Ouch. If our best players get poached we have a problem
Link: 2026 Transfer Portal
- Thread starter AlistarWills
- Start date
wonder if this has to do with Russaw heading out. They were a package deal coming in (a great deal at that).
I have no idea how teams can build defensive lines through recruiting anymore. Once they get on the verge of breaking out they're in portal and either asking for more money or looking to go somewhere else for more money. Unreal.
Yeah I kinda figured we'd see Smith enter after Russaw announced. Wonder if they'll be another package deal.
Probably the most wise thing I’ve ever heard him say.
He’s exactly right.
+1 for the One Piece Shirt
Alabama would do better never signing another 5 star (perhaps even 4 star) out of high school, ever again. They come to Tuscaloosa, get showcased weekly on TV, and if they pan out, they head out.
What are they, married? Have a nice honeymoon…
Its easy to turn a player's head these days with promises of playing time and money...especially if the player thinks they arent being used correctly or don't like the scheme/coach they are playing for. I think when we see our starters in the portal, it shows they are not happy with their position coach and they believe its hurting their chances at this level and the next. We've seen OL leave, DL leave now...that has to reflect dissatisfaction with their coaches' ability to make the best of their skills so they choose to showcase it somewhere else.
If the coaches begin to even remotely suspect that players are colluding, they should kick them out of the bldg immediately.
Russaw stings, but Smith is a much bigger loss. Just baffling.
I wonder if recruiting for everyone needs to be much more regional and much more close to home......even if its a 3 star kid or borderline 4 star kid.
Then save the big bucks for the transfer DL and OL and QB.
I just don't know how any of this is sustainable for any program. Theirs no continuity, the money involved has kids slacking off detail and drive, its all just the highest bidder. Texas Tech, Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas....will soon be like the Yankees and Dodgers....just outspend everyone every year to win.
None of this is sustainable.
Even bringing in some highly rated QB recruit, like a Bryce Young or Tua or Keelon.......maybe they play some and develop in your system, show some potential......then the huge money comes in and they take off.
Then save the big bucks for the transfer DL and OL and QB.
I just don't know how any of this is sustainable for any program. Theirs no continuity, the money involved has kids slacking off detail and drive, its all just the highest bidder. Texas Tech, Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas....will soon be like the Yankees and Dodgers....just outspend everyone every year to win.
None of this is sustainable.
Even bringing in some highly rated QB recruit, like a Bryce Young or Tua or Keelon.......maybe they play some and develop in your system, show some potential......then the huge money comes in and they take off.
How can these kids not be looking for more money when Texas Tech is renting billboards in Times Square announcing their new $5,000,000 QB Brendan Sorsby. They all want to be the next million-dollar man.
Maybe we can bring Smith and Russaw back into the fold. 
It just really isn't baffling to me anymore. Not just Russaw and Smith, the whole thing.
If Russaw and Smith were a package deal from Carver and Russaw feels his playing time is taking a hit with Pierre.....then he's going to be in Smith's ear to leave with him. They'll probably wind up in the same place again.
Keeley, one of the highest rated recruits Bama has ever signed......probably wants more money after seeing the money the Texas Tech DL make or the Miami DL makes. I mean, the kid is from Tampa, maybe he wants to go play for a Florida school that's offering more money.
These high end DL players know they can demand a lot of money and the schools are over a barrel if they don't compete. You're just not going to win without several capable to dominant DL.
The sought after positions can hold programs hostage.....QB / DL / LT / C......you've got to have those pieces in place or you won't compete at a high level.
One of my favorite quotes from “The Andy Griffith Show” and episode of “Opie and the Hobo” - the hobo being played by Buddy Epson. Opie develops a friendship with Mr. Dave and he leads him down a primrose path. Andy confronts Mr. Dave. When he asks Andy “who’s to say my way isn’t better?” this was Andy’s response:
“The wrong ideas come packaged with so much glitter, it's hard to convince him that other things might be better in the long run and all a parent can do is say, "Wait. Trust me" and try to keep temptation away.”
In many ways, that is what the transfer portal and NIL has become. It is the wrong idea wrapped in glittering, shiny promises that grabs young players attention. For some it works out. As Mr. Dave states in the scene it “keeps clothes on his back and food in his belly”. But for others, the have it now mentality never gives way to thought of “wait. Is this really the best thing for me in the long run?”
I definitely don't envy these coaches, they used to have to rebuild every 3/4 years, now they have to rebuild every year
2026 is shaping up to be our first portal heavy team, particularly in the trenches, and the problem I have with portal heavy teams is that they can go either way.
2026 is shaping up to be our first portal heavy team, particularly in the trenches, and the problem I have with portal heavy teams is that they can go either way.
I'm not sure how football will sustain this rebuilding every year. I see how basketball is able to but not football.
Trending content
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Thread 'Orange Bowl CFP Qtr: #4 Texas Tech v #5 Oregon - Rust vs B1G Pride (ESPN Noon ET)'- CajunCrimson
Replies: 286 -
Latest threads
-
ESPN: 'This is one of the big moments in college football': Demond Williams Jr.'s case will test if contracts can be enforced- Started by TideFans Reporter
- Replies: 0
-
-
-
-
-
ESPN: Ohio St. star safety Downs declares for NFL draft
- Started by TideFans Reporter
- Replies: 0