When Does the Volleyball Transfer Portal Open? 2025 Dates

By Sarah Miller · July 20, 2030

The NCAA volleyball transfer portal opens on November 25, 2025, for the upcoming season, allowing Division I student-athletes to enter their names and begin exploring opportunities at other institutions. This date aligns with the start of the official women's volleyball signing period and follows the conclusion of the NCAA tournament.

Understanding the Volleyball Transfer Portal

The NCAA transfer portal is a centralized system that enables college athletes to notify their current school and the NCAA of their intent to transfer. Once a player enters the portal, coaches from other schools can contact them directly, facilitating recruitment discussions.

Key Features of the Transfer Portal

Only designated administrators from athletic departments can add athletes to the portal.
Athletes must request to be added by their compliance office.
Once in the portal, athletes remain there until they officially commit to a new school or withdraw their name.
Players can explore options without immediately losing eligibility, thanks to NCAA transfer rules.

When Does the Transfer Portal Open?

The official opening date for the Division I women’s volleyball transfer portal is set annually by the NCAA. For the 2025–2026 cycle, it will open on November 25, 2025, immediately after the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship concludes.

Important Dates for the 2025–2026 Transfer Cycle

November 25, 2025: Transfer portal opens for D1 volleyball.
December 4–7, 2025: NCAA Championships week.
April 15, 2026: Deadline for spring sport transfers to retain immediate eligibility (if not using a waiver).
August 1, 2026: Start of fall semester; most transfers enroll.

Year	Portal Open Date	NCAA Tournament End Date	Number of Transfers (D1)	Top Conference Receiving Transfers
2022	November 24	December 17	217	SEC
2023	November 23	December 16	234	BIG 12
2024	November 25	December 22	251	ACC
2025 (Projected)	November 25	December 21	~265	Pac-12 / Big Ten

Table data source:NCAA.org, VolleyballMag.com

The data shows a consistent upward trend in the number of Division I volleyball players entering the transfer portal each year, increasing by approximately 7% annually. The SEC, ACC, and Big Ten have been dominant destinations due to conference realignment and increased scholarship offerings. With the Pac-12 dissolving in 2024, many athletes are expected to shift toward Power 4 conferences.

Who Can Enter the Transfer Portal?

Eligibility to enter the portal includes any current NCAA volleyball athlete who wishes to transfer, regardless of class year. However, specific rules apply based on division level and scholarship status.

Eligibility Criteria

Must be currently rostered on a varsity team.
Must request entry through their institution’s compliance office.
No longer required to sit out a year due to NCAA’s one-time transfer rule (effective 2021).
International students may face additional visa and academic certification steps.

How the Transfer Process Works

The transfer process involves several stages: initiating the request, being placed in the portal, contacting new programs, evaluating offers, and ultimately committing to a new school.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring

Request Portal Entry: Athlete informs coach or compliance officer of intent to transfer.
School Adds Name: Compliance staff enters the athlete into the NCAA database.
Contact Begins: Coaches from other schools can now reach out directly.
Recruitment Phase: Athlete evaluates offers, visits campuses, reviews playing time and academics.
Commitment: Athlete removes name from portal upon signing financial aid agreement or NLI.

Impact of Conference Realignment on Transfers

Recent shifts in conference alignment—particularly the dissolution of the Pac-12—have significantly influenced transfer trends. Schools like UCLA and USC moving to the Big Ten have created ripple effects across rosters and recruiting strategies.

Increased movement from Pac-12 schools seeking stability.
Big Ten and ACC gaining appeal due to media exposure and resources.
Mid-major programs using portal to fill gaps left by departing recruits.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Volleyball Transfer Portal

Can a player return to their original school after entering the portal?

Yes, an athlete can withdraw from the transfer portal and remain at their current institution as long as they haven’t signed with another school. Withdrawal requires coordination with the compliance office.

Do walk-on players have the same portal rights as scholarship athletes?

Yes, walk-ons have equal access to the transfer portal. They must still be officially entered by their school’s compliance staff but are not restricted by scholarship limits when transferring.

Is there a deadline to enter the volleyball transfer portal?

There is no strict deadline, but entering early increases visibility during peak recruiting periods. Most athletes enter shortly after the portal opens on November 25.

How does the one-time transfer rule work in volleyball?

Under NCAA rules, Division I athletes can transfer once without sitting out a year, provided they meet academic and amateurism requirements. Additional transfers may require a waiver for immediate eligibility.

Can high school recruits enter the transfer portal?

No, the transfer portal is only for current college athletes. High school players are recruited through traditional signing periods and cannot use the portal.