I stand corrected @SkipShot thanks! From site →
Graduate transfers are exempt from sport-specific transfer windows, meaning they can enter the transfer portal at any time during the academic year.
However, they must enter the portal by the conclusion of their respective sport’s final transfer window.
curious how you can play 2 years, take 3 off and come back year 6? I thought it was 4 of 5 years, from the start of enrollment?
Good question, rolled1. Although the normal rule is that an athlete must complete his/her four years of NCAA eligibility within five years from the start of his/her enrollment, I don’t think the 2020-21 academic year (the COVID-19 year) is counted in the calculation. If I’m correct, Naone’s 5-year eligibility period began in the fall of 2021, giving him one more year of eligibility.
With the roster limits in limbo, do you think the transfer portal will be active as it opens up tomorrow for 2 weeks? With the new possibility of a few more roster spots, could we see movement or will we see a bunch of kids who got cut, or are waiting to get cut if roster limits get approved, jumping in trying to find a spot for next year?
Good question. I suspect the May transfer portal is the reason we aren’t seeing many commitments from 2026 kids.
I assume that sport transfers have a fast path to admittance as it’s so late in the game to apply?
That would make sense, most academic transfer windows are closed. So if they don’t find a team they are stuck at their current school or take a gap year and transfer later.
I don’t think limited recruitment activity for the 2026 class appears to be related to the May transfer period. More likely, coaches are waiting to evaluate talent at the upcoming U20 World Championships in Croatia this June before making decisions. I anticipate we’ll see increased commitment activity following JOs.
From what we were told, NCAA regulations prevent coaches from extending formal written commitment offers until August 2025, though I’m not completely certain about the exact timing of these restrictions?
Interesting on April 23rd Judge Wilkens required a resolution on roster caps in two weeks or she will reject the settlement and go to trial. The transfer window timing may have been an impetus for the urgency.
U20 Worlds will be filled with players who would likely be in college already. While some foreign players might still be looking, the US team will likely be filled with college guys.
So the slow recruiting cycle for 2026 definitely doesn’t have anything to do with Worlds. It is almost entirely due to roster limitations and where the House lawsuit is headed.
I will say on the Men’s side, there are a lot more 5th and 6th year guys still playing which opens up more roster spots than on the Women’s side. Men also seem to be way more willing to transfer (but this could just be my perception, I haven’t actually counted).
I agree with your assessment, while also acknowledging the effects of ongoing legal battles over roster limitations. Though many U.S. players at the U20 World Championships may already be in college, the tournament represents a significant recruiting opportunity for coaches. International athletes competing there who aren’t already in the American collegiate system would have 4 years of NCAA eligibility if they choose to play in the U.S. This creates a substantial recruitment pool that coaches are likely monitoring closely before making decisions on 2026 domestic commits.
If my recollection is accurate, over the past decade, the majority of offers have typically been extended following the conclusion of the fall senior high school season. For the Class of 2025 offers arrived quite early (February of their junior year) and it was an anomaly rather than the standard practice. Considering the recent instances of rescinded offers, it may be prudent for coaches to adopt a more cautious approach and wait until the fall to extend their commitments.
William Whitstone in the portal
Toring Stanley in the portal
Dominic Brown in the portal
Tom Legget in the portal
Any predictions on where these players are going?
I am guessing they are hoping for a spot on a big 4 team. Tom and Toring should have a good shot if there is space…
Looks like Toring has 1 year left, Whitstone should have 2
Dom has 3 I think, Tom has 2.
Toring with his Brother?
Whitstone could be a big get for a few teams imo…Irvine, LBSU? or really anyone in need of a goalie and he could possibly be an upgrade for a few as well
Dom could help with some depth of big 4 type teams but could replace losses for some, etc
Not sure about Tom.