propman
Marshall has lost so many players (over 25) they were forced to withdraw from their Independence Bowl game. These smaller programs/conferences are turning into nothing more than developmental leagues to be poached from by the larger programs. Between transfers and NFL bound players opting out (as I imagine Sanders and Hunter will for Colorado), Bowl season has become a joke.

      rsvman2
      I agree, interest, and more importantly “money”, will wane. Hopefully the playoffs will expand sufficiently to make up any difference.
      I’m not sure how they fix the transfer portal issue … limit it to once? Or only once every two years? Lose a year of eligibility? Needs to be some kind of deterrent.

          sdandrea1 His jail time doesn't matter.....paid his dues, I guess?

          Absolutely paid his dues. Yes, what he had engaged in was deemed illegal. I believe it's also been 'sub-culturally' accepted as has a similar form of betting and entertainment - cock-fighting. Regardless, does this logically extend to one with ill-conceived morals/values? Once one pays their dues in a retributive system of justice, do they not receive a second chance? Was his prior behavior, 17 years ago, so reprehensible? He plead guilty and served his time. We elected an upcoming POTUS with how many convictions with no admissions of guilt and no sentencing. I'll just ask the question. What does this mean, about us, our society, and our culture? Anyone actually know a convicted felon who's served their time and subsequently made a contribution to our society?

              propman they could still enroll in classes if the portal opened after bowl games.

              Most schools are on the semester system and registration closes in December. I just looked at my alma mater (Arizona) and registration for Spring 2025 started on Nov 4th. This is why the portal season is when it is.

                  rsvman2
                  Bowl games aren't going anywhere. There's too much money in it for teh controlling bodies (NCAA and ESPN). The teams like it because they get an extra 15 days of practice and they help in recruiting.

                    propman they could still enroll in classes if the portal opened after bowl games.

                    Well, if academics don't matter a hoot. The Spring semester starts in early January. Say the player's transferring from PSU to LSU, what - commute?

                        azgreg I know that. Portal could still open after bowl games. How many students are we talking about per school who would actually enter the portal after enrolling in classes. Miniscule.

                            Stu1961 Needs to be some kind of deterrent.

                            Why? Because we, 'geezer's' are stuck in the traditional past - one of loyalty from the school to the player and the player to the school? That's not the world my adult children live in anymore. Even in the business, corporate, or employment world employers show little loyalty to their employees. Why should the employee display loyalty (not ethics or hard work) but loyalty to any employer who might lay them off tomorrow, with no warning?

                              propman Miniscule.

                              From ESPN: "The college football transfer portal officially opened for business Monday. There already have been more than 1,500 FBS scholarship players -- and almost 2,000 total FBS players -- enter their names into the portal."

                                  professor well reality is, the student/athlete who enters the portal is looking for more playing time. Academics might come in 2nd place as far as priorities.

                                      Interesting to know how many students actually follow thru and switch schools.

                                        propman Academics might be lower than second. They are looking for playing time, exposure, and mo' right now money. Some may just be trying to get to the school they originally wanted but didn't get an offer from, and and some may actually be trying to get to a better academic situation.

                                          propman
                                          The number of students is irrelevant. The timing of the portal periods is determined by the academic calendar. I think the best idea is just eliminate the winter portal period and have it after the Spring semester is over. What I don't know is what affect the new court rulings have in regards to the portal.