SportsFeature
Phillies' Justin Crawford has an inexplicable problem
Justin Crawford's speed can't compensate for his centerfield struggles with the Phillies.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
Sports
Eight college football teams most hurt by losing spring transfer portal window
TL;DR
Eight college football teams are significantly impacted by the loss of the spring transfer portal window, which typically allows for roster improvements. CBS Sports highlights these teams that usually benefit from player movement after offseason training.
Key points
- Eight college football teams were hurt by the loss of the spring transfer portal window
- Teams typically use the spring window to bolster their rosters
- Player movement often occurs after offseason training and spring practice
- CBS Sports provided a list of the affected teams
© Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There are eight college football teams that were hurt the most by the loss of the spring transfer portal window. CBS Sports provided the list!
These teams usually can take advantage of the second transfer portal window to bolster the roster and weâve seen a lot of player movement in the past after three months of offseason training and spring practice.
So letâs dive into which college football teams were hurt the most as the calendar shifted to one portal window. Weâll go with an intriguing pick to start.
Clemson
Funny enough, Dabo Swinney and Clemson were way more active in the transfer portal this cycle than theyâve ever been. The Tigers added 10 new players but did not address the most important position, QB.
Cade Klubnik is off to the NFL and Clemsonâs put their eggs in the Christopher Vizzina basket behind an inexperienced offensive line. With no spring portal, they have what they have in 2026.
Iowa
Iowa is as steady as any college football team every single year. Thatâs just the way Kirk Ferentz and crew operate.
However, no transfer portal window in the spring hurts Iowaâs ability to add talent on defense. The Hawkeyes have an inexperienced group that has just 4,995 career snaps at the FBS level combined. Thereâs a lot of âhopeâ with this crew rather than established production.
Iowa State
Jimmy Rogers has to do a lot to retool this program going into 2026. Matt Campbell took a good amount of Iowa State talent with him to Penn State.
A spring transfer portal couldâve helped here after going through 40 transfers and getting them acclimated after the first window. They canât go out and replace safety Braden Awls either, who came in from Toledo but tore his ACL in spring practice.
LSU
Lane Kiffin was a coach who was open about bringing the spring transfer portal window back following a few months in Baton Rouge. Thatâs just the way of the world these days as some coaches want to build or retool a roster in this fashion.
Like a lot of schools, LSU wants a proven track record for players. So if something doesnât work out for a prior transfer, the spring window allowed them to get in again and schools like LSU wouldnât miss a beat.
Ohio State
Ohio State brought a lot of production back, at least on offense, for 2026. But a spring transfer portal window mightâve allowed them to explore more options on defense after a lot of starters went to the NFL Draft.
Not only that, a second window couldâve been used to grab more offensive linemen for depth. The hope is the backups can develop more from now until the start of the season.
Tennessee
Tennessee couldâve been in hot pursuit for another quarterback in the spring transfer portal window. Instead, they are settling with Ryan Staub, George MacIntyre and freshman Faizon Brandon.
With a spring window, could Tennessee find a more experienced QB? Maybe. But the Vols will roll with what they have.
Texas
Texas bolstered its offense through the portal, such as with WR Cam Coleman through Auburn. Itâs all about the support cast and protection for QB Arch Manning.
But there are some questions when it comes to the depth of the offensive line. If injuries occur, Texas could be in trouble. Thatâs where a spring transfer portal window couldâve been handy for the Longhorns.
Texas Tech
Texas Tech built last year and this yearâs roster pretty much through the transfer portal. Theyâre not ashamed of it either!
The Red Raiders managed to win the Big 12 and get to the College Football Playoff last season with that model. The spring transfer portal window would have been great right now due to the uncertain status of prized acquisition Brendan Sorsby. The QB is away for an indefinite period of time to treat a gambling addiction.
Q&A
Which college football teams were most affected by the loss of the spring transfer portal window?
Eight college football teams were identified as being significantly hurt by the absence of the spring transfer portal window.
What is the significance of the spring transfer portal window for college football teams?
The spring transfer portal window allows teams to enhance their rosters through player transfers, which is crucial for team development after offseason training.
How does the loss of the spring transfer portal impact team performance?
Without the spring transfer portal, teams miss opportunities to acquire new talent, potentially affecting their competitiveness in the upcoming season.
What are the consequences of having only one transfer portal window for college football?
Having only one transfer portal window limits teams' ability to adjust their rosters mid-offseason, which can hinder their overall performance and depth.