Big news for college football: the NCAA Administrative Committee just axed the spring transfer portal window and the fall transfer window graduate student exception. They say this move, shaped by what student-athletes want, should help teams keep their rosters more stable and make the transfer process less of a headache.
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal hasn’t wasted any time adjusting. Since coming on board in December 2021, he’s thrown himself into the transfer game, snagging some of the best classes and building a system that’s working for Miami.
The NCAA’s Decision to Eliminate the Spring Transfer Portal Window
The NCAA Administrative Committee recently announced they’re scrapping the spring transfer portal window and the graduate student exception for the fall. Student-athletes had complained about the chaos of juggling multiple windows, and honestly, who could blame them?
The committee posted on social media that the football oversight committee will look into tweaking the January window—mainly how long it lasts and the exact dates. They’ll hash out the details more in October, so we’ll have to wait for the final word.
Impact on College Football Programs
Now, there’s just one transfer window in January. The idea is to give programs a steadier foundation, so coaches can actually plan and bring in new players without random shakeups halfway through the year.
Without the spring window, teams won’t have to worry as much about mid-year roster changes. That alone should make it easier to keep a team together and performing at its best.
Mario Cristobal’s Adaptation to the Transfer Portal
Coach Cristobal’s made it clear: you either adapt or you get left behind. He’s leaned into the transfer portal, working nonstop to keep Miami’s roster strong.
Since he arrived, Miami’s landed top-10 transfer classes every year, averaging eighth place over four cycles, according to 247Sports. That portal success has helped fuel Miami’s recent run—like the 10-3 season in 2024 and a hot start in 2025 with three straight wins.
Building a Winning Formula
With Cristobal calling the shots, Miami’s figured out a formula that works. They’ve used the portal to plug key gaps, especially in the spring, when they brought in seven transfers who quickly made an impact in early 2025.
This kind of aggressive recruiting lets Miami address roster needs fast and stay a step ahead. Now, with the January window, coaches can start building team culture right away, without worrying that half the roster might bail mid-year.
The Future of the Transfer Portal
All these changes show how much college football keeps shifting. The early signing period, the rule change letting players transfer without sitting out, and NIL deals—it’s a lot to keep up with if you’re a coach.
With just one transfer window in January, coaches will have to be sharp and ready to move when the time comes. The football oversight committee will nail down the January window’s dates and length in October, so there’s still a bit of uncertainty ahead. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
The NCAA just got rid of the spring transfer portal window. Now, there’s only a single window in January. That’s a pretty big deal for college football.
Programs like Miami might actually benefit here. Coaches like Mario Cristobal have built teams that really lean into changes like this.
Cristobal doesn’t just sit back—he’s always looking for ways to work the transfer portal to his advantage. The Hurricanes seem ready to keep rolling with whatever comes next.
The NCAA keeps tweaking the transfer process. So, every program needs to pay attention and stay flexible. Who knows what the October meeting will bring?
If you’re curious about how Cristobal handles the portal or want more on the NCAA’s latest move, check out the full article on Canes Warning.
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