Jedd Fisch to Washington opens 30-day transfer portal for Arizona players
Jedd Fisch moved on from Arizona on Sunday night, flying to Seattle to take the Washington job and meet with his new roster.
It’s just part of the aftershocks of Nick Saban deciding to retire from the sport, which saw him win six national championships in 17 seasons at Alabama. With Kalen DeBoer tabbed as Saban’s successor, Fisch emerged as the top candidate for Washington and ultimately took the job.
Plenty of names will appear in the Arizona coaching search, an attractive job as the Wildcats enter the Big 12. Athletic director Dave Heeke is charged with bringing in someone to replace Fisch, while also retaining talent. Arizona president Robert C. Robbins announced a $240 million budget shortfall in November. The result has been budget changes and an athletic hiring freeze.
The transfer portal is now open for 30 days for Arizona athletes, allowing time to decide on their future with Fisch leaving, according to NCAA guidelines. With the one-time transfer rule, athletes can play immediately at new schools.
Monday marks Day 1 of the 30-day window for the Wildcats. Plus, the NCAA sent guidance to institutions in December that multi-time transfers who enter the transfer portal this fall will be eligible to play at a new school in the 2024-25 academic year without securing a waiver.
What to know about Arizona’s 30-day transfer portal window
Arizona has one of the top returning rosters in the Big 12. Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Noah Fifita was 7-2 as the team’s starting quarterback this season, throwing for 2,869 yards, with 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions this season. His 72% completion percentage ranked fifth in the nation.
The Wildcats showed up in multiple way-too-early top 25 polls the last few weeks. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is also returning after tallying 90 receptions for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.
Hiring a head coach as quickly as possible will be the first step to keeping a roster together, closing of any doubt of the program’s future. Grad transfers are allowed to enter the portal at any time. Retention will be crucial for the next head coach, with NIL playing a vital role in keeping rosters together in the new age of college football.
Arizona players will have free rein to transfer wherever they please. If any Wildcats choose to not leave during the next month, they will be able to enter the portal during the NCAA’s 15-day spring window. That is scheduled from Tuesday, April 16 to Tuesday, April 30.
Academic calendar will play role
Similar to Alabama and Washington, Arizona players will have to deal with a difficult academic calendar. While the NCAA will not stop athletes from entering the portal, the academic calendar will play a role. The winter semester began on Jan. 10 for the Wildcats, according to the Arizona Office of the Registrar’s website. Jan. 23 marks the last day for students to drop without a grade of “W” and the last day for a refund. Students can add classes until Jan. 17.
Arizona athletes will also have to figure out add/drop dates for other top programs, trying to transfer to top programs in time to enroll and participate in spring ball.
Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and Penn State all started classes last week, among others. LSU and Texas start their second semesters this week, too.
For some athletes, because of the way the calendar works, it could mean entering the portal and waiting to enroll at a new institution until the summer time. Others could enter the portal and drive up their NIL price, waiting out a decision.
Arizona will have to move quickly to hire a new head coach and retain talent.