2024 College Football Thread: Ohio State advances to play unbeaten hypothetical SEC team (3 Viewers)

[bigbottom]

Local kid (my son played football with him these last 2 years) commits to the University of Miami.

#1 recruit (depending on your list) in the class of 2026. 6'8" 300lb LT. He's also the #1 shot putter in the nation and his dad won the silver medal in shot put in Beijing in 2008. The kid is super smart (32 on the ACT as a Freshman) and has been the strongest kid in the school since he was 14. Led the team to a 2nd place finish in 6A in Missouri.

Wow, that is a surprise (to me at least). Thought he was going to Georgia or perhaps Oregon. He is an incredible recruit for the Hurricanes. When you say your son played with him, I hope it was on the same team! I’d sure hate to be going up against him as a high schooler.

 

[bigbottom]

One of USC’s two 5 star commits, Xavier Griffin, just decommitted. Not sure what the story is yet.

 

[Chadstroma]

4 ️ RB Jonaz Walton (Carrollton, GA) has committed to Notre Dame over Alabama, Stanford & Florida #GoIrish

 

[Jayrod]

Local kid (my son played football with him these last 2 years) commits to the University of Miami.

#1 recruit (depending on your list) in the class of 2026. 6'8" 300lb LT. He's also the #1 shot putter in the nation and his dad won the silver medal in shot put in Beijing in 2008. The kid is super smart (32 on the ACT as a Freshman) and has been the strongest kid in the school since he was 14. Led the team to a 2nd place finish in 6A in Missouri.

Wow, that is a surprise (to me at least). Thought he was going to Georgia or perhaps Oregon. He is an incredible recruit for the Hurricanes. When you say your son played with him, I hope it was on the same team! I’d sure hate to be going up against him as a high schooler.

I was a little surprised as well, but apparently the NIL was a big factor.

And yes, my son was his teammate. My son was the #4 WR and is a senior. Unfortunately for him, our entire O-line was really good and we ran the ball like 80-90% of the time. My son had 3 catches on the year and 2 TDs, but had the time of his life.

Jackson is the real deal and could legitimately play in the NFL and throw shot in the Olympics.

 

[Chadstroma]

One of USC’s two 5 star commits, Xavier Griffin, just decommitted. Not sure what the story is yet.

Seems like he wanted to do more visits and USC decided to move on as well. Schools in the mix moving forward for Griffin will include Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee, Ohio State and Michigan.

 

[bigbottom]

One of USC’s two 5 star commits, Xavier Griffin, just decommitted. Not sure what the story is yet.

Seems like he wanted to do more visits and USC decided to move on as well. Schools in the mix moving forward for Griffin will include Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee, Ohio State and Michigan.

Word on the street is that USC is now taking the position that if a commit wants to continue to do official visits at other schools, they should go ahead and decommit. Not sure whether or not that will be a successful strategy but they’ve certainly built up a buffer that they can lose some guys (which they no doubt will).

 

[Chadstroma]

One of USC’s two 5 star commits, Xavier Griffin, just decommitted. Not sure what the story is yet.

Seems like he wanted to do more visits and USC decided to move on as well. Schools in the mix moving forward for Griffin will include Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida State, Tennessee, Ohio State and Michigan.

Word on the street is that USC is now taking the position that if a commit wants to continue to do official visits at other schools, they should go ahead and decommit. Not sure whether or not that will be a successful strategy but they’ve certainly built up a buffer that they can lose some guys.

Yea... I mean... when you racked up as many commits I gues you can take that stand but how quickly that can turn on you. It seems to me to be a shaky way forward. You got the #2 LB in the country interested enough to commit and as kids do he isn't totally done thinking and you cut him loose... ok.... well, it is USC so no tears from me about it.

 

[Chadstroma]

Top 3 Recruiting Heists Behind Notre Dame’s Meteoric Rise Under Marcus Freeman​

Blink and miss, that is the pace that Marcus Freeman is moving in. He just took Notre Dame football to the stratosphere. The 38-year-old head coach, a former linebacker and defensive coordinator, has been on a journey to revamp the Fighting Irish. And last season was a premiere of the same.

Freeman nearly pulled off the impossible. After an early-season stumble against Northern Illinois, the Freeman squad went on a 10-game tear. They toppled ranked teams, took down USC, won their first-ever home playoff game, and even beat Georgia in the rescheduled Sugar Bowl. With a 13-win season and a national title game appearance, Notre Dame was officially back. And now, it looks like they are levelling up again.

Marcus Freeman’s Recruiting Magic: 3 Major Steals Boost Notre Dame’s 2026 Class​

Freeman isn’t resting on a dream season. He’s revamping, reloading, and doing it all using his recruiting power. Notre Dame is now ranked No. 2 nationally according to 247Sports. And the ranking is not just about the five-star recruits! While everyone’s eyes were on the usual blue-chip suspects, Notre Dame made quiet moves that now look like major coups. Freeman’s been relentless, and these three recruits are the proof in the pudding.

1. Joey O’Brien​

Recruiters knew there was something cooking the moment four-star safety Joey O’Brien changed his official visit calendar. O’Brien, when he made the changes, ended up dropping Ohio State in favor of Notre Dame.

O’Brien, out of La Salle College in Pennsylvania, is the No. 2 player in his state and a top-five safety in the country. And Marcus Freeman has been using his deadly combo of Mike Mickens and Marti Biagi to lock Joey O’Brien. And it definitely seems like it is working.

Joey O’Brien was supposed to visit South Bend in early June. Now, that has changed. He will be there right before the recruiting dead period. This might be a strategic move that might just seal the deal. When a top-70 player starts leaning Irish late in the game, it’s not luck. It’s Freeman.

2. Jonaz Walton​

Ever thought about what it would be like to steal a top-10 running back from the SEC? Well, Marcus Freeman is doing just that. Jonaz Walton, coming out of Carrollton, Georgia, is a tank of a back who also swims and sprints. He is 5’9”, 205 pounds, and is one of the best recruits for the Fighting Irish.

After visiting Notre Dame in April, momentum started building. Recruiting gurus from 247Sports and On3 even went on to predict that Walton has a leaning toward Irish. To add on, there’s another X factor. And that is none other than new RB coach Ja’Juan Seider, who was nabbed from Penn State. Seider has already delivered one top-10 back. Walton might be his next big win.

3. Brayden Robinson​

Brayden Robinson is a Red Oak, Texas product. He might be small in size, but don’t let that fool the fandom. Robinson has a knack for blowing past defenders. He, in fact, has drawn interest from Miami, Ohio State, and Arizona.

Notre Dame is tapping into Texas talent like never before, and Robinson could be the crown jewel. He is ranked inside the top 50 receivers and top 40 in Texas. Robinson’s versatility as a slot threat and returner makes him the perfect chess piece in Freeman’s playbook. Evidently, Marcus Freeman is not just about stars but about stacking smart.

While the headlines go to the five-star flashes, it’s these well-timed, well-executed recruiting heists that have Notre Dame dreaming bigger than ever. And if Freeman keeps pulling off moves like these? South Bend might just be the new recruiting capital of college football.

 

[kupcho1]

@Capella ,please never change this thread title. Start a new thread if need be, but this one needs to live forever.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Interesting stock up / stock down from playoff teams last year.

Stock up or down? Analyzing the offseason of every 2024 College Football Playoff team

Ohio State won't be as talented in 2025, but the Buckeyes should still be a a Playoff team. What about Georgia? Can Notre Dame get back?

www.nytimes.com

 

[Todem]

@General Malaise

You owe me $1

He went #1 overall….but I am sure you know that my friend.

It's a horrible draft next year for QBs

Cam Ward looks very good. Mobility, arm talent in tight windows & touch throws. Accuracy. He goes through progressions. Only negatives have been occasionally throwing across his body and scrambling too long in the pocket looking for big throws downfield, leading to sacks.

I mean.....he wasn't recruited for a reason. He's flashy but flawed. Again, you didn't watch him at Wazzou. I did and he is fun but he won't succeed in the pros.

I will respectfully disagree. He has a chance to be elite in the NFL. He needs to mature a bit more in his decision making and also learn “when to say when”.

Everything for him hinges on can he process at the next level….because physically he is extremely and I mean extremely gifted.

Buddy......nobody wanted him out of HS. He went to some weird religious college to start - not Liberty but an even weirder one that nobody cares about.

He gets a gift to run air raid at Wazzou, did well but certainly didn't elevate his team and now he has carved up garbage schools in the worst P4 conference.

He's talented but he wilts in big moments.

Ok…..your opinion.

I have seen a guy who can make every throw. Buy tons of time and has outstanding composure in the pocket.

Let’s see what happens because he will be drafted top 3 in 2025. No doubt.

Willing to make a friendly wager on that one, friend. I'll even give you top 5.

Winthorpe and Valentine bet.

Cam Ward is drafted Top 5 in 2025

@General Malaise

 

[General Malaise]

@General Malaise

You owe me $1

He went #1 overall….but I am sure you know that my friend.

It's a horrible draft next year for QBs

Cam Ward looks very good. Mobility, arm talent in tight windows & touch throws. Accuracy. He goes through progressions. Only negatives have been occasionally throwing across his body and scrambling too long in the pocket looking for big throws downfield, leading to sacks.

I mean.....he wasn't recruited for a reason. He's flashy but flawed. Again, you didn't watch him at Wazzou. I did and he is fun but he won't succeed in the pros.

I will respectfully disagree. He has a chance to be elite in the NFL. He needs to mature a bit more in his decision making and also learn “when to say when”.

Everything for him hinges on can he process at the next level….because physically he is extremely and I mean extremely gifted.

Buddy......nobody wanted him out of HS. He went to some weird religious college to start - not Liberty but an even weirder one that nobody cares about.

He gets a gift to run air raid at Wazzou, did well but certainly didn't elevate his team and now he has carved up garbage schools in the worst P4 conference.

He's talented but he wilts in big moments.

Ok…..your opinion.

I have seen a guy who can make every throw. Buy tons of time and has outstanding composure in the pocket.

Let’s see what happens because he will be drafted top 3 in 2025. No doubt.

Willing to make a friendly wager on that one, friend. I'll even give you top 5.

Winthorpe and Valentine bet.

Cam Ward is drafted Top 5 in 2025

@General Malaise

Yeah, that was a big miss by me.

Tell you what, if he wins ROY, I'll make a $25 donation to the charity of your choice. If he does not, we're square.

Or something that keeps this bet alive and interesting.

 

[General Malaise]

And I do like Cam Ward, I enjoyed watching him play at Washington State. He was electric for the Cougs.

But he was also the 4th best QB in the Pac-12 at best in 2023. He wasn't going to get drafted ahead of the guys who went that year in the draft.

He also played against the worst defenses in the country in the ACC, so I have a bad feeling about this rookie year in Tenn. That team is hot garbage.

 

[Todem]

And I do like Cam Ward, I enjoyed watching him play at Washington State. He was electric for the Cougs.

But he was also the 4th best QB in the Pac-12 at best in 2023. He wasn't going to get drafted ahead of the guys who went that year in the draft.

He also played against the worst defenses in the country in the ACC, so I have a bad feeling about this rookie year in Tenn. That team is hot garbage.

I love his physical skills and also love his character.

My concern is his decision making and processing speed.

Can he be coached up ala Josh Allen? That’s what is the ultimate question.

But I did recognize his physical talent at Miami and it leaped off the page. And while the ACC is not the SEC (what is really) that is not the end all in what equates into a top NFL QB

Brock Purdy anyone? Tom Brady anyone?

It really is between the ears at the highest level arm talent being equal etc.

Also system, supporting cast, development by coaching etc. so much goes into this.

I hope he succeeds because this kid is a great story.

 

[bigbottom]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

 

[bigbottom]

And I do like Cam Ward, I enjoyed watching him play at Washington State. He was electric for the Cougs.

But he was also the 4th best QB in the Pac-12 at best in 2023. He wasn't going to get drafted ahead of the guys who went that year in the draft.

He also played against the worst defenses in the country in the ACC, so I have a bad feeling about this rookie year in Tenn. That team is hot garbage.

I love his physical skills and also love his character.

My concern is his decision making and processing speed.

Can he be coached up ala Josh Allen? That’s what is the ultimate question.

But I did recognize his physical talent at Miami and it leaped off the page. And while the ACC is not the SEC (what is really) that is not the end all in what equates into a top NFL QB

Brock Purdy anyone? Tom Brady anyone?

It really is between the ears at the highest level arm talent being equal etc.

Also system, supporting cast, development by coaching etc. so much goes into this.

I hope he succeeds because this kid is a great story.

Cam’s from a little small town in Texas where my mom lives. He’s the pride of West Columbia, Texas! Population 3,644!

 

[Chadstroma]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

Someone showed him more love?

 

[General Malaise]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

 

[bigbottom]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

And USC with the not so subtle troll job with their teaser of the commitment of Five-Star #1 Tight End Mark Bowman. Bonus tie-in with Ferrell being a USC grad.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

And USC with the not so subtle troll job with their teaser of the commitment of Five-Star #1 Tight End Mark Bowman. Bonus tie-in with Ferrell being a USC grad.

Nicely done USC, nicely done.

 

[bigbottom]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

And USC with the not so subtle troll job with their teaser of the commitment of Five-Star #1 Tight End Mark Bowman. Bonus tie-in with Ferrell being a USC grad.

Nicely done USC, nicely done.

They’re gonna get punished in Eugene this season for that one.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

And USC with the not so subtle troll job with their teaser of the commitment of Five-Star #1 Tight End Mark Bowman. Bonus tie-in with Ferrell being a USC grad.

Nicely done USC, nicely done.

They’re gonna get punished in Eugene this season for that one.

It may have been unwise, but i laughed

 

[General Malaise]

Edit: Oregon nabs Richard Wesley with a synchronized cannonball!

Well, that didn’t last very long (17 days). Wesley decommits.

And USC with the not so subtle troll job with their teaser of the commitment of Five-Star #1 Tight End Mark Bowman. Bonus tie-in with Ferrell being a USC grad.

Nicely done USC, nicely done.

They’re gonna get punished in Eugene this season for that one.

Ehhhh, I don't know about that. There's quite a few question marks surrounding this Oregon team, starting with the QB but extending all around.

And if we're not questioning play calling after that inexcusable effort in the Rose Bowl on both sides of the ball, then we're not objective about our team. That was pathetic. They didn't even compete. And that team had several NFL players drafted so the coaching staff had to answer that call and they have largely escaped criticism.

I'm still mad. I need to learn let things go. Maybe in my 60s.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I'm still mad. I need to learn let things go. Maybe in my 60s.

I don't know, GB. I'm still pissed at Earl weaver over-managing the '79 World Series and blowing a 3-games-to-1 lead.

 

[Chadstroma]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

From what I have been told from others (one of them my best friend from youth whose son started as a junior at a Texas HS and had ridiculous numbers..... the first offer is the hardest and opens to the gate in general and then the same for D1. He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

What has he done for recruiting on his side? Camps? Reaching out to coaches? Has he received star ratings? Does he have a dream school?

 

[General Malaise]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

From what I have been told from others (one of them my best friend from youth whose son started as a junior at a Texas HS and had ridiculous numbers..... the first offer is the hardest and opens to the gate in general and then the same for D1. He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

What has he done for recruiting on his side? Camps? Reaching out to coaches? Has he received star ratings? Does he have a dream school?

He did a bunch of camps when he was younger so he's on the radar. Was in Pullman this weekend for the *Official* visit - his parents went with him and were treated the best restaurant The Palouse has to offer (it's a very small town, lol).

He would LOVE to go to San Diego State and has a verbal offer there, but these college coaches are all used car salesmen so you have to take things with a giant pinch of salt.

He wanted an offer from Princeton but they passed (his dad was relieved about that as there's no athletic scholsrship). Out of the blue and without throwing for them, Brown offered him a spot on their football team. Who knows how real that is.

Idaho was the first school to officially offer him, but they have acted like a spurned lover and told him they no longer want him since he can't commit to them.....silliness.

It is interesting to watch rather close. There's all sorts of interesting stories and things coaches say and do. I'll keep taking notes and pass on the best ones I hear.

 

[Chadstroma]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

From what I have been told from others (one of them my best friend from youth whose son started as a junior at a Texas HS and had ridiculous numbers..... the first offer is the hardest and opens to the gate in general and then the same for D1. He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

What has he done for recruiting on his side? Camps? Reaching out to coaches? Has he received star ratings? Does he have a dream school?

He did a bunch of camps when he was younger so he's on the radar. Was in Pullman this weekend for the *Official* visit - his parents went with him and were treated the best restaurant The Palouse has to offer (it's a very small town, lol).

He would LOVE to go to San Diego State and has a verbal offer there, but these college coaches are all used car salesmen so you have to take things with a giant pinch of salt.

He wanted an offer from Princeton but they passed (his dad was relieved about that as there's no athletic scholsrship). Out of the blue and without throwing for them, Brown offered him a spot on their football team. Who knows how real that is.

Idaho was the first school to officially offer him, but they have acted like a spurned lover and told him they no longer want him since he can't commit to them.....silliness.

It is interesting to watch rather close. There's all sorts of interesting stories and things coaches say and do. I'll keep taking notes and pass on the best ones I hear.

I would think the one 'good' thing would be that coaches recruiting would be up front and honest with the kids now considering the transfer portal now. Before, sure, you get them in and they are very limited in terms of pulling out to go elsewhere now? It is becoming the rare exception rather than the rule for a kid to stay at one college for their college career.

I was curious about Idaho, it sounded like a rookie HC move to me... it looks like they have a new HC who had a short stint as HC at a D2 school but otherwise not a long history of HC.

 

[Desert_Power]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

From what I have been told from others (one of them my best friend from youth whose son started as a junior at a Texas HS and had ridiculous numbers..... the first offer is the hardest and opens to the gate in general and then the same for D1. He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

What has he done for recruiting on his side? Camps? Reaching out to coaches? Has he received star ratings? Does he have a dream school?

He did a bunch of camps when he was younger so he's on the radar. Was in Pullman this weekend for the *Official* visit - his parents went with him and were treated the best restaurant The Palouse has to offer (it's a very small town, lol).

He would LOVE to go to San Diego State and has a verbal offer there, but these college coaches are all used car salesmen so you have to take things with a giant pinch of salt.

He wanted an offer from Princeton but they passed (his dad was relieved about that as there's no athletic scholsrship). Out of the blue and without throwing for them, Brown offered him a spot on their football team. Who knows how real that is.

Idaho was the first school to officially offer him, but they have acted like a spurned lover and told him they no longer want him since he can't commit to them.....silliness.

It is interesting to watch rather close. There's all sorts of interesting stories and things coaches say and do. I'll keep taking notes and pass on the best ones I hear.

Interesting stuff. Getting to go to Brown on a scholarship would not be a bad gig at all.

 

[General Malaise]

Idaho has traditionally been a stepping stone for head coaches. The great Dennis Erickson was there (twice I think). There's been some other notable names too. It's also a school where coaches like Bobby Petrino's lesser known brother gets hired and sticks around before they realize he is not his brother.

They can field some good teams, though. Just ask Oregon who damn near lost to the Vandals in the 2024 season opener. Nothing about that game was close....except the final score and that's what matters.

They want to be more nationally relevant but they'll never catch up to Boise State and Wazzou is just 15 minutes west of them, casting big shadows in a desolate farming community. I don't know how the hell they recruit some of the kids they find....it's not a place many city kids want to live.

 

[Chadstroma]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

From what I have been told from others (one of them my best friend from youth whose son started as a junior at a Texas HS and had ridiculous numbers..... the first offer is the hardest and opens to the gate in general and then the same for D1. He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

What has he done for recruiting on his side? Camps? Reaching out to coaches? Has he received star ratings? Does he have a dream school?

He did a bunch of camps when he was younger so he's on the radar. Was in Pullman this weekend for the *Official* visit - his parents went with him and were treated the best restaurant The Palouse has to offer (it's a very small town, lol).

He would LOVE to go to San Diego State and has a verbal offer there, but these college coaches are all used car salesmen so you have to take things with a giant pinch of salt.

He wanted an offer from Princeton but they passed (his dad was relieved about that as there's no athletic scholsrship). Out of the blue and without throwing for them, Brown offered him a spot on their football team. Who knows how real that is.

Idaho was the first school to officially offer him, but they have acted like a spurned lover and told him they no longer want him since he can't commit to them.....silliness.

It is interesting to watch rather close. There's all sorts of interesting stories and things coaches say and do. I'll keep taking notes and pass on the best ones I hear.

Interesting stuff. Getting to go to Brown on a scholarship would not be a bad gig at all.

Ivy Leagues schools do not have sports scholarships

 

[Chadstroma]

Idaho has traditionally been a stepping stone for head coaches. The great Dennis Erickson was there (twice I think). There's been some other notable names too. It's also a school where coaches like Bobby Petrino's lesser known brother gets hired and sticks around before they realize he is not his brother.

They can field some good teams, though. Just ask Oregon who damn near lost to the Vandals in the 2024 season opener. Nothing about that game was close....except the final score and that's what matters.

They want to be more nationally relevant but they'll never catch up to Boise State and Wazzou is just 15 minutes west of them, casting big shadows in a desolate farming community. I don't know how the hell they recruit some of the kids they find....it's not a place many city kids want to live.

With them dropping to FCS a few years back (if I remember right, the first and only time a school volunteered to do so)- they will never catch up to Boise St or Wazzu.

 

[Desert_Power]

Co-worker's son getting offers right now - kinda cool seeing the process up close and personal. I've known this kid since he was a newborn and worked with his dad the last 20+ years. He's a QB at HS that played for the state championship last season - his son was the QB but wasn't well known (he didn't start at QB until last year). The RB on the team has dozens of offers and I think his attention helped open up eyes to what the QB can do.

Haven't seen any NIL money or even a discussion about it, but he's now got offers from SDSU, Wazzou, Idaho and Brown. I think more offers are forthcoming.

From what I have been told from others (one of them my best friend from youth whose son started as a junior at a Texas HS and had ridiculous numbers..... the first offer is the hardest and opens to the gate in general and then the same for D1. He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

What has he done for recruiting on his side? Camps? Reaching out to coaches? Has he received star ratings? Does he have a dream school?

He did a bunch of camps when he was younger so he's on the radar. Was in Pullman this weekend for the *Official* visit - his parents went with him and were treated the best restaurant The Palouse has to offer (it's a very small town, lol).

He would LOVE to go to San Diego State and has a verbal offer there, but these college coaches are all used car salesmen so you have to take things with a giant pinch of salt.

He wanted an offer from Princeton but they passed (his dad was relieved about that as there's no athletic scholsrship). Out of the blue and without throwing for them, Brown offered him a spot on their football team. Who knows how real that is.

Idaho was the first school to officially offer him, but they have acted like a spurned lover and told him they no longer want him since he can't commit to them.....silliness.

It is interesting to watch rather close. There's all sorts of interesting stories and things coaches say and do. I'll keep taking notes and pass on the best ones I hear.

Interesting stuff. Getting to go to Brown on a scholarship would not be a bad gig at all.

Ivy Leagues schools do not have sports scholarships

Well screw that then.

 

[General Malaise]

Yeah, the cost to attend an Ivy is staggering. Even if you're a QB. Plus, my coworker is the kind of parent who will go to every game, expense be damned and that's a rough go from Portland to Rhode Island and back. I imagine this kid will stay somewhat close to home (although Pullmam is a HARD 6 hour drive).

 

[Chadstroma]

Notre Dame four-star LB commit Thomas Davis Jr. is visiting Georgia this weekend, @ChadSimmons_ and @BGInews report.Davis is a Bulldogs' legacy but has been committed to the Irish since November.

Call me nervous on this. His father's school has to have a pull.

 

[Beef Ravioli Part 2]

He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

@Chadstroma is the young man focusing on another sport besides football or just not into sports even though he’s obviously gifted to be receiving D1 scholarship offers?

 

[Chadstroma]

He had offers from Syracuse and a couple of other D1's then decided to not play football anymore this year, which was his senior year, as he would have likely got many more).

@Chadstroma is the young man focusing on another sport besides football or just not into sports even though he’s obviously gifted to be receiving D1 scholarship offers?

He really only played football in HS. He stopped for two reasons really. First, he really wants to be a commercial pilot wants to go to pilot training over university. Second, it just wore on him. A quote his father told me was "I feel like no matter what I do, it is never right or good enough." So high pressure/poor coaching played a huge role.

 

[General Malaise]

Post-script from the Washington State visit. Head coach has the kid and his family over for dinner, nice house, great meal, great fireside chat with the coach. "You're OUR guy. You are THE QB of the future at Washington State. And now that we've shown you the love, it is time for you to show us the same. Can you commit to us right here, right now".

I'm paraphrasing, but that was the message sent. And reiterated at 10pm last night when the HC called the kid at home to ask yet again if he could commit to Wazzou. If not, they'd have to go find another QB of the future.

My heavens....he's not even a senior yet. These guys are worse than time-share salesmen.

 

[Chadstroma]

Post-script from the Washington State visit. Head coach has the kid and his family over for dinner, nice house, great meal, great fireside chat with the coach. "You're OUR guy. You are THE QB of the future at Washington State. And now that we've shown you the love, it is time for you to show us the same. Can you commit to us right here, right now".

I'm paraphrasing, but that was the message sent. And reiterated at 10pm last night when the HC called the kid at home to ask yet again if he could commit to Wazzou. If not, they'd have to go find another QB of the future.

My heavens....he's not even a senior yet. These guys are worse than time-share salesmen.

Interesting. You have to wonder how much of it is pressure tactics and how much of it is real.

 

[General Malaise]

Post-script from the Washington State visit. Head coach has the kid and his family over for dinner, nice house, great meal, great fireside chat with the coach. "You're OUR guy. You are THE QB of the future at Washington State. And now that we've shown you the love, it is time for you to show us the same. Can you commit to us right here, right now".

I'm paraphrasing, but that was the message sent. And reiterated at 10pm last night when the HC called the kid at home to ask yet again if he could commit to Wazzou. If not, they'd have to go find another QB of the future.

My heavens....he's not even a senior yet. These guys are worse than time-share salesmen.

Interesting. You have to wonder how much of it is pressure tactics and how much of it is real.

And, does this apply to ALL the kids in recruiting or just the ones who are in the 3-star range or lower? For example, his teammate is a more highly regarded as a RB and has more offers in his pocket. Is he getting the full-court press from the coaches to commit or get off the pot?

 

[Chadstroma]

Post-script from the Washington State visit. Head coach has the kid and his family over for dinner, nice house, great meal, great fireside chat with the coach. "You're OUR guy. You are THE QB of the future at Washington State. And now that we've shown you the love, it is time for you to show us the same. Can you commit to us right here, right now".

I'm paraphrasing, but that was the message sent. And reiterated at 10pm last night when the HC called the kid at home to ask yet again if he could commit to Wazzou. If not, they'd have to go find another QB of the future.

My heavens....he's not even a senior yet. These guys are worse than time-share salesmen.

Interesting. You have to wonder how much of it is pressure tactics and how much of it is real.

And, does this apply to ALL the kids in recruiting or just the ones who are in the 3-star range or lower? For example, his teammate is a more highly regarded as a RB and has more offers in his pocket. Is he getting the full-court press from the coaches to commit or get off the pot?

I was thinking the same thing. I only really follow ND recruiting and the nearest I have been to this is my buddy's son who bowed out before it really heated up. I have to think that the higher the prospect is the more latitude schools will give to wait and hope versus lower side that they want to lock things up or move on to another guy.

 

[General Malaise]

Yeah, I've never gotten into recruiting and in today's era, it's rather dizzying for a person like me who loves college football the sport but has never followed the recruiting stuff. I can't keep up with the flipping and the flopping and the de-commits.

But it's kind of neat following my co-worker's journey for his son.

 

[Chadstroma]

Yeah, I've never gotten into recruiting and in today's era, it's rather dizzying for a person like me who loves college football the sport but has never followed the recruiting stuff. I can't keep up with the flipping and the flopping and the de-commits.

But it's kind of neat following my co-worker's journey for his son.

And the thing is in today's world you still have to recruit the players on your team as you recruit HS players and recruit transfers. It is a big reason for the rise of the GM position in college football where before it was not as much of a thing and has become a crucial piece to a winning program. It is kind of why I am a little surprised on the pressure tactics your friends son is getting. It isn't like in previous years that you get the kid into the program and in a sense they are locked there (though they could leave and transfer it wasn't like now by a long stretch). What good does it do for you to pressure a kid and then they either flip later or after their freshman year they bolt for another program.

 

[General Malaise]

Well, it's official. Washington State landed their QB commit for 2026. Congrats to Hudson Kurland of Lake Oswego, HS.

 

[bigbottom]

Well, it's official. Washington State landed their QB commit for 2026. Congrats to Hudson Kurland of Lake Oswego, HS.

That’s awesome! Any NIL cash?

 

[nirad3]

And I do like Cam Ward, I enjoyed watching him play at Washington State. He was electric for the Cougs.

But he was also the 4th best QB in the Pac-12 at best in 2023. He wasn't going to get drafted ahead of the guys who went that year in the draft.

He also played against the worst defenses in the country in the ACC, so I have a bad feeling about this rookie year in Tenn. That team is hot garbage.

I love his physical skills and also love his character.

My concern is his decision making and processing speed.

Can he be coached up ala Josh Allen? That’s what is the ultimate question.

But I did recognize his physical talent at Miami and it leaped off the page. And while the ACC is not the SEC (what is really) that is not the end all in what equates into a top NFL QB

Brock Purdy anyone? Tom Brady anyone?

It really is between the ears at the highest level arm talent being equal etc.

Also system, supporting cast, development by coaching etc. so much goes into this.

I hope he succeeds because this kid is a great story.

Cam’s from a little small town in Texas where my mom lives. He’s the pride of West Columbia, Texas! Population 3,644!

I'll be there in a couple of weeks for work.

 

[General Malaise]

Well, it's official. Washington State landed their QB commit for 2026. Congrats to Hudson Kurland of Lake Oswego, HS.

That’s awesome! Any NIL cash?

Not at first, but he'll get 10K just for being on the field - not sure if that's money from the NIL collective or not. From there, the money gets tied to playing time and for a QB, if he becomes the starter, now we're talking real money. I'm fascinated by all this, but it's awfully confusing how the money flow works and it seems like it's constantly evolving.

 

[Chadstroma]

Well, it's official. Washington State landed their QB commit for 2026. Congrats to Hudson Kurland of Lake Oswego, HS.

Was it the pressure sales pitch or did he really feel that was the spot? What were the reasons for his choice?

 

[General Malaise]

Well, it's official. Washington State landed their QB commit for 2026. Congrats to Hudson Kurland of Lake Oswego, HS.

Was it the pressure sales pitch or did he really feel that was the spot? What were the reasons for his choice?

I think it's a few things.

1. They rolled the red carpet out for him and made him feel like he was THE guy. Dog and pony show? Maybe, but the head coach hosted them at his house and really made the kid feel like he was their future. He was the only QB on that visit and from their lips to his ears, he's the one guy they want to be their QB.
2. Compare that to SDSU who has 'soft offered' several QBs and didn't make the same red carpet type of pitch that Wazzou did. And it rubbed him wrong that they 'offered' him a few weeks ago but told him NOT to put anything on social media.
3. This whole recruiting thing is exhausting, overwhelming and stressful. Every college coach that came to visit would have him throw for him. During school hours. Which meant having to find WRs on the team who would go throw for him. His dad (my co-worker) was paying these WRs cash money to show up and catch for his son. I'm sure this all sounds like first world problems, but deep down, I think the family just wanted this all to end and let him move on with his school life, being a kid, etc. RELIEF is what his dad said and I get that.
4. Washington State is in a tiny dot on the map in the middle of nowhere. Football is IT in Pullman. The whole east side of the state supports the Cougs and while it's a far cry from some of the massive progrums in the country, the stadium gets packed and the fans are passionate. Compare that to San Diego State that just doesn't seem to care about college sports. There's much to do in San Diego and college football is way down on that list. I think UCLA, Stanford and Cal suffer from this as well. The fans are just ho-hum about college football and the apathy shows up on Saturdays in the form of empty seats. He'll play in front of vociferous crowds in Pullman.

 

[bigbottom]

And I do like Cam Ward, I enjoyed watching him play at Washington State. He was electric for the Cougs.

But he was also the 4th best QB in the Pac-12 at best in 2023. He wasn't going to get drafted ahead of the guys who went that year in the draft.

He also played against the worst defenses in the country in the ACC, so I have a bad feeling about this rookie year in Tenn. That team is hot garbage.

I love his physical skills and also love his character.

My concern is his decision making and processing speed.

Can he be coached up ala Josh Allen? That’s what is the ultimate question.

But I did recognize his physical talent at Miami and it leaped off the page. And while the ACC is not the SEC (what is really) that is not the end all in what equates into a top NFL QB

Brock Purdy anyone? Tom Brady anyone?

It really is between the ears at the highest level arm talent being equal etc.

Also system, supporting cast, development by coaching etc. so much goes into this.

I hope he succeeds because this kid is a great story.

Cam’s from a little small town in Texas where my mom lives. He’s the pride of West Columbia, Texas! Population 3,644!

I'll be there in a couple of weeks for work.

Gonna spend any time in Houston?

 

[nirad3]

Well, it's official. Washington State landed their QB commit for 2026. Congrats to Hudson Kurland of Lake Oswego, HS.

Was it the pressure sales pitch or did he really feel that was the spot? What were the reasons for his choice?

I think it's a few things.

1. They rolled the red carpet out for him and made him feel like he was THE guy. Dog and pony show? Maybe, but the head coach hosted them at his house and really made the kid feel like he was their future. He was the only QB on that visit and from their lips to his ears, he's the one guy they want to be their QB.
2. Compare that to SDSU who has 'soft offered' several QBs and didn't make the same red carpet type of pitch that Wazzou did. And it rubbed him wrong that they 'offered' him a few weeks ago but told him NOT to put anything on social media.
3. This whole recruiting thing is exhausting, overwhelming and stressful. Every college coach that came to visit would have him throw for him. During school hours. Which meant having to find WRs on the team who would go throw for him. His dad (my co-worker) was paying these WRs cash money to show up and catch for his son. I'm sure this all sounds like first world problems, but deep down, I think the family just wanted this all to end and let him move on with his school life, being a kid, etc. RELIEF is what his dad said and I get that.
4. Washington State is in a tiny dot on the map in the middle of nowhere. Football is IT in Pullman. The whole east side of the state supports the Cougs and while it's a far cry from some of the massive progrums in the country, the stadium gets packed and the fans are passionate. Compare that to San Diego State that just doesn't seem to care about college sports. There's much to do in San Diego and college football is way down on that list. I think UCLA, Stanford and Cal suffer from this as well. The fans are just ho-hum about college football and the apathy shows up on Saturdays in the form of empty seats. He'll play in front of vociferous crowds in Pullman.

Yeah, sounds like he's probably a whole heck of a lot better off at Wazzou than SDSU.