Former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell has publicly criticized the NCAA’s transfer portal system in a pointed “Dear John” style letter posted on social media, calling out the growing trend of players using the portal to switch schools at an increasingly high rate. Kanell, who played for the Seminoles in the 1990s and later had a successful career in the NFL, expressed frustration over how the portal is reshaping college football, particularly its impact on player development and team stability.
In the letter, Kanell compared the transfer portal to a breakup, writing, “Dear NCAA Transfer Portal, it’s not you, it’s college football. You’ve turned everything upside down, and I’m not sure who to trust anymore.” Kanell pointed out that the portal, while designed to give players more freedom and opportunities, has led to a sense of instability within college rosters. He criticized how the system encourages players to leave schools in search of immediate playing time or better opportunities, rather than working through adversity and developing their skills over time.
Kanell also addressed how the portal affects coaching staffs and team chemistry, noting that it has become difficult for teams to build continuity when players can leave at will. He further highlighted the increasing influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals in player decisions, suggesting that financial incentives are playing a larger role than academic or athletic growth in some cases.
Despite the criticism, Kanell acknowledged the value of player empowerment in certain situations but stressed that the overall balance of college football has been disrupted. His impassioned social media post has sparked widespread debate about the future of the transfer portal and its long-term effects on the sport.