I'm just fantasy booking here, but I can't help but think there could be a few very simple, common-sense regulations implemented for players (who as a reminder, are college students) wanting to enter the transfer portal, to reduce the "wild west" elements that CFB is experiencing right now.
I know many people cynically ask, "if the coaches can do whatever they want...then why can't the players?" I don't think there's an apples to apples comparison when it comes to a full-time professional and a full-time student for starters (but I would also argue that schools and coaches should stop entering into commitments that neither intends to honor). It worries me seeing players transferring 3-4 times just chasing after playing time, including those who land at Northwestern.
- You can enter the Portal once, unrestricted - for any reason or no reason at all.
- If you want to enter more than once, you either have to sit a year or lose a year of eligibility to play immediately, unless:
- There's a change to your head coach or position coach...then you can enter the Portal again.
- You've earned your degree...then you can enter the Portal once more.
- You've made academic progress in line with your status as a full-time student AND you can furnish an academic plan with assistance from an advisor to demonstrate your ability to graduate in a timely manner. This gets into the weeds but the idea being that academic progress isn't being stifled by the football. This rule would also support players who aren't getting any playing time, enabling them to get caught up in a year while also not burning through their eligibility.
I know many people cynically ask, "if the coaches can do whatever they want...then why can't the players?" I don't think there's an apples to apples comparison when it comes to a full-time professional and a full-time student for starters (but I would also argue that schools and coaches should stop entering into commitments that neither intends to honor). It worries me seeing players transferring 3-4 times just chasing after playing time, including those who land at Northwestern.