The end of December chaos? A new Transfer Portal rule is a game-changer for Kentucky football
Mark Stoops may soon be able to breathe a little easier every December, and no we are not talking about not making a bowl (though that did happen last year). The NCAA is on the verge of one of its biggest Transfer Portal overhauls yet, and Kentucky football could be one of the programs that benefits most.
On Thursday, the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee voted to eliminate the current two-portal-window system and move to one single transfer window starting in 2026. The proposed window would open January 2, just one day after the College Football Playoff quarterfinals are finished, and would run for 10 days after.
While the Division I Administrative Committee still has to approve the change before October 1, this could be a huge win for coaches everywhere, and a rare win for Stoops. The NCAA is also expected to make December a “dead period,” giving coaches the entire month to meet with players, evaluate their roster, and plan ahead without having to worry about recruiting visits or portal entries popping up.
Why this helps Mark Stoops and Kentucky
For Stoops, this is a massive win. Kentucky did not make a bowl in 2024 after going just 4-8, but in years where they have, roster chaos is just one thing coaches have to juggle. Players hitting the portal mid-prep has forced all coaches to scramble to field a complete lineup for the postseason. Remember last year when Marshall had to withdraw from the Independence bowl because of so many players leaving. And then having to worry about recruiting both high school and your own players, it is a lot for a coaching staff to balance.
The critics will say this limits players’ NIL earning opportunities and ability to move freely, but the stability it brings to locker rooms might outweigh those arguments. Though you can guarantee if it does pass, athletes will challenge it.
Programs like Kentucky where talent deficits are real thrive on building a strong culture and developing talent over a period of time, and a cleaner calendar helps keep that foundation solid.
One less thing to worry about
If passed, this new rule means that by January Stoops will know exactly who’s staying, who’s leaving, and what he needs in the portal. That’s less chaos, more clarity -- and one less thing on Stoops’ plate during the most crucial part of roster building.
This is the kind of NCAA change that makes sense for everyone, so it probably won't pass.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time, he spends time with his family, and watching Premier League soccer. Psalm 23. #UpTheAlbion