What happens if you enter the transfer portal and don't get picked up: Deep dive into NCAA’s rule book

The NCAA Transfer Portal is one of the more thrilling aspects of the offseason in college sports. Talented players, for whatever reason, essentially become free agents.

They have the ability to change schools and can really shift the outlook of a program in that sport. However, it is not always the case as some players can overplay their hand.

However, there is a possibility of things completely going sideways and a player not being able to play after being in the transfer portal.

It is an almost impossible situation as some college program or the other is likely to be interested. Yet, if a player were to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal and no team picks him up, he would not be playing that season.

That does not mean he cannot go to school as they can transfer to be just a full-time student. But the athletic portion of the student will not be active there as they are not part of the school's respective program.

What changes took place regarding the transfer portal this offseason?

The NCAA Transfer Portal has gone through some changes over the last few years in particular. From changing the length of the transfer window to expanding eligibility requirements, there has been a lot of news in that regard.

Back in April of this year, there was a rule change in the NCAA Transfer Portal. Student-athletes who meet specific academic requirements are now immediately eligible for their new school, regardless of how many times a player has transferred.

Deputy athletics director at Florida and the chair of the council, Lynda Tealer discussed the move in a press release.

"With these rules changes, NCAA members continue to prioritize long-term academic success for college athletes who transfer, while supporting their opportunity to compete immediately. We hope that this practical approach to transfer eligibility requirement will encourage student-athletes to make well-informed decisions about transferring and the impacts such a move could have on their ability to graduate on time in their degree of choice." h/t NCAA

The NCAA Transfer Portal is bound to have little tweaks over the years. But it will be something to help students decide to switch schools for their own self-interests, no matter what it is.