Transfer portal makes promises by players worthless, and CFP predictions
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Over 4,000 players in the transfer portal, all free agents looking to get the best deal. Sometimes the reason for leaving is a new beginning or more playing time. Remember “if I’m not playing, I ain’t staying." Perhaps it’s coaching, or intangible reasons. Two things we know. It’s never for academics and the overwhelming majority of times, it’s about money.
What makes this season even more about greed is players actually commit to a new team which announces the commitment, only to to see them decommit. Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey committed to Nebraska which announced his transfer only to see Minchy leave one day later for greener pastures at Kentucky. That usually means more money. The most egregious act is authored by Washington quarterback Desmond Williams, who completed over 65% of his passes for over 3,000 yards, 25 touchdowns. He signed a supposedly large contract to play for the Huskies in 2026 just days ago, but someone evidently sent him word he could get more money by entering the transfer portal. So Williams ignored his contractual obligation and basically his promise and unilaterally is attempting to abrogate a binding contract which Washington may hold him to. Stay tuned. Having said that, it all starts at the top where coaches routinely rescind commitments, so how do you criticize a young immature student-athlete for doing the same.
How important is the transfer portal? Three of the four semifinalists finished in the top five last year and the fourth, Indiana, nabbed Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza from Cal. Less than a week into it, all prices are going up with quarterback Brendan Sorsby of Cincinnati reportedly receiving $5 million to play for Texas Tech. Meanwhile, the NCAA is silent.
Here's my CFP semifinal picks
No. 10Miami vs. No. 6 Mississippi (+3): Both these teams are in uncharted territory with the Rebels having not won a national championship since 1962 and the Canes in almost three decades. But one will play for the national championship. This is a very intriguing matchup with Miami’s vaunted defensive line attempting to cool off a hot Ole Miss quarterback, the diminutive Trinidad Chambliss. Last year he was playing at Ferris State, a Division II school. Now he’s in charge of a highlight Rebel offense. No doubt Ole Miss will score but if Miami can pressure Chambliss without blitzing, it could be a long night for the Rebels. The Canes plays very aggressively on defense and have the speed and athleticism to make big plays.
Offensively, quarterback Carson Beck, a Georgia transfer, has avoided turnovers of late and used a ball-control offense to move the ball. They have one explosive playmaker on offense in Malachi Toney but expect him to be double teamed. They’ve developed a running game with bruising back Mark Fletcher Jr., who is showing big playmaking signs. Pressure Beck and he will make mistakes but that means stopping the run which is a lot to ask for.
No Lane Kiffin but offensive coordinator Charlie Weiss, who followed Kiffin to LSU, will be allowed to coach as Kiffin has given his permission. What a guy! The game is set for Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Glendale, Arizona, and it's too close to call so I’m going with the most significant statistic in picking a winner – turnovers. Whoever has the least turnovers wins. Take the points and go with your heart for the Rebels to make history!
No. 1 Indiana (-4) vs. No. 5 Oregon: Another rematch from the regular season when the Hoosiers shocked the Ducks in Eugene, 30-20, holding the Ducks to 267 total yards. Indiana continues to prove the doubters wrong. Coach Curt Cignetti has literally produced the greatest turnaround in college football history. Indiana had the worst winning percentage in FBS history and have lost just two games in two years. Now it’s a destination point. And why not? They play hard, physical football every game and have Mendoza. They also have a fleet wide receiver in Charlie Becker who has emerged as a nightmare matchup for every defense because of his size (6-foot-4), speed and excellent hands. Backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, run hard and “angry,” with a chip on their shoulders. It’s a Cinderella story but now the question is 'Can Indiana win the whole thing?'
Oregon has as much explosive offensive talent at the skill positions as anyone in the country. Quarterback Dante Moore is a stud, completing 72.4% of his passes for 3,046 yards and 28 touchdowns. He may be the first pick in the NFL draft (Mendoza is either one or two). They just rotate receivers in and out led by speedster Malik Benson. Their defense shut out Texas Tech last week but this is a different offensive machine. Do not expect Oregon coach Dan Lanning to play this game “straight up” because Indiana’s defense is too good. Ranked No. 2 in the country, they are aggressive yet disciplined. The game is set for Friday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Atlanta and there will be trick plays, fourth-down attempts and other surprises. Oregon can only win if they make adjustments and protect Moore, who was sacked six times and constantly pressured in their first contest. If Indiana continues to win the line of scrimmage and I expect them to, the Hoosiers will roll to another historical victory!
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This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Ken Schreiber predicts the College Football Playoff semifinals winners
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