How power programs like Texas have to navigate the transfer portal and NIL

The transfer portal, often referred to as “college free agency,” has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of college football recruiting. For programs, navigating the portal effectively requires strategic planning and a tailored approach based on budget, roster needs, and available resources.

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Power Four Strategy

In contrast, Power Four programs like Texas leverage the portal differently, prioritizing positional needs, cultural fit, and strategic budget allocation. Last offseason, Texas opted not to meet the steep NIL demands of high-profile defensive linemen like Damonic Williams and Jay Toia. Instead, they spread their NIL resources across multiple players, securing contributors like Bill Norton, Jermayne Lole, Andrew Mukuba, Silas Bolden, Isaiah Bond, and Matthew Golden. This approach allowed Texas to fill key defensive and team needs while maintaining its program’s culture and financial balance.

Group of Five Approach

For Group of Five schools, the transfer portal pitch often centers on development and opportunity. These programs adopt a model similar to junior colleges or Division II programs, emphasizing player growth and a pathway to the NFL. Financial limitations often restrict them to offering stipends, basic housing, or modest resources, leaving them unable to compete with the lucrative NIL deals offered by Power Four programs. For example, Boise State can offer more than many Group of Five schools but still falls short of matching the NIL packages provided by top-tier programs.

Evaluation and Decision-Making

Recruiting from the portal is fast-paced, requiring coaches to quickly assess a player’s fit and value. Evaluation goes beyond game film, delving into competition level, performance against common opponents, and advanced metrics. For example, when scouting a cornerback, coaches analyze third-down catches allowed, first downs conceded, explosive plays given up, and QBR against him. They also assess a player’s remaining eligibility, physical traits, and coachability to determine whether bad habits can be corrected.

In addition to on-field evaluation, understanding a player’s motives is critical. Many players view NIL as their “final payday” before the NFL—or a fallback if they don’t make it to the league. Coaches must discern whether a player is motivated solely by money or is genuinely invested in development and contributing to the program. Players with agents negotiating their deals often expose their priorities quickly. Some agents use one school’s offer to drive up the price elsewhere, leading players to commit to programs that don’t suit their scheme or culture. These mismatches often result in players re-entering the portal within a year.

The Sarkisian Approach

Steve Sarkisian and his staff excel in navigating the portal by avoiding “the money game.” If a player or agent uses Texas as leverage to negotiate a higher NIL deal elsewhere, the staff typically moves on to recruits who align with their culture and long-term goals. Sark emphasizes the holistic college athlete experience, valuing players who want to be developed for the NFL while contributing to the program in meaningful ways.

The staff’s approach extends beyond short-term gains, focusing on players who understand the bigger picture—using college as a stepping stone to the NFL rather than solely as an NIL cash grab. By maintaining this philosophy, Sark and his team avoid overpaying for talent and instead prioritize building a cohesive and committed roster.

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Ultimately, the transfer portal presents opportunities and challenges for programs across all levels. Success hinges on balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, navigating NIL dynamics, and identifying players who fit a program’s culture and system. The portal may feel like free agency, but programs that prioritize strategic planning, detailed evaluation, and cultural alignment—like Texas under Sarkisian—are best positioned to thrive in this new era of college football.