New NCAA proposals could reshape transfer penalties. Will the Miami Hurricanes' portal strategy face a crackdown or relief under altered rules?
The Miami Hurricanes are one of the top programs to benefit from the transfer portal as a resource. They have acquired a top-market quarterback for three consecutive years, with All-ACC Darian Mensah being the latest. However, there was legality behind his departure from the Duke Blue Devils, which resulted in a settlement.
There is criticism over the lack of structure around the transfer portal, but that could be changing. It was announced on Friday, March 20, that the NCAA Division I Football Subdivision Oversight Committee discussed a proposal to amend transfer portal penalties.
It would remove the requirement that a program found guilty of violations would have to cut five roster spots for the following season, regardless of whether the head coach responsible is still employed or not. Instead, the newly-proposed punishments would involve a head coach being suspended for six contests from all football (recruiting and on-field coaching) and administrative duties (team meetings).
Also, the program would be fined 20 percent of its football budget.
Last season, the transfer portal window went from Jan. 2-16, which fell during the Hurricanes’ College Football Playoff run. They lost several players, such as Nathaniel “Ray Ray” Joseph, Chance Robinson, Ny Carr, Joshisa Trader, Raul Aguirre Jr., Bobby Washington Jr., Amari Wallace, and others.
However, the program added talent for the upcoming season in Mensah, All-ACC Cooper Barkate, Vandrevius Jacobs, Cam Vaughn, Keona Davis, Jamal Meriweather, and Jarquez Carter, plus more.
The Hurricanes have relied on the transfer portal to build towards competitiveness. They acquired players who would make a direct impact on the team’s National Championship run, like quarterback Carson Beck, cornerback Keionte Scott, safety Jakobe Thomas, and wide receivers Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels.
The transfer portal revolves around athletes being students, rather than strictly as players. College sports have evolved into a business rather than just an opportunity to earn an education. There have been several players to enter it outside of the window due to its lack of structure. Adding stricter penalties would be a stepping stone in not allowing programs from adding players at any other point than the established dates.
The most recent dispute involving the Hurricanes and the transfer portal was ahead of the 2025-26 season for cornerback Xavier Lucas. He was previously with the Wisconsin Badgers, then decided to transfer after one year. However, the program refused to submit his name to the portal, forcing him to unenroll, then officially enroll at the University of Miami, which was legal.
The rules of the transfer portal have to catch up with the current state of college football.
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