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Coaches Juggle Peach Bowl Prep & Portal Recruiting
4 Jan
Summary
- Coaches are balancing game preparation with active transfer portal recruiting.
- The transfer portal window opened on January 2, 2026.
- Indiana expects to sign 15-20 transfers due to player departures.
College football coaches are navigating a hectic period, balancing intense Peach Bowl preparations with the opening of the transfer portal window on January 2, 2026. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Indiana's Curt Cignetti shared insights into this unique challenge during a virtual press conference. Both emphasized the need to manage recruiting visits and one-on-one meetings with potential transfers while gearing up for a major bowl game.
Indiana is preparing for a substantial influx of new talent, expecting to sign between 15 to 20 transfer players. This high number is attributed to several players entering their final year of eligibility and others potentially leaving early for the NFL. Coach Cignetti expressed a desire for players entering the portal to remain with the team through the Peach Bowl, though a few have opted out.
The transfer portal window, running from January 2 to January 16, 2026, presents a distinct recruitment landscape for veteran players. Cignetti noted that these recruits are typically older and make business decisions quickly. Players participating in the national championship game will have an extended period until January 24, 2026, to make their decisions.
