College athletics has changed dramatically in the last few years, but no shift has been bigger—or more disruptive—than the rise of the transfer portal. What was originally designed to give college athletes more control over their careers has now become a shortcut for college coaches… and a roadblock for high school recruits.
The truth is simple: the transfer portal has made college coaches prioritize winning right now. And when “win now” becomes the only goal, the first group pushed to the back of the line is high school athletes.
Why Coaches Lean on the Portal
For college coaches, the transfer portal is tempting. Instead of spending years developing a freshman, they can grab a 20- or 21-year-old with college experience, a college-ready body, and proven statistics. That means:
- Less risk
- Faster production
- Immediate impact
If you’re a coach who needs to save your job or turn a program around quickly, the portal looks like the easiest path.
And that’s the problem.
High School Athletes Are Getting Squeezed Out
College coaches only get so many roster spots and scholarship dollars. Every time they use one on a transfer—an athlete who walks in already prepared—it’s one fewer chance for a high school senior.
High school recruits are feeling it every season:
1. Fewer Offers
Coaches hold spots open until the portal settles. Many wait until after bowl season, after the NCAA tournament, or after conference championships to see who becomes available.
High school athletes are told to “be patient,” but patience doesn’t help when the roster is full in February.
2. Delayed Recruiting Timelines
Athletes who used to commit early are now being forced later and later into the year. Not because they aren’t good enough, but because coaches want to see what upgrades hit the portal. This is why building relationships with the right college coaches early on is so important.
3. Smaller Freshman Classes
In some programs, freshman recruiting has become an afterthought. The incoming freshman class has decreased dramatically. Coaches are filling those spots with transfers.
4. Development Is No Longer a Priority
The age of the long-term project is fading fast. Coaches don’t want to develop talent—they want talent that is already developed.
If you’re a high school athlete who is raw but has potential? That used to be exciting to coaches. Now it often gets you passed over.
The Portal Rewards Experience, Not Potential
A high school athlete has video, stats, and projection.
A transfer has college film, college stats, and maturity.
Coaches trust what they can verify—and the portal gives them “safer bets.”
That’s why high school recruits must approach the process differently today. You can’t rely on old timelines or old expectations. You need:
- Exposure early and often
- Verified data (metrics, film, events)
- Contact with the right coaches at the right levels
- A realistic, targeted recruiting plan—not wishful thinking
The high school athlete who says, “Coaches will find me when it’s my turn,” gets left behind.
The athlete who get identified and evaluated early still has opportunities, they just can’t sit back and wait anymore.
Coaches Can “Win Now,” But Athletes Need to Think Long-Term
The transfer portal has shifted the mentality in college sports. Coaches want results today. They’re not building five-year plans; they’re building next-season rosters.
High school athletes must get evaluated honestly, communicate clearly, and find programs that still invest in high school talent.
Because while the college coach may be thinking about winning this year… the high school athlete has to think about the next four.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.