The next era of the college football transfer portal officially opens Jan. 2, but make no mistake -- the 2026 cycle is already underway. Behind the scenes, portal boards have been set for months. Agents are working phones. Players are making quiet decisions. As one source put it, "Deals are being struck."

Notre Dame football's focus has shifted to the transfer portal after being left out of the College Football Playoff. Backup quarterback Kenny Minchey reportedly plans to enter the transfer portal when it opens on January 2. The new winter transfer portal window for most teams runs from January 2 through January 16.