The legislative change, announced Wednesday, removes the traditional spring transfer opportunity but leaves the specific dates of the new unified window open for further discussion. While the initial proposal suggested a January 2-11 timeframe for both FBS and FCS players, the FBS and FCS Football Oversight Committees will revisit the timing and duration based on student-athlete feedback before the Administrative Committee's October meeting.
The reform responds to mounting concerns about December's overcrowded calendar, which previously forced coaches and administrators to juggle transfer recruiting alongside coaching changes, bowl practices, high school signing periods, bowl games, and College Football Playoff competition simultaneously.
Under the previous system, the winter portal window opened in early December following bowl game selections, creating what many described as an unsustainable workload during one of the sport's most crucial periods.
The proposed January window would begin January 2 – the day after College Football Playoff quarterfinals conclude – giving players a 10-day period to enter the portal. However, student-athletes face no deadline to commit to their next institution once registered.
Graduate transfers, who previously enjoyed early portal access, must now wait for the January window alongside all other players. Teams still competing in the College Football Playoff would receive additional accommodation, with their players granted five days after their final postseason game to enter the portal.
The timing particularly affects this year's playoff structure, with CFP semifinals scheduled for January 8-9, potentially extending the window for championship contenders.
