NCAA proposes strict penalties for adding transfers out of portal window

Field Level Media|published: Wed 25th February, 19:51 2026

University logos cover a wall in the lobby of NCAA headquarters Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Indianapolis. Ncaa National Collegiate Athletics Association Office Headquarters In Indianapolis Feb 25 2021

The NCAA wants football teams to stick to the window.

That's the message delivered by the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee on Wednesday, with the organization proposing stiff penalties for schools not observing the rules surrounding the transfer portal window in early January.

Such penalties would include the head coach being prohibited from engaging in any football activities for a period of six weeks/games, the school being nailed for a fine equal to 20% of its football budget and the program losing five roster spots for the following season.

"We felt this was appropriate to place an emphasis on this rule with where we are in Division I football," said Mark Alnutt, chair of the oversight committee and athletic director at Buffalo. "We have a window for student-athletes to notify their school when they would like to enter the Transfer Portal. If there is movement without going through the process as it is legislated, the committee felt there needed to be significant penalties."

Multiple incidents sparked speculation that changes could be in the offing, including a notable circumstance earlier this year in which Ole Miss was able to add Clemson transfer Luke Ferrelli outside the window, much to the frustration of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.

The oversight was introduced via emergency legislation, set to be voted on at the Division I cabinet meeting in April. If approved, the legislation would become effective immediately.

"Attempts to circumvent the transfer window process is an issue for the sport," Georgia athletic director Josh Brooks added. "We want to let everyone know that this is not going to be allowed, and the committee wants to protect the transfer window that has been established."

Also on the docket is a proposal to remove limitations on the number of official visits, which would disadvantage schools with smaller budgets but bring football in line with other NCAA sports. A current waiver already allows schools an unlimited amount of visits -- a vote would make the change more permanent.

--Field Level Media