Alabama football head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed his support for a new proposal aimed at streamlining the transfer portal process. This proposal, which gained unanimous approval from FBS coaches at the American Football Coaches Association’s recent convention, must still navigate through the Football Oversight Council and the NCAA’s Division I council before it can become a rule.
The key aspects of this proposal include the elimination of the spring transfer window for undergraduates and the reduction of the postseason transfer window from 20 days to 10, with a shift to January. DeBoer believes that having a single, shorter window would reduce confusion and provide a clearer understanding of team rosters earlier in the year.
Currently, the transfer portal’s 20-day window overlaps with December’s postseason bowl preparations for many teams. Although players have a brief additional window after their seasons end, DeBoer sees potential benefits in aligning the transfer process more closely with team development efforts.
Alabama will kick off its spring football practices leading up to the April 12 A-Day game in Tuscaloosa, marking the start of DeBoer’s second season at the helm. Despite these practices, the roster could still see changes, as the transfer portal is set to open again from April 16 to April 25. If the new proposal is approved, the changes will take effect in 2026.
DeBoer emphasized the importance of aligning the development process for the team and its players. The most recent transfer portal window saw Alabama lose key players such as offensive tackle Elijah Pritchett, wide receiver Kendrick Law, and defensive back DeVonta Smith. However, the Crimson Tide also made significant additions, including former Miami wideout Isaiah Horton, Texas A&M offensive lineman Kam Dewberry, and Utah cornerback Cam Calhoun.
Alabama is set to open the 2025 season on August 30 in Tallahassee, where they will face Florida State.
