Over the past few seasons of college athletics, many changes have occurred. Most recently, the realignment of conferences. Collegiate athletes being able to promote themselves with name, image, and likeness (NIL) has been a significant change. However, the most important change has been the transfer portal. The transfer portal has allowed players to switch schools for other playing opportunities.

With that being said, it seems as if the transfer portal is erasing the line between student-athletes and professional athletes. As professionals, players are able to request trades or sign with other teams in free agency. The transfer portal has made student-athletes feel more like free agents than as collegiate athletes. Players leave for many reasons, such as better playing opportunities or when coaches leave.

An example from this college football offseason is the players leaving the University of Alabama. Legendary head coach Nick Saban decided to retire following the Crimson Tide’s loss in the College Football Playoff. In the weeks after, Alabama lost many of their players, including the top quarterback in the 2024 recruitment class, Julian Sayin, and elite safety Caleb Downs, who finished fourth in the SEC in tackles.

Another scenario that has happened this offseason is the transfers heading to Ohio State. It seems as if they’ve formed a “superteam.” The Buckeyes landed Sayin and Downs, as well as quarterback Will Howard, running back Quinshon Judkins and center Seth McLaughlin. Ohio State was very fortunate to not lose many players to the NFL draft, so Ohio State has formed a powerhouse squad for next season and possibly the seasons to follow.

I believe there is nothing wrong with players changing schools to get a better opportunity for themselves. However, when schools form superteams or players transfer multiple times in their collegiate careers, I feel as if it ruins the integrity of college football. A player like JT Daniels is one that comes to mind. Daniels began his career with two years at University of Southern California, followed by a two year stint at the University of Georgia, a single season at West Virginia University and most recently Rice University.

I understand a player trying to find the best opportunity for themselves. I believe that the NCAA should set limitations. Whether it be limiting how many times a student-athlete can transfer or possibly having players be forced to miss games when they transfer, the transfer portal should be policed more.

If the NCAA decides to add requirements or restrictions to the transfer portal, the line that separates collegiate athletics and professional athletics would no longer be disappearing.

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