The Portal is Closed, But the Party Never Stops
As of January 16, 2026, the 15-day NCAA football transfer portal window has officially closed.
But here’s the thing: just because the door is locked it doesn’t mean the rosters are set. Think of it like a bar at 2:00 AM—they aren’t letting anyone else in, but there are still plenty of people closing out their tabs deciding whose house they’re going to for the after-party.
The Quick Rulebook Review: Entry vs. Commitment
Let’s clear things up for anyone who skipped orientation. The January 16th deadline only means players can no longer enter their names into the database to be contacted by other schools. If a player is already in the portal, they are essentially free agents in limbo. They can take their time, visit campuses, and sign whenever they want—though most will scramble to enroll by late January to make it in time for spring ball.
The Roster Musical Chairs Recap
If you haven't been checking your notifications every five seconds, here’s the TL;DR:
The Quarterback Carousel: It’s been wild. Sam Leavitt (the portal's top-ranked QB) is taking his talents to LSU to play for Lane Kiffin, while Dylan Raiola is trading Nebraska red for Oregon green. Meanwhile, Indiana snagged Josh Hoover to replace their Heisman winner, and DJ Lagway is reportedly Baylor-bound.
Big Time Moves: Big Ten rushing leader Justice Haynes is heading to Georgia Tech, and Texas just handed Arch Manning a new favorite target in five-star WR Cam Coleman.
The SEC Exodus: Over 400 players from the SEC entered the portal this window alone. It’s essentially a league-wide rebranding at this point.
No Fans, There’s No Transfer Portal for You
Here’s the thing: while your favorite QB can pack his bags for a better NIL deal or a fresh start in Eugene, there is no transfer portal for fans.
When your team drops a heartbreaker on a missed field goal or your star defender enters the portal on a Tuesday morning, you don’t get to just "opt out" and join a winning fanbase. You’re strapped in for the ride—still wearing the jersey, still screaming at the TV, and still showing up to the tailgate.
If You Can't Leave, You Might As Well Get Paid
Since you’re essentially "locked in" for life, Wunderfan is here to make sure that emotional labor actually pays off. If your team is going to put you through the ringer, the least you can do is get a free burrito out of it.
Watch-to-Earn (W2E): If you're going to suffer through another rebuilding season on your couch, use our AI photo recognition to prove you're watching. Every snap you sit through earns you "Wunder" points.
Attend-to-Earn (A2E): Show up to the stadium and check in using the Wunderfan app. Your phone will earn you rewards while you’re losing your voice.
Pick ‘Em Contests: Think you know which portal-heavy roster is actually going to gel? Put that knowledge to work in our Pick ‘Em section. It’s not gambling—just rewards for being right.
The players might be moving on, but your loyalty doesn't have an expiration date. Stop giving your passion away for free and start turning those "fan moments" into gift cards from brands you love. Download Wunderfan today—our entry period never closes!