College basketball players who have completed their eligibility are entering the NCAA transfer portal this week. The deadline for players to enter the portal is Tuesday night.
Among those taking this step is Clemson basketball player Ian Schieffelin, a Second-team All-ACC selection in 2025 who has played four full college seasons.
The unusual trend appears tied to pending legal actions against the NCAA. Players are reportedly entering the portal on advice to maintain flexibility regarding future possibilities.
Key among these is the anticipated House vs. NCAA antitrust settlement decision. Another case in New Jersey could potentially challenge the enforceability of the NCAA's five-year eligibility clock rule.
Schieffelin posted on social media, stating that while pursuing professional options, he was advised to enter the portal on the chance pending NCAA cases might allow for additional eligibility.
Kansas player Zeke Mayo, who played three seasons elsewhere before finishing his eligibility with the Jayhawks, shared a similar explanation. He stated he was advised to enter his name due to pending NCAA rules while focusing on professional pursuits.
Other players entering the portal despite having played four or five seasons include Ben Middlebrooks, formerly of Clemson and NC State, and Syracuse players Eddie Lampkin Jr. and Lucas Taylor.
The NCAA's standard rule has granted athletes five years to complete four seasons of competition, with provisions for medical exemptions.
With the legal landscape surrounding college athletics facing potential changes, players are taking a proactive approach by entering the portal as they await rulings.
Schieffelin stated the action was taken to keep "all options on the table."
