It says “interest”. Not offered. Show me where those schools offered him a scholarship or whatever they give out nowadays.
"
level doesn’t define talent—fit does."
Why D2 Athletes Are Moving Up to D1
While fewer in number, D2-to-D1 transfers often grab headlines—and scholarships.
1. Exposure and NIL Potential
D1 schools offer
more media exposure and NIL opportunities, especially at the FBS or high-major level.
2. Pro Aspirations
Athletes looking at the next level know scouts frequent D1 games more regularly, making exposure a key factor in transfer decisions. Many players move up to D1 not just for competition but for increased visibility, media coverage, and pro-day opportunities
3. Graduate Transfers
Many D2 student-athletes complete their undergraduate degrees early and use their final year(s) of eligibility as graduate transfers to D1.
🧭 Sport-Specific Transfer Trends
Not all sports are affected equally. Here’s how things are shaking out:
🏀 Men’s and Women’s Basketball
- D1 → D2 is surging, especially for upperclassmen who are losing playing time due to incoming freshmen or international recruits.
- D2 stars moving to mid-major D1s are increasingly common, often filling gaps after mass exits.
Notable Transfers:
- Joel Scott transferred from D2 Black Hills State to D1 Colorado State University. He started in every game for CSU.
- Jaylen Wells, a forward from D2 Sonoma State University, transferred to D1 Washington State University.
🏈 Football
- Spring ball has led to massive portal entries, especially at the D1 level.
- Due to depth chart logjams, OL and DL positions have seen high volume D1 → D2 movement.
- D2-to-D1 upgrades are more selective, often in the FCS or Group of Five tiers.
⚽ Soccer, Baseball, and Track
These Olympic sports have seen steady but less dramatic shifts, with most transfers driven by coaching changes, grad programs, or international spots taking D1 slots.
🔁 Reverse Trend: D1 Bounce-Backs
Some D2 athletes transferred up, only to return to D2 after a season riding the bench, struggling with limited playing time, or not fitting in culturally. The jump in competition, system differences, and team dynamics often prove challenging, leading some players to seek a more comfortable environment where they can contribute meaningfully and thrive both on and off the court.
This reverse trend—
“bounce-backs”—is more common than you’d think.
🔥 The Rise of the “Portal Scout”
One trend to watch is that the D2 coaching staff is actively scouting the D1 portal, not just waiting for interest. More programs are proactively reaching out to D1 transfers, identifying players who may have struggled with playing time, fit, or system adjustments. They’re selling a chance at immediate impact, a leadership role, and a fresh start—sometimes even leveraging prior recruiting relationships or regional ties to bring talent back to familiar territory.4o
With film, data, and eligibility all available instantly, some D2 coaches have built full-time portal scouting roles into their staff.
🌎 International Recruits Affecting Transfer Activity
D1 rosters are increasingly international, especially in sports like basketball and soccer. This limits domestic recruiting—and often squeezes out role players, who then look to D2 for opportunities.
Some athletes cite culture shock or playing time politics as reasons for moving from D1 to D2 after international-heavy recruiting cycles.
💸 Scholarship Dynamics: D1 vs. D2
D1
- Offers full scholarships in headcount sports (e.g., football, basketball).
- More regulated in equivalency sports.
- Higher pressure to perform and stay on scholarship.
D2
- Often offers partial scholarships, which can be stacked with academic aid.
- Slightly more flexible with scholarship renewals.
- Sometimes the net cost to attend D2 is cheaper than staying at a D1 with no playing time.
Pro Tip: If you’re a recruit weighing offers from both divisions, run the
net price calculator and talk to financial aid.
💡 What This Means for Recruits
This movement opens doors if you’re a
high school senior still unsigned.
- More D1 spots are opening as athletes drop to D2 or enter the portal.
- D2 rosters are reloading fast—don’t wait until May to reach out.
- Junior college (JUCO) athletes should also watch these trends—many are getting D2 looks due to the trickle-down effect.
✅ Key Takeaways for Athletes and Parents
- D1 to D2 is not a downgrade—it’s often a strategic move.
- D2 to D1 athletes need a strong resume, good film, and realistic expectations.
- Portal activity will likely spike again in May after the spring semester ends.
- Scholarship money varies—always compare net costs.
- Character, work ethic, and coachability still matter most.
📌 Final Thoughts: The Division Line Is Blurring
The spring 2025 transfer window proves one thing:
level doesn’t define talent—fit does.
Coaches are less concerned with the division label and more focused on production, maturity, and team needs. For athletes, that means opportunity is everywhere—if you know how to find it.
So, whether you’re a D1 athlete looking for a fresh start or a D2 star chasing the dream, this spring offers more mobility than ever. The only question is: where do you want to go?
https://www.2adays.com/blog/d1-vs-d2-transfers-whats-trending-this-spring/
