The transfer portal works both ways, but losing talent to upward mobility can hit especially hard in the FCS. Developing hidden gems, only for them to transfer up, is a hard reality for many programs. Grambling State coach Mickey Joseph, though understanding of the college football business that is roster management, proposed a compromise to help schools that lose talent in the transaction: a buyout.

“Coaches have been doing it for years, so we shouldn’t get mad as coaches when these kids make decisions to take care of their family,” Joseph said. “But I also think there needs to be a buyout. If they move up from me and go to Group of Five or Power Five, I should get kind of a compensation for that. So, NCAA, if you’re listening to me, I need a buyout.”

Exactly who pays it: TBD.

Grambling State has seen a handful of its top players make the jump this offseason, including Defensive lineman Michael Garner signing with Wisconsin and linebacker Andrew Jones enrolling at Ole Miss.

Joseph, entering his second year at Grambling State, previously served as a quarterback and assistant coach at Nebraska.