The NCAA Oversight Committee voted on Thursday to implement a singular transfer portal window in January. This proposed framework, subject to the Administrative Committee’s approval, will supersede the prior system allowing for two distinct transfer periods during the winter and spring.

The new window is set to commence on January 2 and will be open for a total of 10 days. For this change to be valid starting February 2026, the Administrative Committee must issue its final decision by October 1.

The timing of this window is noteworthy, as it aligns with the ongoing schedule of the 12-team College Football Playoff. If activated on January 2, 2026, the opening of the portal will occur shortly after the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.

This new 10-day transfer phase will also overlap with the semifinal matches scheduled for January 8-9 and conclude a week prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19. Previously, the dual-window system conflicted with the College Playoff, providing athletes another opportunity to transition following spring practice in April.

The new 10-day structure is markedly reduced from the current allowance of 30 days that players have to enter the transfer portal. Furthermore, the latest recommendation will establish the month of December as a recruiting dead period. It will also suggest delaying the date when student-athletes can first receive financial aid offers from August 1 to November 15 of their senior year in high school.