Miami’s Mario Cristobal assigns blame for transfer portal issues amid CFP
The Miami Hurricanes are heading into a College Football Playoff semifinal clash with Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. On Wednesday, the head coaches spoke about various issues that have affected the NCAA landscape in recent seasons.
Ole Miss has dealt with the departure of head coach Lane Kiffin for the LSU Tigers head coaching job, which has led to other members of his staff from Ole Miss following suit. Both coaches have also dealt with players leaving for the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Along with Rebels head coach Pete Golding responding to a question about dealing with coaching drama at his program this season, Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal discussed the transfer portal issue that affects all CFP teams.
Cristobal didn’t hesitate to explain who he thought was to blame for this system, which significantly impacts players and teams in college football.
Read more: Pete Golding Gets Blunt on ‘Chaotic’ Season Amid Ole Miss Staff Shakeup
A question popped up about having the transfer portal open while they’re trying to compete for the national championship, and whether the coaches have concerns about outgoing players from their programs giving “intel” to rival opponents.
“I think it happens all the time, and if we don’t think it is happening, we’re kidding ourselves… I don’t blame the players. I blame the adults. We created the system,” Cristobal said at Wednesday’s press conference.
“We’re supposed to be setting the example. We’re supposed to be setting the standard as it relates to everything. So when you create a system that has as many holes as it does, well then, shame on you if you’re surprised by some of the results that come with it,” he said.
Cristobal also praised Golding for what he’s done in stepping in to navigate the landscape he’s had to within the short amount of time he’s been a head coach for Ole Miss, calling his performance there “off the charts.”
“We’re all responsible to handle it and navigate and manage it as best we can,” he said.
The NCAA Transfer Portal officially opened on Jan. 2 and remains open until Jan. 16. Many schools involved in the CFP have already seen players enter the portal. Most likely, players will join Miami and Ole Miss, regardless of how they finish in the CFP.
Ole Miss recently received good news regarding another player, Trinidad Chambliss, who won an appeal for another season of eligibility. He mentioned he would stick with the Rebels as his team next season, rather than choosing another program, such as LSU with coach Lane Kiffin.
Cristobal’s Miami Hurricanes will look to take out another CFP opponent on Thursday as they take on Golding’s Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl. The winner moves to play for the national championship in Miami, Florida.
Read more: Joel Klatt Raises Serious Concern About Ole Miss for Miami CFP Game
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