The NCAA transfer portal has transformed college athletics, allowing student-athletes to pursue better playing opportunities, team fits, or academic options. Every year, thousands opt in, seeking a new beginning. Once in the portal, a player becomes visible to other programs for recruitment.
However, the process isn’t without risk. Declaring for the portal means relinquishing a guaranteed spot on the current roster. While the system offers more autonomy and mobility, not every athlete finds a new home, leaving some without a team, scholarship, or clear path forward if they aren’t picked up.
The Fallout for College Athletes Not Recruited Through the Transfer Portal
For athletes who enter the NCAA transfer portal and aren’t recruited by a comparable program, their future paths can differ drastically. One common outcome is transferring to a lower competition level, such as NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA, or junior college (JUCO).
However, some athletes find themselves without an athletic home. In these cases, they may lose their scholarship entirely and face the prospect of funding their education independently if they wish to remain at their original school or transfer as a student.
The risks are particularly high for college basketball players. Once they enter the portal, their current school is no longer obligated to retain them on the team or scholarship. Many programs quickly recruit replacements, leaving unchosen players without a team or financial aid.
In rare cases, a player may return to their original school, but this is increasingly uncommon. Without a suitable offer, some may see their careers end prematurely, while a few might explore professional or overseas options.
Can Unsigned Transfer Portal Athletes Return to Their Old Teams?
Unsigned athletes in the NCAA transfer portal may have the option to return to their original teams, but it’s not a common outcome. Once a player enters the portal, their current school is under no obligation to retain them on scholarship or guarantee a roster spot.
Coaches often act quickly to recruit replacements, making it difficult for athletes to rejoin their former teams.
In 2021, only half (50%) of the 9,567 athletes who entered the transfer portal enrolled at another NCAA school, while 43% either continued searching for opportunities, transferred to non-NCAA schools, or left their sport altogether.
The remaining athletes withdrew from the portal. While returning to the original school is an option for some, it is contingent on factors like the coach’s decision, roster needs, and academic considerations.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Figures from 2022 revealed that about 11% of Division I athletes withdrew from the portal, indicating that some do return to their teams. However, entering the portal carries significant risk.
Once a player declares, they risk losing their scholarship and, in many cases, may struggle to find a new home. The increasing number of athletes entering the portal each year makes this a growing concern.
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