Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

DaveK180 said:

---

These are good points. Obviously, Anae and the Poly connections are important. We also must be lowering admission standards somewhat which is long overdue. But imagine what could be done with a NIL bonanza to capture the even higher rated recruits out there. With all its attributes now being properly promoted, Cal could be a powder keg ready to explode with a band of sugar daddies pulling the trigger.

---

mbBear said:

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

6956bear said:

---

mbBear said:

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

---

MinotStateBeav said:

---

Yeah portal guys should only get into it if they are guaranteed a landing spot. That means being contacted by another team. Blindly going into the portal is asking for trouble. You better make sure the team that wants you is very clear on their intentions.

---

mbBear said:

---

6956bear said:

---

mbBear said:

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

---

I don't see that math adding up: Cal doesn't do well enough to keep Wilcox, but somehow Harsin or Rolovich does enough to impress, and excite the fan base?
They would also have to impress Rivera. Ron has an incredibly centered ego, so anything is possible, but I see him cleaning house more than promoting guys he had nothing to do with bringing in.... just my opinion, and hey, maybe the Cal offense is really something, but still end up 5-7...

---

mbBear said:

---

6956bear said:

---

mbBear said:

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

---

I don't see that math adding up: Cal doesn't do well enough to keep Wilcox, but somehow Harsin or Rolovich does enough to impress, and excite the fan base?
They would also have to impress Rivera. Ron has an incredibly centered ego, so anything is possible, but I see him cleaning house more than promoting guys he had nothing to do with bringing in.... just my opinion, and hey, maybe the Cal offense is really something, but still end up 5-7...

---

GivemTheAxe said:

---

mbBear said:

---

6956bear said:

---

mbBear said:

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

---

I don't see that math adding up: Cal doesn't do well enough to keep Wilcox, but somehow Harsin or Rolovich does enough to impress, and excite the fan base?
They would also have to impress Rivera. Ron has an incredibly centered ego, so anything is possible, but I see him cleaning house more than promoting guys he had nothing to do with bringing in.... just my opinion, and hey, maybe the Cal offense is really something, but still end up 5-7...

---

i am willing to trust RR in making that decision. If the new 2025 Cal Offense is scoring 35 points a game but allowing the other teams to score 42 points per game. I could see RR firing Wilcox and the DC and promoting Harsin/Rolovich to HC/OC (or OC/HC. We need RESULTS not EXCUSES.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda no longer carry any weight.

Just think that in 2024 Cal shoulda, woulda, coulda been 10-2 during the regular season.

---

GivemTheAxe said:

---

mbBear said:

---

6956bear said:

---

mbBear said:

---

Bearly Clad said:

---

I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

---

I don't see that math adding up: Cal doesn't do well enough to keep Wilcox, but somehow Harsin or Rolovich does enough to impress, and excite the fan base?
They would also have to impress Rivera. Ron has an incredibly centered ego, so anything is possible, but I see him cleaning house more than promoting guys he had nothing to do with bringing in.... just my opinion, and hey, maybe the Cal offense is really something, but still end up 5-7...

---

i am willing to trust RR in making that decision. If the new 2025 Cal Offense is scoring 35 points a game but allowing the other teams to score 42 points per game. I could see RR firing Wilcox and the DC and promoting Harsin/Rolovich to HC/OC (or OC/HC. We need RESULTS not EXCUSES.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda no longer carry any weight.

Just think that in 2024 Cal shoulda, woulda, coulda been 10-2 during the regular season.

---

golden sloth said:

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6956bear said:

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mbBear said:

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6956bear said:

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mbBear said:

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Bearly Clad said:

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I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

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All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

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I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

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I don't see that math adding up: Cal doesn't do well enough to keep Wilcox, but somehow Harsin or Rolovich does enough to impress, and excite the fan base?
They would also have to impress Rivera. Ron has an incredibly centered ego, so anything is possible, but I see him cleaning house more than promoting guys he had nothing to do with bringing in.... just my opinion, and hey, maybe the Cal offense is really something, but still end up 5-7...

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Certainly possible. GMs and HCs like working with folks they chose rather than what is simply on hand. My belief though is Ron is working with these folks daily. He sees their pros and cons. Also Ron is an NFL lifer. The college game is different than the pro game. IMO the possbility of really liking someone from this staff to take over is higher once he sees them through a complete cycle. But it is possible that neither distinguish themselves as well.

Also while many see Rolo and Harsin as having more cons than pros they both have been HCs before and won games. And if the team once again has a below par season that can be attributed to Wilcox. But if they do better than expected they would get and deserve some real credit.

Now if Ron could work a deal to attract a current sitting HC that has really won a lot that could be really good. Ron will know these current staffers very well by seasons end. He may not be impressed with what he finds out. But I think both Rolo and Harsin have real interest in trying to forge a good impression and Rivera as a football person understands the role much better than a normal AD might. And certainly much better than what Knowlton would.

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With Harsin and Rolo, at least you have some qualified interim coaches for when Wilcox underwhelms.

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6956bear said:

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mbBear said:

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6956bear said:

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mbBear said:

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Bearly Clad said:

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I'm loving the quick jump we're getting on the '26 class and I was thinking about the reasons why that's the case this year as opposed to past years and (I could be partially or entirely off-base) I came up with several key factors:

- First is the staff in place are simply better recruiters than we've had in the past. Notably Anae is landing a bunch of hits and the Poly foundation we have with him, So'oto, Benji, Rolovich (long history and key connections in Hawaii), plus the guys on the team are playing a big role.

- The team culture has long been noted as a big selling point for lots of these guys. Wilcox, for all his faults, has been doing this for years and our recruits and players have often cited the positive team atmosphere and vibes as a huge plus that is different from many of the other schools they visited

- The transfer portal era has brought on several massive, terrain-altering shifts. Almost all teams are bringing in bigger transfer classes and smaller HS classes so players don't want to be left without a seat. In addition guys who might have been inclined to wait until closer to signing day are being counseled of the value of locking in a spot early somewhere where they're a priority. Because of the increased focus on the portal a guy holding out for a dream offer or bigger schools could leave themselves in a position where they're going in as an afterthought or luxury commit and have a hard time seeing the field early. If they don't see the field early and are forced to hit the portal not as one of the top guys then it's a dangerous place to be; there are lots of players without elite resumes who have to drop down to G5 or FCS, or are left without a scholarship offer altogether and left a degree on the table. And that's before even considering all of the guys who transfer but are forced to go somewhere without a clear role or good path to playing time. Being forced into the portal is one of the most dangerous and tenuous places to be in. It's fine if you're a top QB, OL, or edge player but I'd say that fewer than 10% of the guys who transfer end up with a big role on their new team at a P4 program

- The changing landscape of college ball also had high academic schools like UNC and (ugh.) lsju see the light and lower their academic requirements in order to facilitate football moving forward. LSJU especially has 12 commits already which likely represents the majority of their recruiting class and is a big change from the days when they wouldn't lock in most of their commits until near the end of their senior season when they got the green light from admissions

- Because of more guys taking the money-in-hand approach as opposed to holding out for something bigger and better there may end up being a lot of late flips but I think that the early focus for a lot of these guys is locking in where they're a priority and have a path to playing time rather than getting stuck as a backup horse in the stable and having to transfer without having had the chance to prove their chops on the field. Even former 5*s who transfer now aren't guaranteed the cushy landing spots in the portal based on benefit of the doubt belief in their former potential

Anyway, those are just my random Monday musings. Maybe I'm off-track, maybe I missed something, and maybe I'm just talking out my @$$ but that's how I see it.

Go Bears and let's keep it rolling! I'm waiting for more good news and more guys to welcome to the Blue & Gold!

---

All interesting points. But is it also way too much excitement until they are signed and sealed?
And, if people here are to be believed, or what most are rooting for: the commitments mean nothing if Wilcox is getting canned after this season.

---

I think these recruits are a bit smarter than many want to give them credit for. I expect Wilcox to be gone. I think the bigger issue will be around timing and the next HC choice. I think it is very likely the next HC is on the staff today.

Oregon and others are not going to quit recruiting Tommy Tofi. They just offered his younger brother (Ernie class of 2028) and very likely will target Johm Tofi as well. Cal needs to win. Wilcox is irrelevant IMO other than his buyout. Dead man walking.

---

I don't see that math adding up: Cal doesn't do well enough to keep Wilcox, but somehow Harsin or Rolovich does enough to impress, and excite the fan base?
They would also have to impress Rivera. Ron has an incredibly centered ego, so anything is possible, but I see him cleaning house more than promoting guys he had nothing to do with bringing in.... just my opinion, and hey, maybe the Cal offense is really something, but still end up 5-7...

---

Certainly possible. GMs and HCs like working with folks they chose rather than what is simply on hand. My belief though is Ron is working with these folks daily. He sees their pros and cons. Also Ron is an NFL lifer. The college game is different than the pro game. IMO the possbility of really liking someone from this staff to take over is higher once he sees them through a complete cycle. But it is possible that neither distinguish themselves as well.

Also while many see Rolo and Harsin as having more cons than pros they both have been HCs before and won games. And if the team once again has a below par season that can be attributed to Wilcox. But if they do better than expected they would get and deserve some real credit.

Now if Ron could work a deal to attract a current sitting HC that has really won a lot that could be really good. Ron will know these current staffers very well by seasons end. He may not be impressed with what he finds out. But I think both Rolo and Harsin have real interest in trying to forge a good impression and Rivera as a football person understands the role much better than a normal AD might. And certainly much better than what Knowlton would.

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