The recent press conference with Montana football head coach Bobby Hauck and Montana State’s Brent Vigen brought some real insight into the new transfer portal window for FBS and FCS. This change matters for college football, shaking up how teams plan and how players move around.
Hauck and Vigen both said they appreciate the new transfer portal window. They talked about its benefits and a few challenges, too.
This post digs into what they discussed and takes a look at how this new rule might shape the future of college football in the Big Sky Conference—and maybe even further.
The New Transfer Portal Window: A Game Changer
The new transfer portal window streamlines how players transfer between schools. The idea is to make things more organized and predictable for everyone involved—players, coaches, and programs.
By laying out specific periods when players can enter the transfer portal, the NCAA wants to cut down on the chaos and uncertainty that usually come with transfers in the middle of the season. It’s definitely a big shift.
Benefits of the Transfer Portal Window
The transfer portal window brings some clear advantages:
- Predictability: Coaches can plan rosters and recruiting with a better sense of timing, since they know when transfers might happen.
- Stability: Teams hang onto their rosters more consistently during the season, which means fewer surprises from players leaving out of the blue.
- Fairness: Players get a set window to weigh their options, so they’re not rushed into quick decisions.
Want more details? Check out the full article on 406 MT Sports.
Coaches’ Perspectives: Hauck and Vigen
At the press conference, both Hauck and Vigen backed the new transfer portal window. They see it as a win for their teams and for players looking for fresh starts.
Bobby Hauck’s Insights
Montana’s head coach, Bobby Hauck, talked about the need to keep finding new ways to win and to roll with rule changes. The Grizzlies, he said, have shown they can adapt and stay resilient—qualities they’ll need under these new portal rules.
Hauck also pointed to the Grizzlies’ recent comeback win over Cal Poly. Outscoring their opponent 28-0 after halftime says a lot about their grit and strategy, doesn’t it?
Brent Vigen’s Views
Brent Vigen, who leads the Montana State Bobcats, agreed with Hauck. He likes that the new portal window makes player movement more structured and thinks it’ll help the Bobcats keep building a strong, unified team.
Vigen also mentioned the Bobcats’ big win over Idaho State, where they nearly rushed for 400 yards. That kind of offensive firepower could really shine under the new transfer system.
Impact on Players and Teams
This new transfer portal window will affect both players and teams in a big way. With a clear transfer period, players can make smarter decisions about their next steps.
Teams, meanwhile, get a better shot at managing their rosters and recruiting without as many curveballs.
Player Movements
Some players have already taken advantage of the transfer portal. Take Montana’s Diezel Wilkinson, who moved over from Idaho and said he’s happy with the change—it’s made a real difference for him.
There’s also Jake Mason, who came to the Grizzlies from Washington, and Michael Wortham, who’s become a key player for Montana. These moves show how players can find new opportunities and even thrive in a different setting.
Team Strategies
Teams are tweaking their strategies to make the most of the new portal window. Coaches now time their recruiting to fit the transfer periods, hoping to get the right mix of talent for their goals.
For example, Montana State has put a big focus on their running game, like we saw in their recent Idaho State matchup. By using the transfer portal smartly, the Bobcats can keep strengthening their roster and maybe pull ahead of the competition.
Looking Ahead: The Future of College Football
The transfer portal window signals a real shift for college football. As teams and players get used to this system, recruitment, player development, and team dynamics will keep evolving—maybe in ways we can’t even predict yet.
Potential Challenges
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Teams have to figure out the puzzle of roster management, making sure they’ve got the right blend of talent and experience. Players, on the other hand, need to be thoughtful about their choices and not just jump at the first opportunity.
Coaches like Bobby Hauck and Brent Vigen see the new transfer portal window as a real shift for college football.
They point out the benefits, like more predictability and a sense of stability for everyone involved.
Want more takes and updates on this new system? Dive into the full article at 406 MT Sports.

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