College football has entered a period of unprecedented change, and at the center of it all is the transfer portal. Over 4,000 players, including more than 120 starters, entered the portal this past season, signaling their willingness to switch schools. For many coaches, this has created what Alabama’s Nick Saban calls “chaos.”

Saban and other top coaches, like Georgia’s Kirby Smart, argue that the current system rewards individual moves over team stability. Smart explained, “You’ve created a system that inherently rewards what defies a team concept, and in a team sport, it just makes no sense.”

The transfer portal overlaps with bowl games, coaching changes, and postseason recruiting. A high-profile example came this year when Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin left for LSU before the College Football Playoff. Six Ole Miss assistants were set to follow him, raising concerns about players being recruited away while their team was still competing. Saban cited this overlap as a major problem, calling it a matter of the “football calendar” rather than just the portal itself.

Saban’s Proposed Fix

Saban believes the solution lies in adjusting the college football calendar to create stability for players and coaches. His plan includes:

1. Move the transfer portal to May – Aligning the portal with the academic calendar allows teams to complete their seasons before players enter the portal, similar to how the NFL schedules free agency after the draft.
2. Shift offseason training to summer – Teams would work together after the portal opens, ensuring players are prepared for the season while maintaining team cohesion.
3. Finish the season with your team – By separating postseason play from transfer decisions and coaching changes, players would have the chance to complete the season without distractions or uncertainty about their future.

Saban believes these adjustments would prevent mid-season chaos, protect players’ development, and give teams a more predictable environment. “You can get your team together and work over the summer, just like an NFL team does,” Saban said.

While there are challenges to implementing this plan, including NCAA rules and potential legal issues, Saban’s proposal highlights the growing need for reform in college football. For players, coaches, and fans, a more structured approach could mean less uncertainty and more focus on the game itself.