How many transfers are too many? Why college athletes need a transfer limit

By Reese Johnson
Tombs County High School

For centuries, college athletics have been built on loyalty, but the transfer portal has decided to throw away the culture athletes across the country have dedicated their lives to creating. While athletes should have the opportunity to find the best fit for their academic and athletic careers, there should also be a line drawn on the number of transfers allowed. Without restrictions, it creates an environment of distrust and disloyalty .

Team bonds take time to be developed, and teams are unable to do that with the transfer portal. The culture of different athletic departments is beginning to be lost due to a lack of stability provided by the athletes. Coaches spend countless hours investing in athletes only to watch them leave after one season. Teammates who have bonds require chemistry and time spent together, but the transfer portal creates a space of wondering what your teammates’ next move will be. College teams were once about overcoming adversity united as a team, but now, once a conflict arises, the team scatters.

Another aspect of the game that the transfer portal has created is uneven playing fields. Larger schools have more influence over where a player goes due to having more resources and a greater opportunity for exposure. Smaller schools often become used as stepping stones for athletes to find their footing as they experience the college sports world for the first time. This creates harder playing situations for the smaller schools that are constantly having to rebuild their rosters during the offseason.

Supporters of an unlimited number of transfers for athletes argue that athletes should get the same access to transferring schools as academic students do. While that can be viewed as a fair point, Athletes have different privileges than regular students, such as, scholarships, training, and unique opportunities.

A limit of one to two transfers still allows athletes to seek better situations while still keeping the integrity of college sports.

College Athletics should consist of development, commitment and stability. The transfer portal has granted athletes with valuable opportunities, but unlimited transfers create unintended consequences. Setting boundaries with the amount of transfers per athlete can give athletes the freedom to find better opportunities while also keeping the culture of college sports. Finding the right balance is essential to preserving the future of athletics.