In Reply to: But, are these new commits B1G level players? posted by jcbruin on January 09, 2026 at 00:35:43
Good question. There isn't much basis for recruiting at this point - new staff, new to the region as well as big time players, lousy record, not much basis to hope we'll be any better than just decent next season. While there are a number of schools that can point to decent to very strong records, a familiar staff or a new HC known to recruits, a big time financial angel pumping money throughout the system (Hello, Texas Tech) and far, far fewer needs to fill to get to being a successful program.
Money matters. We are told UCLA has decent NIL money but we need most of a whole new offensive line, most of a defensive line, edge rushers, linebackers, DBs, RBs and both WRs and TEs. That money has to bring in most of a brand new team. One point David Woods keeps making in that BRO recorded hour-long audio that mh mentioned - in addition to covering the recruiting, both accomplishments and needs, for most of it, he talks about basketball making two points: First, that the HC has to recruit players who fit his system and approach to the game (current team overwhelmingly fails that standard) AND recruiting 4 stars who are athletic and can play your style are a whole lot cheaper than 5 stars who play their way and want more than anything to impress the NBA scouts that they will be successful in the NBA.
True for football also - 5 stars are very expensive. You can fill the holes on your roster with what you will have to spend to bring in a couple 5 stars.
Yes, if their heads are on straight, you would LOVE to land some. Finding them with their heads on straight and willing to buy into your program is great. I love having Iamaleava here. But for that caliber of player, we're competing with everyone - with UGA and Alabama, Oregon, SC, Ohio State, Michigan, Texas, Texas Tech and on and on. It's a bidding war. Guys are signing for $4 million a year. Two guys like that will really deplete your budget and we're talking signing a while new team here this year.
Which puts your question right at the top of the chart for this coming year: how many of these new guys can really play with some effectiveness at the P4 level? How many can hold their own Big Ten play?
It's a season to set the foundation for the program and we're pretty much starting over after Chip (and his enabler, Martin) and then the Hail Mary to Foster fell 'way short. Got to fill up the roster. And the goal has to be HC Chesney showing everyone he can coach up a team and players at this level.
Then maybe next year we'll have a chance to land a few of those blue chippers