College basketball’s transfer portal is getting busy as the new season heats up. It’s a chaotic time when players switch teams and shape their careers. While there are many terms that help tag players in the transfer portal, one of the most curious ones among them is the “Do Not Contact” tag.
But what does it really mean for players and programs? Here’s a look.
Everything You Need to Know About the ‘Do Not Contact’ Tag in the NCAA Transfer Portal
The transfer portal opened on March 24, 2025, and Virginia junior guard Isaac McKneely was quick to enter.
Reported first by On3’s Joe Tipton, McKneely’s name hit the list with a twist: He’s got a “Do Not Contact” tag. This label means that McKneely will pick which schools he talks to and he’s not open to random calls from coaches.
In the past, that tag often meant a player already had a new school locked in. But now, it’s different.
Some players use it to funnel all talks through their agent. For McKneely, it doesn’t mean his next stop is set. He’s even keeping Virginia on the table for his final year.
The tag just gives him the reins.
McKneely’s a big deal in this portal class. He’s one of the best shooters to hit the ‘open market’ this cycle.
This season, he led the ACC with a 42.1% three-point shooting percentage on a whooping 7.5 attempts per game. Over his career, he’s hit 42.2% from deep, ranking second in Virginia history behind only Kyle Guy.
With 233 made threes, he sits fifth in program records. He’s played 98 games, started 66, and this year averaged 14.4 points and 2.9 assists.
The “Do Not Contact” tag isn’t a total shutdown. If Virginia Tech or any school still has his scholarship active, they can reach out. Plus, McKneely can call whoever he wants. It’s his move to make. This shift in how the tag is used shows that the player is taking charge of his placement.
Also Read: Noah Williamson Transfer Portal: Top 5 Landing Spots for the Bucknell Bison’s Center
So, in the end, the tag is a tool.
It can signal a done deal or just a preference for privacy. For a player like McKneely, it’s about steering his future. Coaches can’t flood his phone. He’ll decide who gets a shot at him.
As the portal spins on, that control could change how these transfers play out.
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