Paul Finebaum is going against the grain a bit, predicting a slower spring transfer portal period than some of the others around the sport.

This time around, most of the college football world is bracing for a larger-than-normal spring transfer window following Tennessee’s victory against the NCAA. That move made NIL-related rules largely unenforceable, leading some to believe tampering will be at an all-time level.

Despite that update, Finebaum believes too much is already known for teams to get a massive difference-maker in the spring window. Plenty of complimentary pieces will be available, but Finebaum referenced Alabama adding Tyler Buchner as the kind of moves that usually happen in the spring.

“I don’t see it being a land rush because so much is already known. I haven’t seen any data on this, but I think the odds of getting a major player in the portal aren’t good,” claimed Finebaum during his Monday appearance on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning.” “You can get a complimentary player. We saw last year, (Alabama) got a QB that let’s be honest turned out to be a complete bust. We made a big deal about it though.”

Finebaum did admit to some extenuating circumstances such as a backup at a place like Ohio State transferring into a starting opportunity elsewhere. However, it will be tough for a top-tier program to add a starter this time around.

“There are extenuating circumstances for players to leave now. I would think Ohio State for one. They’ve got so much talent across the board, the 4th-string QB could leave and be good enough to start at some places,” Finebaum explained. “But most places don’t have that luxury.”

RELATED: Daily Fantasy Sports action is in full swing! Don’t wait to take advantage of SDS’s Underdog Fantasy promo code to get started today!

Tampering a difference-maker?

Finebaum’s assessment is accurate when he says that “so much is already known” for a lot of the players in the game. Coming out of spring practice, players know if they are lined up to be a contributor or an afterthought this fall.

However, tampering is the looming X factor to determining the impact of the spring transfer window. The almighty dollar still speaks volumes, and players looking at a starting job at one program could find themselves with more leverage in negotiations behind-the-scenes.

Admittedly, most programs looking at the prospects of losing a starter to more money at a rival program will step up and deliver to keep their roster intact. Still, it’s a situation that brings a new level of unknowns when the portal officially opens Tuesday.

We’ll soon find out if the spring will feature a flurry or a blizzard in terms of player movement.