NCAA transfer portal gives ease to coaches, athletes

A new transfer portal designed by the NCAA hopes to ease the transferring process for student-athletes who wish to play their sport at another college.

The portal was implemented on October 15. So far, no USD athletes have wanted to transfer, and the portal has not been used.

According to a document by the NCAA, “The transfer process previously known as ‘permission to contact’ has been changed to ‘notification of transfer.’ Student-athletes should be aware of the process and implications.”

Currently, coaches from other institutions cannot reach out to athletes about transferring until they have gotten a release form from their current school.

Dave Herbster, athletic director, believes this portal will help keep transferring fair.

“What this does is while an athlete may be researching schools, it allows coaches to see that they are looking to transfer,” Herbster said. “It eliminates the shady side of transferring where people may reach out to athletes before they are allowed.”

If an athlete wants to transfer, they talk to a coach or an administrator and their name will be listed in the portal. Coaches from other schools can search the portal to locate eligible athletes who have indicated they would like to transfer.

According to an NCAA document, there are multiple benefits to the new portal.

“The portal will strengthen ethical recruiting with guardrails around tampering by helping coaches and student-athletes manage instances when they are contacted about potential transfer,” the document said.

Previously, coaches and athletes were not allowed to communicate before an official release form was signed.

“You don’t want people meddling or trying to recruit people off your team,” Herbster said.

With the use of the portal, athletes have more control over the process.

“Communication with coaches at other schools can begin after the student-athlete notifies the current school of the intent to transfer and the student athlete’s name has been entered into the transfer portal,” said the document sent out by the NCAA.

Jamie Oyen, associate senior athletic director, said she believes the portal will benefit athletes and coaches.

“It will give coaches a better idea of who around the country is looking to transfer,” Oyen said.

Despite the ease in transferring, Oyen doesn’t think more athletes will decide to transfer because of the portal.

“I don’t feel like it will increase the number of transfers, it is just a different way or requesting information to look elsewhere,” she said.