Lance Leipold demands for more clarity on transfer rules in college football

Even as the NCAA transfer portal becomes normalized in college football, nothing about the process is normal. Coaches across the country have asked for there to be more rules when it comes to players leaving and joining programs. Kansas‘ Lance Leipold is just the latest following the spring window closing.

Leipold does not believe players consistently switching schools is “healthy” for them. He admits the search for the perfect solution goes on, at least in his mind. However, he did call for there to be more regulations toward the current model.

“We’re just looking for some more regulation and guardrails,” Leipold said. “We need to get some more consistency. You see it in other sports as well. I just don’t think where, we think in society, we it’s healthy for a young man to go to eight different schools in eight different years. I’m trying to figure that out.”

A common question for people defending the players usually goes — “What about coaches who can leave at will?” Leipold addressed that as well, saying there are usually guardrails before people in his profession are able to leave. Usually, it’s a buyout somebody has to pay.

Either way, Leipold appears not to believe the two scenarios are the same. His overall goal is to make sure rosters stay as consistent as possible over the years to bring competitive balance.

“I know the quickest thing people talk about is coaches that move on,” Leipold said. “But there are stipulations for all of us. Whatever that sweet spot is, we can get there, and have consistent rosters to make this as competitive as possible.”

There has been some massive roster turnover in Lawrence this offseason. Twelve players have left the Jayhawks, half of whom have not yet committed anywhere. Three have landed at other power conference programs while the other trio have taken a step down.

Looking at the imports, it’s a lengthy list for KU. Leipold will be welcoming 25 new players through the transfer portal, completely remaking his team heading into the 2025 season. The On3 Industry Transfer Portal Team Rankings give Kansas an Index Rating of three, slightly improving their situation.

The current rules might be benefiting his team in the short term. But at some point, Leipold is looking for better rules when it comes to the transfer portal. He wants what is for the betterment of college football, in his opinion.