There’s a time and place for offseason drama. It provides entertainment, trash-talking fodder among fans and, most importantly, hope for downtrodden programs. In some instances, like the NBA, the offseason theatrics are better than the actual product on the field. For college football, it’s the opposite and it does not have to be the case.
The college football offseason contains three huge program-building events. The powers that be have decided to cram them all into three weeks.
- Dec. 2: Contact Period for Recruiting Begins
- Dec. 5: Transfer Portal Opens
- Dec. 21: Early Signing Period
College football programs have 19 days to sign a class, maintain their active roster through the transfer portal and prepare for a bowl game, all while the coaching carousel spins.