Power Four programs enter 2026 spring practice without second transfer portal window
From Clemson to Texas Tech, elite programmes face depth issues and injury crises without the luxury of a follow-up recruitment period
College football programmes entered spring practice in 2026 without a second transfer portal window, a regulatory change implemented to deter post-spring tampering. This single-window cycle has forced teams to address depth issues, injuries, and roster misfires through internal development rather than external recruitment. While coaches overwhelmingly supported the move, spring evaluations have exposed significant gaps that previously could have been patched later in the offseason.
Several Power Four schools, including Clemson, Iowa, Iowa State, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas, and Texas Tech, are struggling with roster gaps at key positions such as quarterback and offensive line. The elimination of the second window prevented teams from recruiting transfers after spring practice began, leaving programmes to rely heavily on junior college transfers and unproven players to fill voids.
Clemson, despite being the most active in the transfer portal since its existence, added just 10 newcomers and failed to address two major concerns. The Tigers are banking on Christopher Vizzina as the new starter at quarterback but are relying on minimal returning experience to stabilise the offensive line after losing four starters. Similarly, Iowa enters the season with fewer career FBS snaps on its defensive roster than any other Power Four defence, forcing coordinator Phil Parker to retool with significant reliance on projection rather than proven production.
Iowa State faces a notable void in the secondary after projected starter Braden Awls tore his ACL during spring practice, ending his season. Under new coach Jimmy Rogers, the Cyclones have rebuilt through more than 40 incoming transfers, but the loss of Awls leaves a significant gap in a group that was already trying to come together quickly.
Tennessee lost opportunities to secure experienced quarterbacks after the winter portal closed, having been outbid for top prospects like Sam Leavitt and Ty Simpson. The Volunteers now face an offseason battle between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre and five-star true freshman Faizon Brandon, with no chance to re-engage the market for a veteran option.
Texas Tech is left to sort through internal options after Brendan Sorsby's availability is questioned due to an off-field betting investigation. With Will Hammond returning from a torn ACL and Kirk Francis being the only other quarterback with FBS experience, the Red Raiders cannot utilise a spring portal search for insurance.
Ohio State and LSU also face depth concerns, with the Buckeyes worrying about the ceiling of their offensive line and LSU relying on a junior college cornerback after an injury thinned their roster. The consensus among these programmes is that a spring transfer portal window would have allowed them to explore more proven options to stabilise key spots.
