Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire did not mince words this week when addressing the growing impact of college football’s transfer portal. In a candid interview, McGuire called the current system “a bad setup” for both players and programs, warning that the portal’s chaotic nature is undermining stability and long-term player development across the sport.
“It’s a bad system, plain and simple,” McGuire said. “It’s not just hurting teams — it’s hurting the players who don’t really understand the full consequences of jumping ship every time things get tough.”
The transfer portal has revolutionized college football, offering athletes greater freedom to move between programs. While it has benefited many players seeking better opportunities, McGuire argues that it has also created an environment where instant gratification outweighs patience and growth.
“There’s value in fighting through adversity, in developing over time,” McGuire explained. “Now, the first time something doesn’t go their way — a tough season, a coaching change, losing a starting spot — some guys bolt. And too often, they end up with no home at all.”
McGuire pointed to the rising number of players who enter the portal but never find a new team, leaving them stranded without scholarships or playing opportunities. He believes that without tighter regulations and better education for athletes, the transfer system will continue to do more harm than good.
“Kids are being sold this dream that the grass is always greener,” he said. “But we don’t talk enough about the thousands who get left behind.”
Despite his strong criticisms, McGuire emphasized he supports players having rights and opportunities — but he advocates for a more structured approach that balances freedom with responsibility.
As Texas Tech prepares for another season under McGuire’s leadership, it’s clear the coach remains committed not only to winning games but also to building a program based on loyalty, resilience, and genuine player development — even as college football’s landscape continues to shift dramatically.
