count me among those who like the old ways better: if you want to transfer, sit out a year unless you have your degree (Big Play VA, Dylan Ennis) or can make a hardship case to the NCAA (Arsalan Kazemi). take that year to get it done in the classroom--this is college, right?
I think it should apply to all sports as well; the fiasco of Mike White jumping schools for more $$ and dragging half his team w him was a black eye to college sports in general.

I understand there's a legitimate case on behalf of the players. maybe the coaching staff to whom you committed has moved on. or the program has been slapped w sanctions for actions that occurred long before you arrived (Penn St). or you're way over your head academically and in danger of becoming ineligible. in all those cases, sitting out a year ain't the end of the world.

what makes recent changes even more fraught w peril is the new NIL world. now a player can just up and 'transfer' to a school where players are compensated handsomely for doing radio commercials for Poulsbo RV.
long-term, I fear that the majority of NCAA teams in football and men's bball will become minor league development sites for the elite programs. commit to Oregon State, Fresno State, Rutgers, or South Carolina, where you can get playing time early. put in your two years developing your game, courtesy of somebody else's coaching. and then transfer to a Georgia or Ohio State or Carolina where they pay better.

Jiffy Jeff wrote:

With OMM, this is not as much about academics anymore as players up and go pretty much whenever, no reasons necessary or strings attached.

In addition to his comments, I think some of these kids love to be recruited, and putting your name in the portal is nothing more than an ego stroke or an affirmation that you are valued. To be a grumpy old fart, this is why most folks anymore need to wait until 30 to get married…

I no longer care about the recruiting cycle anymore because of this, I more or less turn up my attention to the programs once camp opens up and rosters are a bit more firmed up.

I agree with you both, and I don't get as excited about recruits anymore until they sign. Then, you wonder how long they'll stay. Gonna be an evolving situation, but this unfettered access to the portal will, IMO, have a detrimental effect on the relationships between athletic programs and the fans. The days of kids staying 3 or 4 years are over, I'm afraid.