When Cris Dishman was hired as Texas Southern’s football coach back in January, he faced a challenging situation. With the recruiting season coming to an end and signing day looming, Dishman and his new staff managed to put together a 24-member recruiting class primarily comprised of high school players, with a few junior college transfers sprinkled in. Despite the transfer portal being largely untapped, Dishman sees its value and importance in today’s collegiate sports landscape.
Dishman, a first-time head coach with limited experience in collegiate coaching, believes in empowering players to have the same freedom to move around as coaches do. In his view, it’s about being fair and acknowledging that players have the right to make decisions that are best for them, just like coaches do.
Despite his support for the transfer portal, Dishman also understands the importance of high school recruiting, especially at the FCS and HBCU levels. While seasoned players from the portal can provide immediate impact, high school recruits are essential for long-term success and program development.
Having a strategic approach is key for Dishman, who emphasizes the need for a balanced recruitment plan that considers both high school talent and transfer portal options. He believes in assembling a team that can address current needs while preparing for future success.
On the other hand, Grambling State coach Mickey Joseph prefers a more traditional approach, aiming for 85% of his recruiting classes to consist of high school players and 15% from the portal. He stresses the importance of thorough evaluation and development for portal transfers to ensure a smooth transition into the program.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach Alonzo Hampton follows a need-based recruiting strategy, focusing on positions that require immediate impact. Whether it’s high school recruits or portal transfers, Hampton prioritizes what will benefit his team the most.
For HBCUs, the transfer portal presents unique challenges, as bigger programs often poach talented players with greater resources. SWAC coaches like Kendrick Wade of Mississippi Valley State must adapt to this new reality, staying proactive and resilient in the face of player departures.
Ultimately, the transfer portal has reshaped the landscape of college football recruiting, forcing coaches to strike a delicate balance between high school talent and immediate impact transfers. As the game continues to evolve, successful coaches like Dishman, Joseph, and Hampton are adapting their strategies to navigate this new era of player movement.