The transfer portal with clear eyes

The portal is a tool, not a strategy. It works when there is a real reason — fit, role, academics, distance — and a clear next destination. It hurts when it's used reactively. If your athlete is considering the portal: confirm credits will transfer, talk to a current player at the new program in your position group, get every conversation about playing time documented, and run a clear-eyed depth-chart audit. The new program is rarely as different as it looks from the outside. Move on principle, not on a bad week.