Murray stayed and had a breakout year. “We’re going to attack our locker room first,” Keeler said. Keeping your own talent comes first.
Honest Conversations and Data-Driven Decisions
Coaches also sit down with players and get real, sometimes showing them data on what their roles might be elsewhere. Keeler lays out all the details, including any red flags.
“You have to do your research and have honest conversations,” he says. This kind of openness helps players think twice before jumping ship for something unknown.
The Role of Regional Recruiting
Another move? Focus on local recruiting. Bringing in guys from close by can ease the urge to transfer just to be nearer to home.
Geographic Focus
Keeler’s staff at Temple draws lines from Connecticut to Virginia and Ohio, trying to build the roster from that region. It’s not just about convenience—it builds a sense of community too.
“Staying in a geographic footprint removes one reason players leave: Getting closer to family back home,” Keeler points out.
Character and Transparency
Recruiting players with strong character and being straight with them about what to expect matters a lot. Coaches like Tulane’s Jon Sumrall don’t sugarcoat things for recruits.
“I want to be so transparent and honest so they know what they’re signing up for,” he says. That honesty helps bring in players who actually want to stick with the program for the long haul.
Conclusion: Adapting to a New Era
The transfer portal and NIL deals have really shaken up college football. Group of Five programs now struggle to keep their best players around.
Still, some schools are getting creative. They’re putting more energy into honest conversations and building genuine trust with their athletes.
Jeff Traylor summed it up well: *If it’s just about the bag, our bag isn’t gonna be big enough. But if it’s about development, the fit, the holistic opportunity, we can compete.*
If you want to dig deeper into what these programs are trying, check out the full article on [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6542727/2025/08/09/college-football-transfer-portal-strategies-group-of-5/).
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