The NCAA transfer portal is an online database, application, and compliance tool launched on October 15, 2018, to manage and facilitate the process for student-athletes seeking to transfer between member institutions. The transfer portal is an NCAA-wide database, covering transfers in all three NCAA divisions, although most media coverage of the transfer portal involves its use in the top-level Division I. Here are some key points about the NCAA transfer portal:

• Student-athletes can place their name in an online database declaring their desire to transfer by informing their current school of their desire to transfer.
• The transfer portal is a compliance system designed to create a more efficient transfer process for collegiate student-athletes, increase efficiency, and transparency so student-athletes can express their aspirations to college programs who are looking to add on talent.
• Once a student-athlete has decided they want to move on to a new school, they must contact a university compliance administrator who is required to submit that athlete’s name within two business days of the request.
• Coaches can set up a watch list of the people they want to track, and they can see in real-time who is looking to transfer.
• The portal is a password-protected NCAA database accessed through a web browser. The process of entering a player includes inputting their name, NCAA ID number, email address, phone number, sport or sports, and answering a list of questions.
• The portal is not a shortcut for the rest of the recruiting process. Coaches still have to recruit, and athletes still have to ensure theyre eligible to compete at a new school. The portal is simply a way to help the two sides connect more easily and earlier.
• The portal never closes, but the NCAA added transfer windows in 2022 to limit when athletes can enter.
• The transfer portal has completely changed the landscape for student-athletes who are looking to navigate the recruiting process.