Kansas Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold supports these changes to college football
The Big 12 Conference’s 16 head football coaches would prefer the NCAA implement one transfer portal period in football instead of the current system in which there are a pair of windows — one in December when many programs are preparing for postseason play and one in April after the spring practice season has concluded.
“As coaches, we unanimously support one portal window ... and that is in January is what we’d like,” fifth-year Kansas coach Lance Leipold said during a 15-minute news conference that included Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and Big 12 chief football officer Scott Draper on Thursday at the conclusion of the Big 12 meetings in Florida.
Why January?
“We just feel it’s a tough thing with calendars right now, where it goes and a chance to get your team settled,” Leipold said. “You’re signing most of your guys in December. You know what your roster will be like to start the second semester and you have the opportunity to work and develop and build those relationships and evaluate your team and get ready for the next season.”
Media members asked the two coaches about the upcoming House v. NCAA lawsuit settlement which will set roster limits at 105 football players per school. The old limit was 85. It is believed the judge who is signing off on the lawsuit will “grandfather” last season’s walk-ons and allow them to stay and not count against the limit of 105.
“As we still wait for that settlement to be signed and decided, it’s mixed feelings,” Leipold said. “Did you feel bad about guys who wanted to stay at the University of Kansas and get their degree and be part of our program?
“But (it’s) bittersweet. And really, some guys have gotten some really nice opportunities (to play at other schools), and at the end of the day, guys still love to play football, and we like being out on the field with them. When a walk-on maybe decides that (his) roster spot might have been in jeopardy and he has a chance to go somewhere where you may see more real playing time in games, you’ve got to be happy for him.
“I guess we all wish there’d been a little more clarity sooner. But just like everything else I think we’re dealing with, we just want clarity. And really how are we going to operate? And I think we’ll all find a way to make it beneficial for all,” Leipold added.
Draper was asked about Iowa State and Kansas State playing a game Aug. 23 in Ireland.
“I think the Iowa State, Kansas State game certainly is a premier game within the league and those two institutions really wanted to take that internationally. As a league, we are absolutely supportive of that as a strategy,” Draper said. “We’ve heard Brett (Yormark, commissioner) say that a number of times, not only are we excited about being in Ireland this year, but we’re in Ireland next year with TCU and North Carolina and we’ve got some games in other events international as well. So it’s part of a broader strategy (with the) Big 12 and we’re happy to support that.”
Leipold was asked about the proposed 5-11 model for a 16-team college football playoff. It would include 11 at large bids and five automatic bids to the power four conference champs and one from the group of six.
“As a conference and personally being through it is as a Division III coach, each and every year should be a unique opportunity of its own,” Leipold said. “You earn the right (to be in the playoff) on the field.
“Again there will be a lot of debate based on conference games. We need more uniformity across the board on conference games played. We continue to work towards those things,” he added. “But again, the best team will have that opportunity to be there. We support that.
“And I think Kenny’s team last year was a great sign of where people think you may be, but where you really play yourself to be is something entirely different.”
Arizona State was picked to finish last in the Big 12 but ultimately made the playoff.
“I think in this new world that we’re dealing with, you’ll see more teams like this that you may not know of,” Leipold said, “but play so well during your way through that (regular season) and earn that opportunity.”
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Kansas Jayhawks coach Lance Leipold supports these changes to college football."
