Volleyball EXPERTS....what does this squad look like next year?

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FluAggie
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11:14a, 12/22/25
AG
Believe me...I'm still enjoying every second of this but I saw ESPN's way to early rankings and because we lose so much we were ranked 10th (which seems fair). Any projections on what the rotation is likely to look like next year based on what we know right now?


Obviously Stowers is a National Player of the Year candidate and she is going to be the main offensive weapon. She will never leave the court and play all-around.

I'm assuming that Kirra Musgrove steps in at setter (very high national recruit).

Addi Applegate was awesome and will be a fixture in the back row.

I'm assuming Megan Fitch basically steps in to the Hellmuth role.

Is Taryn Morris the new OPP?

Is Gabi Rodriguez (very highly ranked national recruit) an immediate factor in the back row?

Did we sign anyone else who will be a major impact player their freshman year?

I have no clue what we have in the middle next year...thoughts? Lolufe Adedeji?

How big of a factor will the portal be for this team? I imagine EVERY player who enters would love to hear from Texas A&M right now.
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SchizoAg
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11:33a, 12/22/25
AG
My impression is that the transfer portal is huge nowadays, and rankings can change substantially when it closes.
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Outlaw1998
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11:49a, 12/22/25
Thanks for posting this. I am right there with you! This team was special, but it feels like JM is about to start a dynasty
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Kansas Kid
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In reply to Outlaw1998 • 11:53a, 12/22/25
Outlaw1998 said:
Thanks for posting this. I am right there with you! This team was special, but it feels like JM is about to start a dynasty

Pre portal days, 2026 would be a success making sweet 16. With portal, a likely an increase in NIL from Old Ags, and a coach that has a lot of connections with top talent, I wouldn't rule out another run for Final Four.
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FluAggie
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In reply to Kansas Kid • 12:49p, 12/22/25
AG
I wholeheartedly agree that Coach Morrison is going to find a way to make us a contender again next year. I'm mainly curious about the pieces we already have in place and who we expect to be a factor next year. Obviously Stowers, Applegate, Musgrove, and Fitch would seem to be key pieces…Anyone else?

Will be fun to follow the portal and what type of additions we are able to get there!
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Outlaw1998
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1:00p, 12/22/25
I would have to believe we would be a popular place to go considering the success and JM's reputation in the VB world.
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FluAggie
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2:45p, 12/22/25
AG
Apparently Natalie Ring is a portal target and her highlights are IMPRESSIVE!
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SpeedyNoilsGhost
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4:30p, 12/22/25
AG
A lot of good talent in the portal. But we've seen proof of how Morrison develops talent. Wouldn't be surprised if we see some players fill the gaps right out of the jump.
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Kansas Kid
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4:40p, 12/22/25
I think from a recruiting and transfer perspective, you still have on top Nebraska, Stanford, Penn State, tu, and Wisconsin. The next tier at this point is Pitt, Louisville, and Kentucky. The top tier consistently gets the best recruits and transfers. The second tier does really well but isn't in the mix for final fours every year.

I think we have a great chance to be in the second tier at this point. It will take 5+ years of sustained final fours and regional finals appearances along with more financial and crowd support before we can consider ourselves in the top tier. I think we are on the right path with Morrison as the head coach to becoming a blue blood but one title doesn't suddenly make us one of the top 5 programs in the country.
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FluAggie
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In reply to Kansas Kid • 4:59p, 12/22/25
AG
Kansas Kid said:
I think from a recruiting and transfer perspective, you still have on top Nebraska, Stanford, Penn State, tu, and Wisconsin. The next tier at this point is Pitt, Louisville, and Kentucky. The top tier consistently gets the best recruits and transfers. The second tier does really well but isn't in the mix for final fours every year.

I think we have a great chance to be in the second tier at this point. It will take 5+ years of sustained final fours and regional finals appearances along with more financial and crowd support before we can consider ourselves in the top tier. I think we are on the right path with Morrison as the head coach to becoming a blue blood but one title doesn't suddenly make us one of the top 5 programs in the country.


No doubt. But I would guess we have more $$$ than most of those schools for NIL (at least we have potential to outspend them now that we have garnered so much interest in the program) AND if you look at what our coaches did with transfers, it is VERY impressive. Stowers, Waak, Hellmuth, Perkins, and Tatum Thomas all played a massive role in what we just accomplished. They have clearly shown we can identify talent in the portal and utilize it to win big!
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sleuthofbears
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5:06p, 12/22/25
AG
So as I understand it (and I could be wrong so please correct me if I am) our current starting lineup for next season as it stands right now is probably:

S: Musgrove
OPP: Morris
OH: Stowers, Fitch (We're rumored to be getting Ring from Marquette in the portal, if we do she'd replace Fitch)
MB: Stanojevic, Adedeji (Castle from Ohio State will likely replace Adedeji once she officially commits)
L: Applegate and/or Rodriguez

Assuming we do wind up getting Ring and Castle, that would leave 3 spots left, correct? If so, how we use those is probably dependent on how the staff feels about Musgrove, Morris, and Stanojevic.
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Lone Stranger
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5:16p, 12/22/25
In the new world of NIL and portal/transfers someone like Morrison who has a history/track record of going after and getting his share of good talent for domestic or international competitions seems promising. You look at the Purdue players that transferred to KY and Louisville, etc. to play this last year for whatever reason and see how easy it is to lose top talent today if you don't have the program cred/coaching/facilities/NIL, etc.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that during work trips to Omaha and Madison this last year I saw some of their players on local TV ads/commercials in those markets where lots of young girls (and their moms) can tell you all about who the volleyball players at the university are. I think Morrison understands that very well in terms of where he wants to keep putting effort "building".
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to Lone Stranger • 10:59p, 12/22/25
AG
Lone Stranger said:
In the new world of NIL and portal/transfers someone like Morrison who has a history/track record of going after and getting his share of good talent for domestic or international competitions seems promising. You look at the Purdue players that transferred to KY and Louisville, etc. to play this last year for whatever reason and see how easy it is to lose top talent today if you don't have the program cred/coaching/facilities/NIL, etc.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that during work trips to Omaha and Madison this last year I saw some of their players on local TV ads/commercials in those markets where lots of young girls (and their moms) can tell you all about who the volleyball players at the university are. I think Morrison understands that very well in terms of where he wants to keep putting effort "building".



This is where the NIL needs to grow. With the house settlement, it is difficult to just write a player a check with a lot of 0s as anything over $600 has to go through the clearing house. Old Ags writing big checks likely has its place, but we really need Playfly to capitalize on the season and get some big time NIL deals and we need the local businesses to buy it.
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ToastyAg
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11:50p, 12/22/25
AG
Huge fan of Applegate. She had some nasty digs
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waco_aggie05
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In reply to ToastyAg • 7:38a, 12/23/25
AG
ToastyAg said:
Huge fan of Applegate. She had some nasty digs


What great experience for her to get. I felt like Nebraska picked on her a little bit but against Kentucky she came up big and played well.
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Aston04
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In reply to Kansas Kid • 7:44a, 12/23/25
AG
Kansas Kid said:
I think from a recruiting and transfer perspective, you still have on top Nebraska, Stanford, Penn State, tu, and Wisconsin. The next tier at this point is Pitt, Louisville, and Kentucky. The top tier consistently gets the best recruits and transfers. The second tier does really well but isn't in the mix for final fours every year.

I think we have a great chance to be in the second tier at this point. It will take 5+ years of sustained final fours and regional finals appearances along with more financial and crowd support before we can consider ourselves in the top tier. I think we are on the right path with Morrison as the head coach to becoming a blue blood but one title doesn't suddenly make us one of the top 5 programs in the country.

That's mostly pre-NIL logic.

NIL money changes everything... Reputation of the program is important, but not as big... Thus, the pay your dues work your way up (or down, if the money dries up) goes a lot faster these days. If donors start writing big checks, A&M could be a top tier program moving forward.

Ex) Tech in football.
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Wicked Good Ag
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8:12a, 12/23/25
While NIL will be big until regulation eventually occurs, I think selling the development and culture will be a selling point for some players also

I dont see us under Morrison being like Texas or Penn State or SMU is now where we throw $$ at the best player to enter the portal at given positions. I see the portal as filling an immediate need under Morrison OR creating valuable depth and while one year "Buys" will occur in every program I see you taking for the most part players that will give depth or play for two maybe three years ala Hellmuth Perkins Humprhrey Thomas Stowers mixed in with an occasional Stinson one year ...these would include the two prortal additions we are hearing about in Castle and Ring allegedlly.

I trust someone who has built this program back up and even if we had not one it all to a point it had never been in three short years.

It will be about the fit within the program IMO but tell those that "fit" that fit Why Not Us?

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dcg4403
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In reply to Outlaw1998 • 8:42a, 12/23/25
AG
Outlaw1998 said:
Thanks for posting this. I am right there with you! This team was special, but it feels like JM is about to start a dynasty


He ain't starting a dynasty unless he makes some serious moves in the portal and fairly quickly. A&M is so quiet right now while so many top players are in the portal and many already signing deals. I am a bit surprised our maroon camp remains silent. Hopefully a silent assassin approach if there is such a thing in NIL.

If Jamie doesn't land several key transfers, next year's team could be more of a rebuild. Just my 02. If he can do it primarily with the talented left on this team he is truly a GOAT. All while I see Nebraska and Texas reloading with already INSANELY talented HS recruits.
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Jaydoug
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8:47a, 12/23/25
AG
When asked about the current group, Lednicky said during her TexAgs interview that they would scatter and she "wouldn't see Djurdja any more since she is going back to Serbia."

Maybe she meant just the holidays but it sounded more permanent.
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FluAggie
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In reply to dcg4403 • 9:03a, 12/23/25
AG
dcg4403 said:
Outlaw1998 said:
Thanks for posting this. I am right there with you! This team was special, but it feels like JM is about to start a dynasty


He ain't starting a dynasty unless he makes some serious moves in the portal and fairly quickly. A&M is so quiet right now while so many top players are in the portal and many already signing deals. I am a bit surprised our maroon camp remains silent. Hopefully a silent assassin approach if there is such a thing in NIL.

If Jamie doesn't land several key transfers, next year's team could be more of a rebuild. Just my 02. If he can do it primarily with the talented left on this team he is truly a GOAT. All while I see Nebraska and Texas reloading with already INSANELY talented HS recruits.


We had a very good high school recruiting class and also did last year. Back to back top 10 classes. Add in a few players from the portal (two that are already strongly rumored to be coming), returning a potential National Player of the Year, and it is easy to see this being a top 10 team next year.
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Anchorhold
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In reply to Jaydoug • 9:05a, 12/23/25
I assumed Djurdja left in a hurry and that as Logan will be busy playing pro ball by the time Djurdja gets back for the spring.
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Jaydoug
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9:06a, 12/23/25
AG
ESPN Too Early Top 25 has us at #10
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Divining Rod
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9:08a, 12/23/25
^yeah, that's what i would think- understanding thst they work their butts off to MAKE thst happen. It's nice to niw have a tail wind of reputation to give you thst extra lift.

(yeah i kniw, a tail wind diesn't produce lift)
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to Aston04 • 9:21a, 12/23/25
AG
Aston04 said:
Kansas Kid said:
I think from a recruiting and transfer perspective, you still have on top Nebraska, Stanford, Penn State, tu, and Wisconsin. The next tier at this point is Pitt, Louisville, and Kentucky. The top tier consistently gets the best recruits and transfers. The second tier does really well but isn't in the mix for final fours every year.

I think we have a great chance to be in the second tier at this point. It will take 5+ years of sustained final fours and regional finals appearances along with more financial and crowd support before we can consider ourselves in the top tier. I think we are on the right path with Morrison as the head coach to becoming a blue blood but one title doesn't suddenly make us one of the top 5 programs in the country.

That's mostly pre-NIL logic.

NIL money changes everything... Reputation of the program is important, but not as big... Thus, the pay your dues work your way up (or down, if the money dries up) goes a lot faster these days. If donors start writing big checks, A&M could be a top tier program moving forward.

Ex) Tech in football.


This is pre House Settlement logic. Worked for Tech in football because all those deals were signed and paid before clearing house rules went into effect. It is harder for donors to just write big checks since anything over $600 has to be structured to ensure it is fair market value and isn't seen as pay for play.
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to dcg4403 • 9:28a, 12/23/25
AG
dcg4403 said:
Outlaw1998 said:
Thanks for posting this. I am right there with you! This team was special, but it feels like JM is about to start a dynasty


He ain't starting a dynasty unless he makes some serious moves in the portal and fairly quickly. A&M is so quiet right now while so many top players are in the portal and many already signing deals. I am a bit surprised our maroon camp remains silent. Hopefully a silent assassin approach if there is such a thing in NIL.

If Jamie doesn't land several key transfers, next year's team could be more of a rebuild. Just my 02. If he can do it primarily with the talented left on this team he is truly a GOAT. All while I see Nebraska and Texas reloading with already INSANELY talented HS recruits.


Really? You are shocked we are quiet right now? Transfer announcements are marketing. We just got the biggest marketing exposure we could get in winning a Natty a few days ago. Wait a few days to announce transfers to optimize marketing exposure and time in the news.

I have no doubt Jamie and Staff were having conversations with potential transfers and doing their background research during the playoff run. You don't have to rush to make all that public.
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BQ_90
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In reply to Jaydoug • 9:31a, 12/23/25
AG
Jaydoug said:
When asked about the current group, Lednicky said during her TexAgs interview that they would scatter and she "wouldn't see Djurdja any more since she is going back to Serbia."

Maybe she meant just the holidays but it sounded more permanent.

I took it as Logan would be leaving to play VB some where else and not stick around BCS
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to Wicked Good Ag • 9:35a, 12/23/25
AG
Wicked Good Ag said:
While NIL will be big until regulation eventually occurs, I think selling the development and culture will be a selling point for some players also



FYI significant NIL regulation went into effect over the summer. Every deal over $600 has to now be reviewed (by Deloitte) for fair market value to ensure it isn't pay for play.
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Wicked Good Ag
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9:39a, 12/23/25
That will be a help but there will have to be more in place going forward if college athletics will be able to sustain itself

It is a business now...nothing like before. That said the top players have always been paid in some capacity but we will see where this new landscape leads us in college athletics
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BQ_90
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In reply to BiochemAg97 • 10:51a, 12/23/25
AG
BiochemAg97 said:
Wicked Good Ag said:
While NIL will be big until regulation eventually occurs, I think selling the development and culture will be a selling point for some players also



FYI significant NIL regulation went into effect over the summer. Every deal over $600 has to now be reviewed (by Deloitte) for fair market value to ensure it isn't pay for play.

I thought that all fell apart when schools refused to sign on to it I thought tech was the lead in killing it
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Ross Skillman 70
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10:51a, 12/23/25
AG
when you see the three incoming portal additions you just might make your final four hotel reservations for Dec 2026. San Antonio has room for 40,000 Aggies I hope!
ross skillman 70
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to BQ_90 • 11:57a, 12/23/25
AG
BQ_90 said:
BiochemAg97 said:
Wicked Good Ag said:
While NIL will be big until regulation eventually occurs, I think selling the development and culture will be a selling point for some players also



FYI significant NIL regulation went into effect over the summer. Every deal over $600 has to now be reviewed (by Deloitte) for fair market value to ensure it isn't pay for play.

I thought that all fell apart when schools refused to sign on to it I thought tech was the lead in killing it


I missed that. I don't think it fell apart, maybe delayed is more accurate. Tech's refusal to sign the enforcement agreement is based on alleged conflicts with state law, around things like the arbitration requirement and appealing a decision. They have indicated a willingness to sign on if the conflicts are resolved.

Would be interesting to see what kinds of deals public schools in Texas are entering into in the meantime, not know when/if they will have to go through the clearinghouse.

Also would be interesting to see what the conferences do to enforce even if the schools don't sign the enforcement agreement. Seems like most of the punishment comes from the conference anyway.
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waco_aggie05
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12:14p, 12/23/25
AG
The thing that separated this team from the rest of the field was chemistry. We had experience and time together. Jamie is a phenomenal coach but I think we'll miss that cohesiveness especially early on. We'll be younger but no doubt we will be talented.

Think we take an expected step back next year to reload but should still be lots of fun to watch!
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BiochemAg97
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In reply to waco_aggie05 • 12:20p, 12/23/25
AG
waco_aggie05 said:
The thing that separated this team from the rest of the field was chemistry. We had experience and time together. Jamie is a phenomenal coach but I think we'll miss that cohesiveness especially early on. We'll be younger but no doubt we will be talented.

Think we take an expected step back next year to reload but should still be lots of fun to watch!


Yeah, I don't expect a natty in 2026. I wouldn't be too sad if we don't make the final four, but I think we should be at least making the postseason and likely the regionals.
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themissinglink
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In reply to BiochemAg97 • 1:10p, 12/23/25
AG
BiochemAg97 said:
Wicked Good Ag said:
While NIL will be big until regulation eventually occurs, I think selling the development and culture will be a selling point for some players also



FYI significant NIL regulation went into effect over the summer. Every deal over $600 has to now be reviewed (by Deloitte) for fair market value to ensure it isn't pay for play.

As someone who does some consulting, you've got to admire Deloitte's work. They sold a consulting engagement to the NCAA to design a system to suppress FMV athlete wages which included them getting recurring revenue off an exploding industry (college athletics, specifically, athletes getting paid). And if you'd like to challenge Deloitte's ruling, you've got to hire a consultant to do some sort of market study. ****ing brilliant! I wish I was slimy enough and had dumb enough clients like the NCAA to be able to sell this type of arrangement.

Im not an anti-trust or labor lawyer, but there is no way in hell this system can be legal. A bunch of colleges banding together to only pay athletes a certain amount without collective bargaining from players?

Pay the athletes what they are worth.
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SchizoAg
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In reply to BQ_90 • 1:26p, 12/23/25
AG
BQ_90 said:
BiochemAg97 said:
Wicked Good Ag said:
While NIL will be big until regulation eventually occurs, I think selling the development and culture will be a selling point for some players also


FYI significant NIL regulation went into effect over the summer. Every deal over $600 has to now be reviewed (by Deloitte) for fair market value to ensure it isn't pay for play.

I thought that all fell apart when schools refused to sign on to it I thought tech was the lead in killing it

It definitely should be, it's a stupid idea. The obvious flaw is that Deloitte is obviously going to rate the "fair market value" of payments at blueblood programs with huge fanbases higher than at "upstart" programs. Thus entrenching the status quo.

With regard to transfers and the rebuilding process: Clearly you have to strike while the iron is hot and get the best possible players via the transfer portal, but is there a conflict between that and being loyal to your existing players (backups) who want a chance to grow into future superstars?
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