In the ever-evolving world of college football, there’s no denying the transfer portal has become a game-changer. But if you’re looking for proof that high school recruiting still matters - and that the real magic happens when you blend both - look no further than the two teams that clashed in Monday’s national championship: Miami and Indiana.
These programs didn’t just ride the wave of transfer success. They built balanced rosters, combining savvy portal additions with homegrown talent, and it’s that combination that helped carry them to the sport’s biggest stage.
Indiana’s Transfer-Fueled Turnaround
For Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, adaptability has been the name of the game. In just two years at the helm, he’s reshaped the Hoosiers into a national contender - and the transfer portal has been a huge part of that.
“We’ve been successful doing it,” Cignetti said. “College football’s changed a lot, obviously, still changing. You’ve got to adapt, improvise, be light on your feet if you’re going to survive.”
Indiana’s roster tells the story. Of their 100-man squad, 34 players came from other FBS or FCS programs. And 21 of those transfers logged at least 100 snaps this season - a clear sign they weren’t just depth pieces, but impact players.
What makes Indiana’s situation unique is the James Madison connection. Seven of those transfers followed Cignetti from JMU, and six of them played significant snaps this season. That group includes standout cornerback D’Angelo Pond, wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, running back Kaelon Black, and defensive tackle Tyrique Tucker - all key contributors who brought not just talent, but familiarity with Cignetti’s system and culture.
“I think they’ve been a big part of what’s transpired here, especially Year 1 in the transition,” Cignetti said. “The JMU guys probably represented about half of the transfers we brought in in December. They were probably able to answer some questions for the new guys, the returners too, in terms of how we do things and about me and the other coaches.”
Cignetti knows their story isn’t finished yet. “In terms of their legacy, I don’t think that book’s final chapter has been written yet.”
Miami’s Balanced Blueprint
On the other sideline, Miami has also leaned into the portal - with results that speak for themselves. The Hurricanes brought in 29 transfers this season, and 15 of them played 100 or more snaps. Even their kicker, Carter Davis, arrived via transfer.
But head coach Mario Cristobal isn’t interested in choosing between transfers and high school recruits. For him, it’s all about fit.
“I think it’s been a great blend,” Cristobal said. “The portal pick-ups combined with the players that have been here for three and four years … it comes down to the fact that they’re like-minded individuals.”
Cristobal has built a roster that’s as national as Miami has ever seen, pulling talent from all over the country. But whether a player comes from a powerhouse high school program or another college, Cristobal’s focus is on character and work ethic.
“The young talent we recruited - they are, from a DNA standpoint, hard-working guys. They’re high achievers.
And the way that we work here, the blueprint here, the regimen here, it’s very demanding. If that’s not your thing, it’s not going to work,” he said.
Homegrown Stars Still Matter
While both programs have leaned into the portal, neither has abandoned high school recruiting - and the payoff is showing.
Miami’s roster features several cornerstone players who came straight from the high school ranks, including Mark Fletcher Jr., Malachi Toney, Francis Mauigoa, and Rueben Bain Jr. These aren’t just developmental prospects - they’re already key contributors.
Indiana’s story is similar. Wide receiver Omar Cooper and offensive lineman Carter Smitth were recruited under the previous coaching staff but chose to stay when Cignetti took over.
Meanwhile, standout wide receiver Charlie Becker and linebacker Rolijah Hardy were part of Cignetti’s first full recruiting class. While most of those high school signees are still in their early stages, the foundation is clearly being laid for long-term success.
“We’re always going to bring in 20 - give or take one or two - high school guys. I think we brought in 23 this year,” Cignetti said.
“Some of those guys are ready to help us right away in some capacity. But the portal guys, you’re bringing them in because you have a critical need.”
The New Normal
What we’re seeing with Miami and Indiana isn’t the death of high school recruiting - it’s the evolution of roster building. The top programs aren’t choosing one path or the other. They’re blending both, using the portal to plug immediate holes and high school recruiting to build a sustainable future.
And when that balance is struck just right? You get two teams playing for a national title.