Transferring from FCS to FBS: Navigating the Transfer Portal and Grad School

Transitioning from an FCS (FCS stands for Football Championship Subdivision) program to playing for an FBS (FBS stands for Football Bowl Subdivision) team at the graduate level can be a complex endeavor, and the NCAA transfer portal plays a crucial role in this process. This article explores the intricacies involved in such a transition, including the necessary steps, eligibility requirements, and the player's journey through the transfer portal.

Understanding the Transfer Portal

The NCAA transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to transfer to another college institution, but only if they have remaining eligibility. This process gives universities a way to identify and contact eligible transfers, and empowers athletes to explore their options outside of their current school. To navigate this process successfully, an athlete must carefully follow the guidelines and consult with their current school’s compliance officer.

Navigating an Exceptional Situation

The transfer portal is often used to move from one college to another, but certain situations can make the process more complicated. An example of such a situation is when a student-athlete graduates from an FCS program and subsequently attends graduate school at an FBS institution. This combination of events requires careful planning and attention to detail.

For instance, consider the case of Russell Wilson. After graduating from North Carolina State University, Wilson attended the University of Wisconsin for graduate school and played for the Badgers. This unique scenario illustrates how such cases may be addressed on a case-by-case basis due to their exceptional nature. With the gradual increase in eligibility rules by the NCAA, this situation is likely to become more commonplace in the future.

Eligibility and the NCAA Transfer Rules

For an FCS player to have a chance to play at the FBS level post-undergrad, they must first ensure they have remaining eligibility. The NCAA Regulations provide several scenarios where a player can gain additional eligibility, such as taking a medical redshirt year or receiving a hardship waiver. However, the most common scenario would be the player having a transfer eligibility still remaining.

When considering a transfer, athletes should be aware of the following key points:

Remaining college eligibility: Players must have at least one year of eligibility remaining to play at the FBS level. Academic standing: Athletes typically need to maintain a certain GPA and sometimes complete specific academic requirements. Contacting compliance officers: It’s essential to discuss the potential transfer with the compliance officer at the current institution before making any decisions. Understanding the FCS to FBS timeline: The transition should be planned well in advance to ensure the transfer occurs during the player’s final undergraduate or graduate year.

Players and their families may find the following resources particularly useful:

NCAA Compliance Handbook - A comprehensive guide to NCAA regulations. NCAA Division I Eligibility Center - Provides resources for student-athletes to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

What to Do if You're in This Situation

If this scenario applies to you, the best course of action would be to:

Contact the NCAA directly to clarify your eligibility status. Speak with your current school’s coach or athletic director to get guidance. Seek advice from a professional or experienced advisor who is familiar with the NCAA rules. Thoroughly review and understand the NCAA transfer portal and its processes.

Conclusion

Transitioning from an FCS program to an FBS team post-graduation is a unique situation that often requires navigating the NCAA transfer portal. With careful planning, compliance with NCAA rules, and leveraging the right resources, athletes can explore such opportunities. The case of Russell Wilson and others like him illustrates that the process can be challenging but manageable if approached with the right knowledge and preparation.

For further guidance and information, athletes and their families should refer to the NCAA’s official resources and consult with compliance officers at their current and potential future schools.