Grambling HC Mickey Joseph Proposes Bold Transfer Buyout Plan – Could This Change College Sports Forever?

Grambling State head football coach Mickey Joseph has sparked a national debate with his unorthodox solution to the NCAA transfer portal chaos. But will his radical idea actually work—or will it backfire spectacularly?

The Controversial Proposal That’s Shaking Up College Football

In a move that’s dividing coaches across the country, Joseph recently suggested implementing a financial buyout system for transferring athletes—similar to professional sports contracts. The groundbreaking proposal comes as:

• Over 2,000 FBS players entered the transfer portal last offseason
• Smaller programs like Grambling lose top talent to Power 5 schools
• NIL deals create an uneven recruiting landscape

How the Buyout System Would Work

Joseph’s plan would require transferring athletes (or their new schools) to financially compensate their former programs. Key components include:

1. Tiered Payment Structure: Star players would command higher buyouts than backups
2. NIL Considerations: Portion of new endorsement deals could go to former school
3. Scholarship Protection: Schools losing players would receive compensation for invested resources

Why This Nuclear Option Might Be Necessary

The veteran coach argues the current system is destroying competitive balance. Case in point: Grambling lost 8 starters to transfers this offseason alone—most to bigger programs offering lucrative NIL packages.

"We develop these kids for years," Joseph told reporters. "Then someone waves $50K in their face and they're gone overnight. There's no recourse."

The Opposition Fires Back

Critics call the plan:

• Anti-student athlete (restricting movement)
• Legally questionable (potential restraint of trade)
• Unenforceable (boosters would find loopholes)

One Power 5 AD anonymously called it "a desperate move by programs who can't compete in the new landscape."

What Happens Next?

While the NCAA hasn't officially responded, Joseph's comments have ignited fiery discussions in coaching circles. With the transfer portal window approaching, this debate is guaranteed to intensify.

What Do You Think?

• Would buyouts protect smaller programs or exploit athletes?
• Is this just sour grapes from coaches losing players?
• Could this lead to "contractual slavery" for college athletes?
• Should there be different rules for NIL vs non-NIL transfers?
• Would you support your school paying $100K+ for a transfer QB?