The NCAA is ending the spring transfer window for DI football, though they’ve not announced what the plan will be going forward. Changes are definitely coming, and it may not be good for the Kansas football team.
Ross Dellenger with Yahoo Sports reported on X that the NCAA is considering a 10-day window in January, but that may not be the right time or a long-enough period to work effectively.
The Administrative Committee considered a proposal for a 10-day FB transfer portal window in January - a proposal made by the FB Oversight Committee.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 17, 2025
While that proposal remains on the table, athlete representatives expressed concern over such a short window. More talks needed.
How a shorter transfer window might affect Kansas football recruiting
A short January transfer window, which one might assume would be after the national championship game, might not be ideal for Kansas or many other schools.
If Kansas wins six games and earns a bowl bid, the players and coaches will be preparing for that bowl game. The coaches won’t have as much time to evaluate players. Many players will be playing in bowl games, and they might not even announce they are transferring until after their season is entirely over.
If the NCAA wants players and schools to make the best decisions, more evaluation time is needed on both sides. A three-week window in late February might make more sense. It would give coaching staffs and players alike more time to make the right decisions.
Administrative Committee eliminates DI football's spring transfer window and fall transfer window's graduate student exception.
— NCAA News (@NCAA_PR) September 17, 2025
In response to student-athlete feedback, football oversight committees will consider modifications to proposed single January window, including length… pic.twitter.com/fFP3sEf0ty
Of course, most spring semesters start in late January, and it would be helpful to have transfers already on campus so they can participate in the spring practices. There is an argument to be made that a short window in January would help players enroll in their new schools earlier and start becoming a part of their new programs.
Kansas is trying to build up its program, not only to contend at the top of the Big 12, but also to earn a place in the NCAA Championships, if not this season, then in the future. Rushed evaluations and decisions could ultimately hurt the program in the long run. On the other hand, enrolling players more quickly in the program could also have benefits.
Forcing players and coaches to rush their decision-making would not be in the best interests of either. There is a compromise to be had here, and hopefully the NCAA will listen to all sides before making a rash ruling.