The main college football transfer portal window for all FBS and FCS players is January 2–16, 2026. This single, 15-day window replaces previous December and spring (April) windows and opens shortly after the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. There is also a separate, 15-day window for players at programs that undergo coaching changes, starting on the day the coaching change is official.
Key details of the new transfer window
Key details of the new transfer window
- One main window: The NCAA has consolidated the transfer window into a single period in January for all undergraduate athletes, which starts on January 2, 2026.
- Eliminated spring window: The traditional spring window in April has been eliminated.
- Timing: The January window begins on January 2, after the College Football Playoff quarterfinals are typically completed.
- Graduate transfers: Graduate transfers are now also required to enter the portal during this January window, whereas before they had more flexibility.
- Coaching changes: A separate 15-day window is available for players at schools with coaching changes, beginning the day the new coach is announced or the change is official.
- Enter the portal: Players only need to enter their name into the portal during the window; they can take more time after that to make their final decision about transferring, according to CBS Sports.


