Spring Transfer Portal 2025: Key Questions and Predictions for College Football

Spring Transfer Portal 2025: Key Questions and Predictions

As the spring transfer portal window approaches, college football teams and players are gearing up for a period of intense activity. The window, which opens on April 16 and closes on April 25, is shorter than in previous years but is expected to be just as chaotic. Here are the key questions and predictions for the 2025 spring transfer portal.

How Much Elite Talent Will Hit the Market?

Teams have spent millions in December to retain their returning players and win recruiting battles for portal pickups. However, the question remains: are these players actually locked in for 2025? Last year, the number of FBS scholarship players transferring in the spring window increased by almost 40%, with 896 players making moves. Personnel staffers are expecting a high volume of players entering the portal, but they are curious about how many proven high-value players will become available.

Will Any QBs Make Moves?

The quarterback market during the spring transfer window has been relatively quiet in recent years. In 2023, the biggest move was Payton Thorne leaving Michigan State for Auburn. The 2024 spring cycle wasn't much different, with few spring transfers earning meaningful playing time. However, the departure of Jacolby Criswell from North Carolina raises the question of whether Bill Belichick will attempt to bring in a proven quarterback this spring.

How Will the Revenue Share Cap Impact Spending?

The December portal window saw several Power 4 programs going on spending sprees to assemble top portal classes. However, with the upcoming revenue sharing cap, teams are now focused on managing their budgets more carefully. The House settlement, if approved, will allow schools to distribute up to $20.5 million to student-athletes during the 2025-26 school year. Staffers are expecting 75% or more of those funds to go to football, but they recognize that they won't be able to afford the same prices next year.

What's the Big Position in Demand?

Last year's spring portal cycle was especially profitable for defensive tackles. This year, offensive tackle might end up being the position in demand. Power 4 staffers were able to sign solid, experienced offensive tackles for around $600,000-$700,000 in December, but by the end of the cycle, demand outweighed the supply, and multiple tackles secured deals exceeding $1 million.

How Will Teams Cut Down to 105?

Another element of the House settlement impacting roster management for 2025 is the new 105-man roster cap. Teams will need to trim down to 85 scholarship players and 20 walk-ons, a process that will become a big discussion for coaching staffs at the conclusion of spring practice. The current expectation is that teams won't have to submit a final 105-man roster until the week of their season opener, allowing them to replace players who suffer preseason injuries.

As the spring transfer portal window approaches, these key questions and predictions will shape the landscape of college football for the 2025 season.