Virginia football just got a boost in the secondary. Former Buffalo safety Jalen McNair committed to the Cavaliers after taking a visit to Charlottesville on Saturday, adding a veteran presence to a position group that needed some reinforcements.
Standing at 5-foot-8 and weighing in at 198 pounds, McNair plays bigger than his frame. Over the past two seasons, he racked up 103 total tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss, while also collecting three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and two fumble recoveries. That kind of production speaks to both his physicality and his instincts - two traits UVA’s defense will welcome with open arms.
The Cavaliers entered the offseason needing to reload at safety after losing key veterans Antonio Clary and Devin Neal. McNair, with one year of eligibility remaining, brings experience and versatility to a unit that’s looking to solidify its identity heading into next season. His ability to fly downhill in run support and make plays on the ball in coverage gives Virginia a plug-and-play option who can contribute right away.
This commitment also comes amid a new wave of transfer portal activity - one that looks a bit different this year thanks to updated NCAA rules.
As of this cycle, the transfer portal window has been trimmed down. Previously, FBS players had a 30-day window starting in early December to enter the portal.
Now, they have just 15 days - from January 2 to January 16. That change has condensed the timeline and added urgency for both players and programs.
The spring window? Gone.
The NCAA eliminated the 15-day post-spring period, which had previously allowed graduate transfers to enter at any time. Now, even grad transfers are bound by the same 15-day January window as everyone else.
Another key change: a coaching change no longer triggers an automatic 30-day window for players to enter the portal. If a new head coach is hired after January 2, players have just 15 days to make a decision.
Players still have the option to withdraw from the portal and return to their current team, but that’s more the exception than the rule. Once a name hits the portal, it usually means a fresh start elsewhere - just like McNair is getting with Virginia.
For the Cavaliers, this is a smart addition. McNair brings experience, production, and a chip on his shoulder - the kind of edge that can help reshape a defense. And for McNair, it’s a chance to prove himself on a new stage, in a Power Five program that needs what he brings.