The college recruiting landscape has changed dramatically in recent years due to two important factors: First, the expansion of NIL opportunities. And second, changes in NCAA rules and regulations approved starting in 2021 that allowed for student-athletes to transfer once with facing the traditional penalty of waiting a year to compete. This was followed by an additional NCAA change in 2024 allowing for unlimited transfers with few penalties for student-athletes, which dramatically increased the number of transfers per year.
Key Takeaways
- The transfer portal has changed how college coaches build their rosters.
- High school athletes still earn scholarships but face increased competition.
- Coaches recruit both transfers and high school athletes to fill different roster needs.
- A proactive recruiting strategy is more important than ever.
why does the Transfer Portal Matter for High School Athletes?
For high school athletes and families, understanding the transfer portal impact on recruiting is now essential when building a college recruiting strategy.
It is also important to stay updated on proposed rule changes from the NCAA and even Congress that may change the transfer portal again.
Transfer Portal Growth Has Changed College Recruiting
Since 2021, use of the transfer portal has exploded, growing nearly 30% in just two years at the Division I level.
In 2025:
- More than 14,000 Division I undergraduate student-athletes successfully transferred, up from 9,760 in 2023.
- Nearly 27,000 student-athletes entered the transfer portal, compared to 21,000 in 2023.
Repeat transfers have also become increasingly common. For example, following the 2025-26 football season, 40% of quarterback transfers were repeat transfers.
For comparison, approximately 10,000 Division I student-athletes entered the transfer portal in 2019. Of those athletes:
- About 25% were football players.
- Roughly half of those football transfers were walk-ons.
Similar increases have occurred at the Division II level.
Why More College Athletes Are Transferring
The culture surrounding transfers has changed significantly.
“In my time as an athlete compared to now being in compliance, I feel like transferring was such a taboo idea,” assistant athletics director for compliance at Florida Southern and two-time Division II All-American, Bethany Schner told The Southern, the Florida Southern college newspaper in 2026. “You really only transferred if it was like extreme circumstances … during my entire four years [at FSC], we had one person transfer and it was like, oh my gosh, I cannot believe that — this is crazy.”
Today, transferring has become a much more common part of the college athletics experience.
How the Transfer Portal Affects High School Recruiting
College coaches, especially at the D1 level, are using the transfer portal more frequently to fill already limited roster needs quickly (less than 7% of high school student-athletes find college roster spots) and many, like UConn coach Dan Hurley, have bemoaned that coaches are reaching out throughout the season to try to poach their players for the next year.
At the same time, high school athletes are competing for valuable scholarship opportunities in an environment where roster movement happens faster than ever before.
High School Recruiting Still Matters
That doesn’t mean high school recruiting is disappearing. It does mean athletes need to understand how the transfer portal affects recruiting, what coaches are prioritizing, and how to position themselves effectively in today’s recruiting environment.
Why the Transfer Portal Is Changing Recruiting
Before the current transfer portal era, transferring schools often required athletes to sit out for a season or limited the number of transfers a student-athlete could make. NCAA rule changes introduced more flexibility and immediate eligibility opportunities for many student-athletes, making transferring more common across college sports. The potential of making more NIL money has also enticed student-athletes to go elsewhere, with the promise from other schools to have bigger payouts.
How the Transfer Portal Has Changed College Recruiting
For coaches, it’s changed the entire roster-building process.
“The day your season ends, the day you play your last game, you don’t really know who’s with you in that moment. You’re hoping you know the guys who are going to stick with you, but truthfully you don’t really know,” one coach told CBS Sports.
As a result, college coaches are recruiting year-round – even in previous quiet periods.
“Usual “dry” times have now become pockets for coaches / programs to get ahead on roster classes,” said NCSA Recruiting Coach Pat O’Malley.
The portal gives athletes greater freedom and allows coaches to recruit experienced players who may already have college-level development, strength training, and game experience.
“College rosters have gotten older,” said O’Malley. “College coaches will take JUCO, graduate student-athletes, and portal players over high school players in most cases.”
How Recruiting Strategies Have Shifted
As a result, recruiting strategies have shifted:
- Coaches may reserve some scholarship spots for transfers
- Recruiting timelines can move later in the cycle
- Roster turnover happens more frequently
- Competition for roster spots has increased
The transfer portal recruiting impact is especially noticeable in sports with larger roster sizes and higher transfer activity, including football, basketball and baseball.
What This Means for High School Athletes
For high school athletes, that means preparation, visibility and proactive communication matter more than ever. “Online presence is so crucial,” said O’Malley “Social media and your recruiting profile on NCSA is the key to starting dialogue in the current era.”
What Is the Transfer Portal and How Does It Work?
The NCAA transfer portal is a database that allows student-athletes to notify schools of their intention to transfer and communicate with other college programs.
Once athletes enter the portal:
- Other coaches can contact them
- Athletes can explore scholarship opportunities
- Schools can recruit transfer athletes directly
Athletes still must meet NCAA academic and eligibility requirements. Families can learn more through the below NCAA transfer rules and eligibility resources.
Helpful resources:
The portal affects recruiting because it creates an additional pool of experienced athletes for coaches to evaluate alongside high school recruits.
How the Transfer Portal Affects High School Recruiting
One of the biggest concerns families have is whether the portal reduces opportunities for high school athletes, especially as the value of a roster spot continues to rise with NIL (Name Image Likeness).
The answer is nuanced.
Coaches still recruit high school athletes heavily because they provide long-term roster development and multi-year potential. However, transfers can offer immediate experience and help address urgent roster gaps.
Here are some ways the portal has changed high school recruiting:
| Recruiting Shift | Impact on High School Athletes |
|---|---|
| Coaches recruit transfers for immediate needs | Some roster spots may fill later |
| Recruiting timelines can move slower | Athletes may need patience |
| Coaches prioritize verified performance | Measurables and film matter more |
| Increased roster movement | More competition for scholarships |
The key takeaway: High school athletes still earn scholarships every year, but they need a more strategic recruiting plan.
Does the Transfer Portal Reduce Scholarship Opportunities?
In some sports, the transfer portal can reduce available scholarships at certain programs, especially at the D1 level, because coaches may use part of their scholarship budget on experienced transfers.
“It hurts us because you’ve got coaches saying they’re not recruiting high school players,” one high-ranking basketball recruit told ESPN. “Of course, you’re going to take the 20-year-old over the 18-year-old but it’s like a grudge to work harder. You have to find the best fit for you.”
However, scholarship opportunities still exist across NCAA Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA and junior college programs.
Athletes should remember:
- Not every program recruits heavily from the portal
- Coaches still need incoming freshman classes
- Long-term athlete development remains important
- Smaller programs may prioritize high school recruits
Families should also understand that recruiting is highly sport-specific. Some sports experience more transfer activity than others.
Do College Coaches Prefer Transfers Over High School Athletes?
Not necessarily.
Many coaches view transfers and high school athletes differently because they solve different roster needs.
Transfers may provide:
- Immediate college experience
- Physical maturity
- Proven competition performance
High school recruits may provide:
- Long-term development upside
- Multi-year roster stability
- Program culture fit
- Greater developmental flexibility
Most programs still need a balance of both.
The important thing for recruits is understanding how transfer portal affects recruiting so they can adapt accordingly.
How Recruiting Has Shifted in the Transfer Portal Era
Faster Roster Turnover
Roster movement happens much faster than it did a decade ago. Coaches may not know exactly how many openings they’ll have until transfer windows close.
That can delay recruiting decisions for high school athletes and make it even more important to have a large list of schools at each level of play. “Players have to be open to all options – it’s not as clean-cut as it used to be,” said O’Malley.
Immediate Impact Players vs Long-Term Development
Some coaches prioritize athletes who can contribute immediately, especially at highly competitive Division 1 programs.
Meanwhile, many schools still recruit athletes they can develop over several years.
Increased Competition for Scholarships
The recruiting pool now includes:
- High school athletes
- Junior college transfers
- NCAA transfers
- International athletes
This creates more competition for available roster spots and scholarships.
What This Means for High School Athletes
The transfer portal does not eliminate opportunities for high school athletes, but it does increase the importance of preparation and visibility. “College athletics has NEVER been this talented,” said O’Malley. “It’s eliminated the fringe players and made it tougher on high school student-athletes.”
Athletes should focus on:
- Strong academics
- Verified athletic measurables
- Consistent communication with coaches
- High-quality highlight videos
- Broadening their school list
- Building relationships early
Families should also stay realistic and flexible throughout the recruiting process.
Should Athletes Change Their Recruiting Strategy?
Yes. In many cases, athletes should adjust their recruiting strategy to today’s environment.
That doesn’t mean panic. It means becoming more proactive.
Athletes should:
- Start researching schools earlier
- Contact college coaches consistently
- Keep profiles updated
- Be open to multiple divisions and levels
- Continue improving athletic measurables
Learn more about the college recruiting process.
Insider Tip: NCSA’s college match can help you find your best college fit.
How to Stand Out in a Transfer Portal–Driven Landscape
Stronger Highlight Video and Measurables
Coaches often evaluate recruits quickly. A strong highlight video and verified athletic data on your NCSA athlete profile can help athletes stand out immediately.
Athletes should include:
- Updated statistics
- Position-specific skills
- Verified times or measurements
- Recent competition footage
Earlier and More Proactive Outreach
Waiting for coaches to discover athletes is less effective than it used to be.
Recruits should proactively:
- Email coaches
- Attend camps
- Follow up regularly
- Share updated film and stats
Here’s a guide on how to contact college coaches.
Building Relationships With Coaches
Relationships still matter in recruiting.
Coaches want athletes who:
- Communicate professionally
- Respond consistently
- Show genuine interest
- Fit team culture
Creating a Complete Recruiting Profile
A complete recruiting profile helps coaches evaluate athletes quickly and efficiently.
Athletes should include:
- Academic information
- Athletic achievements
- Video
- Contact information
- Upcoming schedules
- Measurables
Create or update your NCSA recruiting profile to help coaches evaluate your information in one place.
Transfer Portal vs High School Recruiting: Key Differences
| Transfer Recruiting | High School Recruiting |
|---|---|
| Focus on immediate contribution | Focus on long-term development |
| College-level experience | Projected upside |
| Often later recruiting timeline | Earlier identification process |
| Proven performance against college competition | Evaluation based on potential |
| Typically older athletes | Developmental athletes |
Understanding these differences can help athletes set realistic expectations and plan effectively.
Action Plan for Recruits in Today’s Recruiting Environment
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Build a recruiting profile | Improves visibility |
| Create updated highlight film | Helps coaches evaluate quickly |
| Contact coaches proactively | Increases communication opportunities |
| Expand school options | Opens more recruiting paths |
| Maintain strong academics | Supports eligibility and admissions |
| Stay patient and flexible | Recruiting timelines may shift |
| Consider post-grad year | Gives athletes more time to mature + build stats |
How the Transfer Portal Fits Into the College Recruiting Process
The transfer portal is now part of the broader recruiting ecosystem, but it’s only one factor.
High school recruiting still matters because programs need:
- Future roster depth
- Athlete development
- Long-term contributors
- Culture-building recruits
Athletes who stay proactive, organized, and coachable can still find strong opportunities.
FAQS About the Transfer Portal and Recruiting
How does the transfer portal affect high school recruiting?
The transfer portal increases competition because coaches can recruit both transfers and high school athletes. Some programs may reserve roster spots for experienced transfers, which can change recruiting timelines and scholarship distribution.
Does the transfer portal reduce scholarship spots?
In some cases, yes. Certain programs may allocate scholarships to transfers instead of incoming freshmen. However, scholarship opportunities still exist across many divisions and schools.
Should recruits change their strategy because of the portal?
Athletes should become more proactive by communicating earlier, updating profiles consistently, and expanding their school lists.
Do coaches prefer transfers over high school athletes?
Not always. Transfers may offer immediate experience, while high school athletes provide long-term development potential. Most programs recruit both.
How can athletes stand out in a crowded recruiting landscape?
Athletes can stand out through strong academics, updated highlight videos, verified measurables, proactive communication, and a complete recruiting profile.
Final Thoughts: Adapting to the New Recruiting Reality
The transfer portal’s impact on college recruiting is significant, but it does not eliminate opportunities for high school athletes.
The recruiting process is evolving, and athletes who adapt strategically can still position themselves for success.
Families who understand how the transfer portal affects recruiting can make more informed decisions, stay realistic about timelines, and focus on the factors they can control.
The most successful recruits today are often the ones who stay proactive, organized, and visible throughout the process.
Student-athletes can also gain help from NCSA College Recruiting for the lifetime of their career – meaning that if they do want to enter the transfer portal during their college experience, they can utilize the same resources they used to get recruited the first time.
Next Steps: