G5 is under siege, according to the winter transfer portal winners and losers.
The Transfer Portal in college football has become a critical element in shaping the landscape of the sport. Coaches, players, and fans alike have come to accept that player movement is a key factor in determining team success, as athletes seek new opportunities for playing time, exposure, or financial gain. This shift in college football dynamics has particularly affected Group of Five (G5) programs, which are seeing both opportunities and challenges in this evolving environment.
The winter period of the transfer portal is always a time of heightened activity, with teams scrambling to fill needs, strengthen their rosters, and adjust to the new reality of college football recruiting. Some teams emerge from this period as clear winners, having filled key gaps or added significant talent, while others fall behind as they lose players to larger, more financially resourced programs.
This piece delves into how the Group of Five (G5) programs are facing an uphill battle during the winter transfer portal season, as well as which programs have managed to come out on top and which ones find themselves on the losing end of the portal’s tumultuous tide.
The Growing Divide: Power Five vs. Group of Five
In recent years, the difference in resources between Power Five (P5) programs and Group of Five (G5) programs has grown increasingly pronounced. P5 programs, particularly those in the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12, have access to significantly more funding through media rights deals, sponsorships, and alumni support. This financial advantage allows them to offer better facilities, coaching staffs, and recruiting capabilities compared to G5 schools, which often operate with smaller budgets and less overall exposure.
The rise of the Transfer Portal has exacerbated this divide, as it has made it easier for players to move between schools, seeking better opportunities and exposure. P5 schools have become the primary destination for G5 players looking to upgrade their careers, while G5 programs are finding themselves constantly fighting an uphill battle to keep their top players and compete for transfer portal talent.
Many of these top G5 players have become hot commodities in the portal, attracting the attention of Power Five programs with deep pockets and winning traditions. As a result, G5 schools have been forced into an aggressive and often reactive position, trying to rebuild their rosters as quickly as possible to remain competitive while watching the talent pool get picked apart.
Winter Transfer Portal Winners: G5 Schools that Beat the Odds
While many Group of Five schools are grappling with a shifting roster and uncertain futures, there are a few programs that have managed to turn the winter transfer portal to their advantage. These schools have either managed to hold on to key players or have recruited wisely, ensuring that they remain competitive and continue to improve.
1. Tulane University
Tulane, the AAC champions, has been one of the most significant winners during the winter transfer portal period. After a memorable season that saw the Green Wave claim a New Year’s Six bowl victory, Tulane has continued to bolster its roster with strategic transfer portal additions.
The Green Wave’s ability to keep key players and bring in valuable additions from the portal showcases their growing strength and momentum. Under head coach Willie Fritz, Tulane has built a reputation for developing players and competing at a high level despite its smaller budget. This ability to effectively recruit from the portal and retain talent is a testament to the stability and momentum that Tulane has built over the past few seasons.
In particular, Tulane successfully secured a few key transfers in offensive line and defensive back positions, both of which were critical areas of need. With Michael Pratt, their star quarterback, returning, Tulane is poised to continue challenging in the AAC and beyond. The program has proved that a combination of great coaching, smart recruiting, and player retention can help them thrive in the face of portal challenges.
2. University of North Texas
North Texas has also emerged as a significant winner from the transfer portal in the winter cycle. Under head coach Seth Littrell, the Mean Green has been steadily improving and continuing to make noise in the C-USA. North Texas was able to snag several key transfers to fill out its roster, including help on the offensive line and a few key pieces in the secondary.
In a season that saw North Texas show promise in several areas, they were able to use the portal to plug gaps in areas that needed immediate improvement. By adding depth in the trenches, North Texas aims to build a more complete team that can compete with both in-conference rivals and more high-profile non-conference opponents.
In particular, their ability to lure talented offensive linemen from power programs gives the Mean Green an immediate upgrade in the physicality department. North Texas’ success in the transfer portal this offseason should allow them to continue competing for championships in Conference USA, as well as positioning themselves for potential future moves as conference realignment continues to reshape the landscape of college football.
3. Memphis University
Memphis has consistently been one of the stronger programs in the AAC, and this winter’s transfer portal season was no different. Despite facing some roster turnover, Memphis has shown resilience and acumen in leveraging the portal to fill gaps and continue its upward trajectory.
Head coach Ryan Silverfield has capitalized on the opportunity to add talented players to a defense that has long been one of the program’s strong suits. With additions from both Power Five and G5 programs, Memphis has improved its defensive depth and strength. Moreover, the addition of some key pieces to the offensive skill positions will help them stay competitive in the high-scoring nature of the AAC.
Memphis has a rich tradition of success, and their ability to make the most of the transfer portal could give them the extra push needed to compete for an AAC championship. The Tigers are certainly in a good position to continue challenging for titles and bowl games in the coming seasons.
Winter Transfer Portal Losers: G5 Schools Struggling to Keep Up
While some programs have been able to turn the portal into an opportunity, others have found themselves on the losing end of this winter’s transfer market. G5 programs, in particular, are often left scrambling when their star players decide to enter the portal, especially if they are unable to replace them with quality talent.
1. Boise State University
Boise State, a perennial powerhouse in the Mountain West, has faced a difficult offseason in terms of retaining its talent. Despite a strong recruiting class and consistently solid performances, Boise State has struggled with a significant number of transfers out, including some key contributors on both sides of the ball.
In particular, the Broncos have seen multiple key players depart for programs in Power Five conferences. This exodus of talent, combined with the difficulty of replenishing those losses with comparable talent, has made this offseason a tough one for Boise State. Losing experienced players in important positions, such as the quarterback and wide receiver positions, will undoubtedly affect the team’s ability to compete at a high level in the Mountain West in 2025.
Despite these challenges, Boise State will have to rely on its rich history of player development and its ability to identify talent that might not be immediately on the radar of bigger programs. However, this winter’s transfer portal activity has exposed some of the gaps in the Broncos’ roster.
2. UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio)
After a magical run in recent seasons, UTSA has been hit hard by the transfer portal this winter. Having built a program that can contend in the Conference USA and secure high-profile wins, the Roadrunners were expected to maintain their momentum heading into 2025. However, several key players, including some star offensive linemen and defensive backs, have departed for bigger schools.
Jeff Traylor, the head coach of UTSA, has done an excellent job building the program up from the ground, but this offseason has shown how challenging it can be to retain talent in a portal-heavy world. As UTSA looks to replace several key contributors, they will need to be strategic in recruiting and filling out their roster to ensure they don’t lose the ground they have gained.
3. FAU (Florida Atlantic University)
Another program feeling the sting of the transfer portal is Florida Atlantic University (FAU). After a successful campaign in 2024, FAU saw several key players leave for higher-profile schools. The loss of talent on both sides of the ball could put the Owls in a precarious position as they aim to compete in a rapidly improving C-USA.
The departure of star players and the inability to fully replace them with players of equal caliber could significantly hinder FAU’s ability to repeat its success. The Owls will need to be proactive in rebuilding their roster and find ways to continue to build on the progress they’ve made under head coach Willie Taggart.
The Transfer Portal’s Double-Edged Sword
The winter transfer portal season has once again showcased the volatility of college football, especially for Group of Five (G5) programs. While some teams have managed to turn it into an advantage by adding key players and maintaining stability, others have been forced to watch as their top talent heads to bigger programs, leaving them scrambling to rebuild.
For G5 schools, the challenge is clear: in a world dominated by the financial advantages of Power Five programs, keeping and attracting talent from the transfer portal is increasingly difficult. However, the best G5 teams have shown that with smart recruiting, a strong program culture, and the right coaching, they can remain competitive and continue to challenge in the ever-evolving college football landscape. As the transfer portal continues to reshape the future of the sport, G5 teams will need to adapt quickly or risk falling further behind.
