One of the most hectic times of year on the college football calendar has almost arrived. The spring undergraduate transfer portal window is upon us.

It hasn’t been long since the doors were open for Alabama football players, who got an extra portal window after Nick Saban retired in January. This window is more restrictive for players who are looking to leave.

Before the madness begins, here’s what to know about the spring window.

When does the transfer portal open?

The spring portal window begins on April 16. It will remain open for 15 days.

How is this different than when Nick Saban retired?

After Saban retired, Alabama players were able to enter the transfer portal for the next 30 days. One of Kalen DeBoer’s first orders of business as the new coach was to try and preserve as much of the Crimson Tide’s roster as possible.

Players could even freely transfer within the SEC without sitting out for a season during that time. That isn’t the case this time.

The most obvious difference will be every other school in the nation going through similar turmoil. The Tide will be more able to replace any talent that leaves this time around.

What positions will Alabama be looking for?

Ahead of Saturday’s A-Day game, DeBoer was asked which positions the Crimson Tide will be looking to target in the portal. He listed two groups.

“I would say the defensive backfield we’re probably a guy short or so,” DeBoer said. “Offensive line, we’re probably a guy short. Just from the numbers that you typically would see and also where we want to be.”

Those spots are certainly the major positions of need for the Tide. However, DeBoer also said he didn’t rule out adding talent in other spots.

Who’s coming already?

The worst-kept secret in college football has been the future of Kadyn Proctor. The offensive tackle, who started on the left side for the Crimson Tide last season, transferred to Iowa once the 2023 campaign closed.

However, after a brief tenure with the Hawkeyes, Proctor left the program. He’s expected to return to Alabama and was even spotted attending the A-Day game on Saturday.

Proctor will be eligible to play again immediately, due to the NCAA pausing some transfer rules due to a court case.

When does the portal close?

Players will be able to enter the transfer portal through April 30.