Sticking to only one transfer portal window was not enough. The NCAA is now tightening the reins on the transfer system, working on the penalty structure for blind transfers. College football programs across the nation are waiting to find out what the NCAA decides. 

According to On3's Pete Nakos' report, the NCAA Division I Cabinet has called a meeting on Wednesday, April 1. During the meeting, it is going to review and vote on the proposed penalties. Their goal is to stop players from hitting the portal outside the winter portal, that is, January.

In simple terms, when a player transfers to another school without ever officially entering the NCAA transfer portal first, it is called a “blind” transfer. That's because the NCAA does not see the transaction that takes place. 

They will come hard at the programs if they find out about any blind transfers by placing penalties. Programs that will be charged with signing a blind transfer will have to sideline their head coach from all football and administrative duties. And it's not a single game affair. The NCAA's suspension will last for six games.

The university would also be fined 20% of its football budget. It is going to affect the program's recruiting strategy, too. According to the reports, if any school is found guilty, the NCAA has also proposed that there will be a reduction in the number of roster spots by five for the next season.

NCAA is taking precautionary measures because of the current scenario. With NIL in play, programs often lure players by dishing out a better offer. This leaves certain schools struggling to retain their talent.

Which instance of blind transfer made the NCAA take notice?

This year, the NCAA has let go of the spring portal. Under the current structure, players only have 15 days in January to hit the portal. However, this decision came to light after an incident that happened in 2025.

Last year, the former Wisconsin defensive back, Xavier Lucas, transferred to Miami without going through the transfer portal. He posted 18 tackles and one interception during his only season with the Badgers.

Lucas then requested a transfer, which Wisconsin denied. The cornerback then withdrew from classes in Maddison and enrolled at Miami in January outside the transfer portal. 

“I think the NCAA is going to need to do something,” a Big Ten general manager, keeping his name anonymous, asked for the NCAA's action on the matter. “There’s going to be 15 really high-profile guys that blind transfer, who don’t enter the transfer portal. There’s going to be 15 really high-profile guys that blind transfer, who don’t enter the transfer portal. It’s going to be a horrible look."

Do share your thoughts on the measures the NCAA might take to stop blind transfers.

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar