What to know about the spring transfer portal opening
The NCAA transfer portal is officially open today, meaning that the South Carolina football staff will be juggling it with spring practice as well as spring recruiting visitors.
Here is a primer on what to know about the portal and what to expect in Columbia.
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Background information on the portal
The NCAA transfer portal is a non-public database with names of student-athletes who have filed paperwork expressing intent to transfer.
The process of entering is completed through a school’s compliance office. Once a player gives a written notice, the compliance office has 48 hours to enter the player’s name into the portal. There is no option for the school to refuse to do this.
Players do have the option to be tagged as “do not contact.” Current rules allow schools/coaches to otherwise contact players who are listed in the transfer portal. Players are also allowed to withdraw from the portal at any point. A program does not have to honor a player’s scholarship who has filed transfer paperwork.
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How long does this transfer portal window open?
For 15 days; this spring’s window runs through April 30. Players who enter the portal during that time do not have to select a new program before the portal window closes, they simply must enter. This applies to undergraduate players. Graduates may enter the portal at any point.
Will any players transfer from South Carolina this spring?
As of this writing, GamecockCentral.com cannot confirm any additional players that will definitely enter the portal in this window. However, it’s fair to expect that there could be a defection (or more than one) in this era. South Carolina’s spring practice is ongoing, culminating with the Garnet & Black Game on Saturday, April 20. That means, in theory, a player could announce a transfer either before or after the spring game has wrapped.
GamecockCentral.com will keep its readers up to date on any players that plan to transfer.
What positions will the Gamecocks look for in the portal?
The main position to look at is wide receiver. South Carolina brought in three pass-catchers from the portal in the 2024 class, and all should factor in this season. However, the staff will watch portal entries heavily in this window as well.
If there is a receiver or two in the portal with size – think 6-foot-2 or over – and talent, it’s a safe bet that we will see Shane Beamer and company take a hard look.
While USC taking a look at some other positions cannot be ruled out, wide receiver is the priority.
