The NCAA Soccer Transfer Portal Windows for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

The transfer portal has become one of the most talked about parts of college sports, and soccer is no exception. For players and families trying to understand how transfers actually work, it helps to start with what the portal is and why it exists.

The transfer portal is the NCAA’s official online system where student athletes can declare that they want to explore opportunities at other colleges. Once a player enters, coaches at other programs are allowed to contact them. This creates a transparent process, gives athletes more control, and removes the old problems of quiet conversations and unclear rules.

How a Student Athlete Enters the Portal

To enter the portal, the athlete must notify their school in writing that they want to be entered. This is usually done by emailing the school’s compliance office. Once compliance receives the written request, the school has up to two business days to officially place the athlete into the transfer portal. When the athlete appears in the system, other coaches can legally reach out. Until that moment, no outside coach is allowed to initiate contact.

For Division I men’s and women’s soccer, the NCAA uses specific entry windows each year. These windows control when players are allowed to put their names into the system.

Fall 2025 Division I Transfer Portal Windows

• Women’s Soccer: November 17 to December 17, 2025

• Men’s Soccer: November 24 to December 24, 2025

Both windows run for thirty days and open shortly after Selection Monday. This timing gives players the option to explore transfers once their seasons have officially ended.

Spring 2026 Division I Transfer Portal Window

• One shared window for men’s and women’s soccer that lasts for fifteen days beginning May 1, 2026.

  This window offers a second opportunity to enter before summer workouts and preseason planning begin.

What Happens If a Coach Is Fired or Leaves

There is an important exception that often gets overlooked. If a head coach is fired or leaves the program, Division I athletes are allowed a special thirty day window to enter the portal, even if it is outside the normal dates. This rule helps protect players during major leadership changes.

What About Division II

Division II uses a much more flexible system. There are no restricted windows, so D2 athletes can enter the transfer portal at any time during the year.

Understanding these rules, windows, and exceptions makes it far easier for players and families to navigate the transfer process with confidence. If you want, I can also put together a shorter social media version or a simple infographic to go with this. If you need any help with your transfer process, feel free to fill out the form here and someone from the SRUSA team will get in touch. Or feel free to email us office@sportsrecruitingusa.com