How the NCAA Transfer Portal is Reshaping College Soccer Recruiting for High School Players

Over the last few years, the NCAA transfer portal has transformed the landscape of college athletics — and soccer is no exception. For high school players dreaming of playing at the collegiate level, this change has brought both new challenges and unexpected opportunities.
What Is the Transfer Portal, Anyway?
Introduced in 2018, the NCAA transfer portal is a system that allows college athletes to officially declare their intention to transfer to another school. Once they enter the portal, coaches from other programs are free to contact them. It's essentially free agency for college sports — and it’s been a game-changer.
The Ripple Effect on High School Recruiting
When it comes to recruiting, coaches now have two major pipelines: high school players and the transfer portal. More often than not, they're leaning into the portal — and here’s why:

1. Experience Matters: Transfer players usually come with college-level training, game experience, and a better understanding of what it takes to compete at a higher level. This makes them more "plug and play" than a high school recruit who still needs to adjust to the pace, physicality, and demands of college soccer.
2. Roster Gaps = Quick Fixes: Injuries, academic issues, or players turning pro early can leave sudden holes in a roster. Instead of banking on a high school freshman to step in, coaches often prefer a seasoned transfer who can fill that gap immediately.
3. Smaller Class Sizes: Some programs are now recruiting fewer high school players per class. Where a coach might’ve brought in 8-10 freshmen a few years ago, they might now only bring in 4-6, relying on transfers to round out the roster.

What This Means for High School Players
So how should high school athletes navigate this shifting landscape? Here are a few takeaways:

• Start Early and Be Proactive: With fewer roster spots available for incoming freshmen, standing out early in the recruiting process is more important than ever. Attend ID camps, reach out to coaches directly, and build your presence on platforms like Hudl or Instagram.
• Work with an Organization that Understands the Process and Can Help with Connections: Most high school players now have to have to work with an organization to help them navigate what can be a challenging process. With our individualized approach at Right Fit, we can help high school players stand out in the crowd and we can use our connections with college coaches to secure one of the coveted roster spots. 
  
• Academic Excellence Is Key: Strong academics can help players stand out, especially for programs that balance athletic and academic standards. It also opens up more opportunities — including at D2, D3, and NAIA schools, which may not rely as heavily on the portal.
• Consider a Multi-Step Path: Some players are now looking at junior college or NAIA programs as a stepping stone, with plans to transfer later. It’s a longer path, but for some, it leads to the same destination.
• Be Open to Different Divisions: While D1 gets a lot of the spotlight, D2, D3, and NAIA schools are still recruiting heavily from high schools and offer great soccer and academic experiences.
• Develop Beyond the Field: Leadership, communication skills, and mental toughness are increasingly important. Coaches want players who are ready to handle the transition to college life, not just play the game.

Final Thoughts
The transfer portal isn’t going away — and while it’s added complexity to the recruiting process, it’s also a reminder that there’s no single path to college soccer. High school players who stay informed, adaptable, and focused on continuous development still have plenty of opportunities to play at the next level.
It’s a new era, but talent, work ethic, and the right mindset still go a long way. Reach out today and we will help you find the right fit!