"It's a terrible system" - Lane Kiffin calls out college football transfer portal schedule for being active in regular season

College football coaches are facing a headache, with the December transfer portal window throwing wrenches into their playoff plans. Ole Miss Rebels coach Lane Kiffin called the system "terrible" and questioned what the consequences would be if the NFL were to have a free agency period before the playoffs.

Kiffin said that the current system lets players weigh options – stay, leave or explore – while the season still roars on. That creates a messy scenario where other coaches can swoop in and poach players even before the season has ended.

"It’s a terrible system... I wouldn’t think any other sports have ever set up a system where free agency starts while the season is still going," the Rebels coach was quoted as saying by On3.

“It would be like before the NFC or AFC playoffs start in a couple weeks, all of a sudden, hey, free agency the week before opens,” added Kiffin. “So you can start recruiting other people’s players and fly them on trips and get them to transfer. So really, in a really bad system."

Despite his strong words, Ole Miss has thrived in this very system, scooping up two top-five recruits. They snagged Walter Nolen, a former five-star, and the top two edge rushers, Princely Umanmielen and Tyler Baron.

The haul puts them at the top of the transfer class rankings, ahead of Colorado and Louisville. The transfer portal window slams shut on Jan. 2, except for teams playing in later bowl games, who get a five-day grace period.

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Lane Kiffin's Rebels rule the 2024 transfer portal

Hold onto your helmets, Ole Miss fans. The Rebels are dominating the 2024 transfer portal as of Dec. 24, grabbing the No. 1 spot in the national rankings.

They have roped in the following players:

• Antwane "Juice" Wells, the nation's No. 1 transfer wide receiver.
• Tennessee's two-year starting safety, Tamarion McDonald, has chosen Ole Miss.
• Deion Smith, the No. 1 JUCO wide receiver, is bringing his explosive talent to Oxford.
• Chris Paul Jr., the No. 1 transfer portal linebacker from Arkansas, is joining the Rebel defense.
• Key Lawrence, Oklahoma's safety commit, has also pledged his allegiance to the red and blue.

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Ole Miss is shaping up to be a real contender in 2024.