Pete Golding explains how new portal rules made spring practice more ‘real’
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Things are different this spring in college football. Unlike in years past, there will not be a transfer portal window for players to change schools after spring practice. The NCAA has even passed new rules that prevent players from bypassing the portal process and transferring via withdrawing at their current school and enrolling at a new school.
For coaches, there are pluses and minuses to the new rules. Speaking to the media, Pete Golding noted that the lack of a spring portal window places more emphasis on evaluations and building quality depth in case of injuries. The Ole Miss head coach, entering first full season after stepping into the role for the College Football Playoff, ultimately approves.
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“I think that was the biggest thing, that the old spring portal allowed you to do, if there was injuries or you took a guy that wasn’t who you thought he was, then you had the opportunity,” Golding told reporters, per Michael Katz.
“But I love the fact of, there’s not another period here where we’re negotiating and super concerned on losing players that you invested a lot in this short to the season. So, I’m a fan of it, obviously, but it did make sure that you really had to do a great job not only in the portal but also in your high school guys – who could we get in here early, as far as getting in in spring and seeing what they have so we have a good plan.”
On that note, Golding further explained that the lack of a looming portal window brought a different dynamic to spring practice.
“What I think it also allowed us to do is be a little more real during spring ball. I think last year, you’re really worried about, how do you manage the roster, and you’re not doing depth charts and all those things because a guy could get pissed off and leave at the end of April if he’s not thinking he’s the guy. So, it’s allowed them to self-assess a little bit and do a better job grading and tell them exactly where they’re at, and this is what they have to improve on because you know they can’t go anywhere, which I think is really important for everybody. So, I’m a fan of it.”
Asked Ole Miss HC Pete Golding his thoughts on the elimination of the spring portal window. While it creates some challenges, Golding is “a fan of it.”
— Michael Katz (@MichaelLKatz) April 14, 2026
It’s allowed coaches to be real with where players stand, Golding said, because they can’t leave if they don’t like the answer. pic.twitter.com/tNZI7Ctqr4
Can Golding and the Rebels get back to the College Football Playoff? Kalshi is taking action on predictions to make the CFP!
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
