Well now, folks, let me tell ya somethin’ ‘bout them Duke football players, ‘cause it seems like every time ya blink, there’s a whole bunch of ‘em makin’ their way into the transfer portal. Y’all might be wonderin’ what that is, and lemme tell ya, it’s like a big ol’ sign-up list where college players put their names down if they’re lookin’ to move to a new team. Ain’t no secret about it, this thing’s been happenin’ more and more these days, especially after the coaches change up, like when Mike Elko left Duke, and folks was lookin’ for a new spot to play.
Now, I don’t know much ’bout all them fancy rules, but I do know that every year more and more players is packin’ their bags and signin’ up. Like back in 2023, there was quite a few from Duke who packed up and made their way into that there transfer portal. It was big news, especially when a fella like Jordan Waters, a good ol’ running back, decided to leave. He’d been with Duke for a while, but it looked like he wanted to try his luck somewhere else. That happens a lot when players ain’t gettin’ the playin’ time they want, or maybe they feel like it’s time to move on to bigger and better things.
So, what is this Transfer Portal all about?
Well, the Transfer Portal’s just a fancy way of sayin’ that college players are givin’ notice that they’re lookin’ for another team. Once they throw their name in there, coaches from all over the place start callin’, tryin’ to get ‘em to join their squad. Ain’t no promises though; just ‘cause ya get into that portal don’t mean you’re gonna get picked up. But, there’s a lotta players in there, and some end up movin’ to different schools, hopin’ for a fresh start.
Now, I hear tell that last year, in the 2023-24 off season, there was a whole heap of Blue Devils headin’ out that door. Ain’t just a few, but a big ol’ chunk. The portal was so full it looked like a crowded market. And with this whole NIL thing comin’ into play, where players can get paid to play for a team, that’s makin’ it even harder for some folks to stay put. Everyone’s lookin’ for a better deal, a better chance to show what they got, and that’s just how it is nowadays.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it ain’t all bad. Take Maalik Murphy, for example. He came all the way from Texas, and he’s gonna be the quarterback for Duke in the season opener. The coach, Manny Diaz, he’s got big plans for that young man, and it looks like he’s gonna be the new leader on the field. Some players, they come from other schools and they end up being the ones who take a team to new heights. So, it ain’t always a bad thing when someone leaves. It just depends on what they’re lookin’ for, and whether or not they find it.
What Happens After a Player Enters the Transfer Portal?
Well, once a player puts their name in there, coaches from other schools start lookin’ at ‘em. And if they think they’re a good fit, they might make an offer. Some players go through this process quick, others take their time. But one thing’s for sure: once they make up their mind, that’s it. They either stay in the portal or sign on with a new school.
What’s important to know is that this portal business don’t always go as planned. Some players go in and end up comin’ back out, ‘cause they ain’t found a better spot. Or, they don’t like what other schools offerin’. But for others, it’s a chance to get a fresh start and maybe play in front of a bigger crowd or with a better team. And that’s all a part of the game these days.
How Many Players Are in the Transfer Portal?
Well, I tell ya, it’s a lot. As of now, there’s over 3,800 players in that transfer portal, and that’s a lotta folks, y’all! Back in 2021-2022, there was over 3,000, but now it’s even more. I reckon this number’s just gonna keep climbin’ as long as players got options to move around. But it ain’t just Duke, neither. Schools all across the country got players signin’ up and lookin’ for a change. Some of ‘em stay close to home, others head far away, but either way, it’s a big ol’ shuffle every year.
Why Do Players Enter the Portal?
- Lack of Playtime: Sometimes, players just ain’t gettin’ the playin’ time they deserve, and they figure it’s better to go somewhere else.
- Better Opportunities: Some players just wanna test the waters and see if they can get a bigger spotlight somewhere else.
- New Coaches: When there’s a change in coaching staff, some players might feel like they don’t fit with the new system and decide to move on.
- Pay and NIL Deals: With all this NIL stuff, some players leave in search of better financial opportunities.
All in all, the transfer portal’s a big part of college football now, and it looks like it’s only gonna keep growin’. It gives players the chance to move around and find a place that works better for ‘em, whether it’s for more playin’ time, more money, or just a new start. And for the coaches, they’re always on the lookout for the next big player to come through that portal and help their team out. Ain’t no tellin’ who’s gonna be the next big star comin’ outta there, but one thing’s for sure – the portal ain’t goin’ away anytime soon.
Tags：[Duke Football, Transfer Portal, NCAA Football, College Football, Player Transfers, NIL Deals, Manny Diaz, Maalik Murphy, Jordan Waters]
