The transfer portal has been at the forefront of college sports conversation for the last few years. However, while coaches are able to earn benefits after they are relieved of their duties, college players do not get any benefits if they decide to transfer, and that is a problem.
Jimmy Dykes Responds to the Transfer Portal Explosion
While coaches and players can switch teams quickly today, only the coaches can earn benefits if they part ways with their school. ESPN college basketball analyst Jimmy Dykes recently stood up for players who could use some help after they decide to look for a new school.
“Buyouts for coaches leaving but over 1200 players leave with zero payback for free tuition, food, housing travel, clothing…”
Over 1200 CBB players have entered the portal in 2 days. 41 coaches have either been fired or chose to pursue another job. Buyouts for coaches leaving BUT over 1200 players leave with zero payback for free tuition, food, housing, travel , clothing, recruiting visit , massage,…
— Jimmy Dykes (@CoachJimmyDykes) March 26, 2025
Dykes is calling for players to be treated fairly, just as coaches are.
In today’s age, money is a very strong piece of collegiate sports and since both coaches and players are earning money, both should be fairly compensated after they part ways with their school.
Is Dykes Right About the Transfer Portal?
Given that both coaches and players are earning plenty of money nowadays, both deserve benefits from the school, even if they end up going to a new program. While coaches get buyouts and earn money in the process of losing their jobs, players don’t get the same kind of benefits.
That is something that might need to change moving into the future.
While players should not necessarily get money in a buyout, they deserve some kind of compensation for tuition, housing, travel, food, etc. At the end of the day, the players are still kids who don’t have professional jobs and who might not come from the nicest area or the wealthiest family.
KEEP READING: Is the Transfer Portal a Blessing or a Curse for CBB Players?
This is an opportunity for schools to step up and help student-athletes even if they are on their way out the door. Dykes’s social media posts make a lot of sense and are worth exploring more if schools and programs truly care about the well-being of their athletes.
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