Sports
Relax, new transfer portal opening Sunday not allowing free agency
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It was a move that, on paper, looked like it could upend college football’s summer when the NCAA allowed yet another transfer portal window.
It’s not that big of a deal or we would have heard something from Arkansas coach Sam Pittman or athletics director Hunter Yurachek by now. It’s not like they don’t have other stuff to worry about, either.
As the one-time transfer portal window opens on July 7, the mood across Power Four front offices is something less than anxious.
“Big nothing-burger,” one general manager told CBS Sports, summing up the expectations for the new 30-day window with a flatness that’s become the norm in recent weeks.
While the NCAA’s Committee on Legislative Relief billed the policy as a relief valve for players facing roster crunches, inside football’s most powerful programs, nobody is expecting fireworks.
The new transfer portal window, which runs through August 5, only applies to players labeled as “designated student-athletes” by their schools.
The catch? These aren’t the stars or even the key backups most fans debate on message boards. They’re largely walk-ons or, at best, end-of-roster scholarship players.
“No one of note will be entering during this window,” a high-ranking Power Four official told CBS Sports. “These are kids that we essentially don’t find good enough.”
The mechanics of the rule are simple. The one-time waiver allows schools to off-load players who would otherwise count against the new 105-player roster limit.
The old system capped scholarships at 85 but let teams stack walk-ons to fill depth charts. Now, with new legal settlements and evolving NCAA regulations, teams have to be more selective.
There won’t be as much buddy spots on the roster any more.
Schools have until July 6 to submit their lists of players and once designated, those players are free to seek opportunities elsewhere. The consensus is the schools have all the power on this one.
“(Players) don’t have any leverage,” said another Power Four general manager to CBS Sports. “During this time period, the schools have all the leverage.”
The NCAA’s rationale for the window is to allow compliance with the new 105-player roster limit and giving a fair shot to players squeezed out by roster math.
Few expect any really good players in position with NIL deals to force a team to designate them eligible to enter the portal.
The process is “at the school’s discretion.” If a player is out, it’s because the staff has decided so.
The timing of the window also works against major movement. By July, most teams have settled their depth charts. Fall camp is just weeks away.
Scholarships are spoken for, summer workouts are in full swing, and coaches are focused on refining schemes, not reshuffling rosters.
For the walk-ons and fringe scholarship players who do hit the portal, the odds of landing at a new FBS destination are slim.
The data from previous cycles shows it.
Of the 1,194 players who left Power Four schools during the last regular portal windows, only 42% signed with another Power Four program, and 31% dropped to the Group of Five. Many won’t find a new home at all.
This is the latest new rule for a college football landscape that has changed rapidly since the transfer portal’s debut in 2018.
It’s a tool for the Razorbacks to use and keep a strong roster, not a lifeline for players with options.
Sports
MIAC Athletes of the Week – December 15, 2025
Jake Schmitt
Gustavus Adolphus College
Jr. | Guard
Plymouth, Minn. / Wayzata
Jake Schmitt led the Gusties to a 95-80 win over Saint John’s on 12/10 with 24 points on 8-for-11 shooting while going 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Schmitt also had three steals, three assists, and three rebounds in the win.
MIAC Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Sam Koelling
Carleton College
Jr. | Forward
Ann Arbor, Mich. / Skyline
Sam Koelling averaged 9.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 23.0 points per game in a 2-0 week for the Knights with wins over Macalester (12/10) and Northwestern (12/13). Koelling had a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double with four blocks in Carleton’s win over the Scots and turned in 25 points, eight rebounds, and another blocked shot against the Eagles.
Sports
Ohio Volleyball Places Seven Athletes on 2025 Academic All-MAC Team
CLEVELAND – The Ohio volleyball team placed seven athletes on the 2025 Volleyball All-Mid-American Conference Team, as announced by the league on Monday, Dec. 15.
Eastern Michigan, Miami, and Western Michigan led the league with eight student-athletes honored. Ball State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, and Ohio followed behind with seven honorees each.
The Academic All-MAC honor is awarded to a student-athlete who has excelled in both athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests in that sport.
2025 Volleyball Academic All-MAC Team
Caroline Curran, Junior, Engineering Tech & MGMT (3.852)
Sierra Evans, Sophomore, Journalism News and Info. (3.457)
Olivia Gardner, Junior, Exercise Physiology (3.660)
Lexi Grissett, Sophomore, Marketing (4.000)
Kendall Hickey, Junior, Communication Studies (3.396)
Bryn Janke, Sophomore, Accounting & Finance (3.895)
Darbi Ricketts, Sophomore, Exercise Physiology – Strength & Conditioning (3.384)
#OUohyeah
Sports
Owls Dominate Cross Country Regional Honors
NORTH ATTLEBORO, Mass. – The Southern Connecticut State Univeristy cross country teams dominated the East Region year-end awards, selected by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The Northeast 10 champions, Jonathan Volpe and Courtney Henchcliffe, each were named region Athletes of the Year. Both also won the East Region and advanced with their teams to the NCAA Championships.
Coaches John Wallin and Melissa Stoll were each named East Region Coach of the Year. Brian Nill is the SCSU lead assistant for cross country.
The Owls dominated this fall, with the men becoming the first program in NE10 history to claim four consecutive NE10 championships. The women repeated as conference champs for the second time in three seasons, winning the school’s first title in 2023. Volpe’s individual crown was his second league title.
ABOUT THE NE10
The NE10 is an association of 10 diverse institutions serving student-athletes across 24 NCAA Division II sports. Together we build brilliant futures by embracing the journey of every student-athlete.
Each year, 4,500 of those student-athletes compete in conference championships in 24 sports, making the NE10 the largest DII conference in the country in terms of sport sponsorship. Leading the way in the classroom, on the field and within the community, the NE10 is proud of its comprehensive program and the experience it provides student-athletes.
Fans can subscribe via this link to follow NE10 NOW on FloSports this season. The partnership between the NE10 and FloSports works to provide funds back to the athletic departments of the Northeast-10 Conference in support of student-athletes while promoting the league on a national platform.
Sports
Five Golden Flashes Named to Volleyball Academic All-MAC Team
CLEVELAND — The Kent State volleyball program had five student-athletes earn Academic All-MAC honors, as the Mid-American Conference recognized a total of 78 student-athletes for their accomplishments this past season.
The Academic All-MAC honor is awarded to a student-athlete who has excelled in both athletics and academics. To qualify, a student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests that season.
FOLLOW KENT STATE VOLLEYBALL
For complete coverage of Kent State Volleyball, download the official Kent State Golden Flashes app (iOS, Android) and follow the Golden Flashes on social media on X, Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.
2025 Volleyball Academic All-MAC Team (Kent State honorees)
Greta Bolognini, Senior, Business Management
Hailey Brenner, Sophomore, Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology
Lesley Furuta, Sophomore, General Business
Mackenzie McGuire, Senior, Exercise Science
Nadia Miller, Sophomore, Exercise Science
Sports
Track & Field 2026 Home Meet Tickets on Sale Now

General admission and expanded seating options, including a new premium section located near the finish line to provide an upgraded view of the action, will be available for all six home meets.
Fans have two ticket options for each meet. Daily tickets are priced at $15 for non-premium general admission. Those wanting to be closer to the action can purchase premium seating for $25, located near the finish line with chairbacks included.
Group tickets will also be
available to purchase. For more information, please call the Houston Athletics Ticket Office at 713-462-6647 or via email at tickets@central.uh.edu.2026 HOME REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Jan. 10: Leonard Hilton Memorial Invitational
Jan. 30-31: Robert Platt Invitational
Feb. 13: Howie Ryan Invitational
March 19: Kirk Baptiste Invitational
April 17-18: Tom Tellez Alumni Invitational
April 29: Cameron Burrell Invitational
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Track and Field by providing NIL opportunities, purchasing tickets and by joining the Podium Club, which provides support directly to Houston Track and Field for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates on #HTownSpeedCity by following @UHCougarTF on X and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarTF or on the team’s Instagram page at @uhcougartf.
– UHCougars.com –
Sports
Men’s Volleyball Picked Sixth In MIVA Preseason Poll
The Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association has announced the 2026 preseason poll this morning with Lindenwood coming in at number six with 33 votes. The Lions were picked to finish ahead of Purdue Fort Wayne (24 votes), Northern Kentucky (19 votes), and Queens (16 votes).
Loyola Chicago was picked to win the conference as they received 73 votes (five first place votes) and right behind them is Ohio State with 68 votes (two first place votes). Rounding out the top five was Ball State (63 votes), Lewis (57 votes), and McKendree (52 votes). There were 12 players named to the 2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team with Patrick Rogers from Ball State being named the 2026 Preseason MIVA Player of the Year.
Lindenwood opens the season on January 9th at Long Beach State at 9 p.m. CT and MIVA play will start on February 4 at 7 p.m. in Hyland Arena against Loyola Chicago.
2026 Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Chicago – 73 (5)
2. Ohio State – 68 (2)
3. Ball State – 63 (1)
4. Lewis – 57 (1)
5. McKendree – 52
6. Lindenwood – 33
7. Purdue Fort Wayne – 24
8. Northern Kentucky – 19
9. Queens – 16
2026 Preseason All-MIVA Team (alphabetical by team)
Lucas Machado – Ball State
*Patrick Rogers – Ball State
Oguzhan Oguz – Lewis
Nico Paula – Lewis
Ryan McElligott – Loyola Chicago
Daniel Fabikovic – Loyola Chicago
Aleksander Sosa – Loyola Chicago
Yadiel Diaz – McKendree
Nate Flayter – McKendree
Stanislaw Chacinski – Ohio State
Shane Wetzel – Ohio State
Logan Muir – Purdue Fort Wayne
*Preseason Player of the Year
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