If there is one thing the majority of college football coaches can agree on, it’s that the sport’s calendar does not much too much sense. Particularly when it comes to the NCAA transfer portal. Players are open to leave programs while the season is still ongoing. And in the case of Penn State, while alive for a national championship.
James Franklin is one of many who have now called for the winter window to be moved. He spoke on the topic recently via The Triple Option, arguably having the weirdest experience of them all. Penn State was in the College Football Playoff and Franklin’s staff is conducting exit interviews.
“We’re having these conversations during the playoffs,” Franklin said. “I’m trying to retain my team during the playoffs. That’s the challenge. We’re trying to get rid of this so you don’t have the transfer portal open during the playoffs. We should be totally focused on trying to win a championship and instead, I’m having conversations to try to keep the team together.”
Penn State might have had the biggest name leave while still in the race. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula stepped away from the team once the transfer portal was open. Had something happened to Drew Allar during the Nittany Lions’ run, the usual backup would not have been available.
But Pribula felt the need to get a head start on his future. Otherwise, there is no guarantee of what could be available by the time Penn State was done playing in the middle of January.
Dates for the 2025-2026 winter transfer portal window have not officially been released. Last year saw things open up right after conference championship week until Dec. 28. Players who were still in the CFP were given special exemptions and provided the opportunity to enter for a few days after being eliminated.
Franklin wants to get rid of the whole process and pick a date once the season is over. Jan. 19 is the day of the national championship game this season, as Hard Rock Stadium in Miami plays host. Penn State is one of the favorites to not only get there but potentially win the whole thing. Roster retention Franklin did while still competing last season paid off in a big way.
Not having to worry about the transfer portal along the way is something Franklin desires. You have to imagine he is not alone, either, across the college football world.
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