The University of Georgia just picked up two pitchers from the portal who both have two years remaining. One was from NC, and the other from Clemson.
I believe the coach wasn't being truthful. I'll take a proven player any day of the week over a prospect, especially if my job depends on their performance.
I think she was being 100% honest with her answer. If your thought was correct then transfers would far outnumber incoming freshmen at all P5 schools, and that simply isn't happening. It isn't for lack of players willing to transfer.
And I say this as someone who asked the question if P5 schools would basically look at smaller schools as their feeder system and only recruit the uber-talented HS players, while rest had to prove it first.