When does the transfer portal open for track and field? November 23, 2026. For uncommitted high school seniors, that's the day you start competing with college transfers for the same roster spots.

How do you go D1 in track and field? Start with an honest look at the four buckets: athletics, academics, financials, and location. Then zoom out past the handful of schools you already know.

Late matters less than not being serious. If you're not competing or training, haven't finished your profile, or your grades aren't sorted, your age doesn't even matter. You're either a walker or a talker.

Took a gap year? You can still go D1 or D2. No problem. Spent a year or two at junior college? You can, and should, still go D1 or D2 if competing and studying matter to you. Junior college time counts toward the window, so plan the move early.

Too early first. The question usually comes from 14 to 16 year-olds, not 12 and 13 year-olds. At that age, don't worry about contacting schools or setting expectations. Focus on training, coaching, and grades, grades, grades.