yep, that was the point I was trying to make.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pmRight! But he IS star at MSU!RockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pmHe "might" be a star at another school.tetoncat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pmHe might be a star at another school.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pmI thought of these exact things too. One day we'll see a Montana kid transfer I'm sure, but state pride, family connections, and wanting to graduate from your chosen school matters to in state guys perhaps more than the ones who transfer in. That being said, I think there are out of state guys who feel at home here too, Carr, Gray, and others. But growing up in Montana, being a Cat or a Griz from a young age, matters. Also, who would Taco be at a school out of Montana? I mean really? Some little guy with a cool name. And that's somewhat how he described himself in one interview I saw. But here in Montana, he's a star, and will continue to be with all that he's doing to keep Bobcat football relevant and successful for the next generation.coloradocat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 amYeah, I would swap numbers 3 and 1. It's possible to be a high character guy and transfer to a higher level program. Growing up in MT and wanting to go to school at MSU is a big deal and if he wants to stay in MT after school/football there's very little reason besides money to transfer. Plus he's engaged so he's got more than just himself to think about.damnyoutuesday wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am3. He's from Montanarfischer94 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 amI'm so impressed that Taco is staying. I'm sure he turned down an astonishing amount of money. The two biggest factors in my mind that led him to stay are 1. His character and 2. The quality of our program. Any other things I'm missing?coloradocat wrote: ↑Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pmI don't think that would matter to the teams that want him but he's not going anywhere. With all he's been through he was probably even less likely that Taco to leave and Taco was never leaving.
It's quite noticeable for both MSU and UM that Montana kids seem to stick around more often than out of state players. Probably has something to do with wanting to play for these schools their whole lives
Taco stays at MSU
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
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nanacat
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Yes, I got that, just felt the need to emphasizeRockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pmyep, that was the point I was trying to make.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pmRight! But he IS star at MSU!RockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pmHe "might" be a star at another school.tetoncat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pmHe might be a star at another school.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pmI thought of these exact things too. One day we'll see a Montana kid transfer I'm sure, but state pride, family connections, and wanting to graduate from your chosen school matters to in state guys perhaps more than the ones who transfer in. That being said, I think there are out of state guys who feel at home here too, Carr, Gray, and others. But growing up in Montana, being a Cat or a Griz from a young age, matters. Also, who would Taco be at a school out of Montana? I mean really? Some little guy with a cool name. And that's somewhat how he described himself in one interview I saw. But here in Montana, he's a star, and will continue to be with all that he's doing to keep Bobcat football relevant and successful for the next generation.coloradocat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 amYeah, I would swap numbers 3 and 1. It's possible to be a high character guy and transfer to a higher level program. Growing up in MT and wanting to go to school at MSU is a big deal and if he wants to stay in MT after school/football there's very little reason besides money to transfer. Plus he's engaged so he's got more than just himself to think about.damnyoutuesday wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am3. He's from Montanarfischer94 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 amI'm so impressed that Taco is staying. I'm sure he turned down an astonishing amount of money. The two biggest factors in my mind that led him to stay are 1. His character and 2. The quality of our program. Any other things I'm missing?coloradocat wrote: ↑Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pmI don't think that would matter to the teams that want him but he's not going anywhere. With all he's been through he was probably even less likely that Taco to leave and Taco was never leaving.
It's quite noticeable for both MSU and UM that Montana kids seem to stick around more often than out of state players. Probably has something to do with wanting to play for these schools their whole lives![]()
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tetoncat
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
If your points are that he would for sure be a star I agree. If your point nanacat is he can't do better than MT and a star here, by saying Who would he be other than a cool name, I think you are underselling him.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:20 pmYes, I got that, just felt the need to emphasizeRockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pmyep, that was the point I was trying to make.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pmRight! But he IS star at MSU!RockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pmHe "might" be a star at another school.tetoncat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pmHe might be a star at another school.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pmI thought of these exact things too. One day we'll see a Montana kid transfer I'm sure, but state pride, family connections, and wanting to graduate from your chosen school matters to in state guys perhaps more than the ones who transfer in. That being said, I think there are out of state guys who feel at home here too, Carr, Gray, and others. But growing up in Montana, being a Cat or a Griz from a young age, matters. Also, who would Taco be at a school out of Montana? I mean really? Some little guy with a cool name. And that's somewhat how he described himself in one interview I saw. But here in Montana, he's a star, and will continue to be with all that he's doing to keep Bobcat football relevant and successful for the next generation.coloradocat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 amYeah, I would swap numbers 3 and 1. It's possible to be a high character guy and transfer to a higher level program. Growing up in MT and wanting to go to school at MSU is a big deal and if he wants to stay in MT after school/football there's very little reason besides money to transfer. Plus he's engaged so he's got more than just himself to think about.damnyoutuesday wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am3. He's from Montanarfischer94 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 amI'm so impressed that Taco is staying. I'm sure he turned down an astonishing amount of money. The two biggest factors in my mind that led him to stay are 1. His character and 2. The quality of our program. Any other things I'm missing?coloradocat wrote: ↑Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pm
I don't think that would matter to the teams that want him but he's not going anywhere. With all he's been through he was probably even less likely that Taco to leave and Taco was never leaving.
It's quite noticeable for both MSU and UM that Montana kids seem to stick around more often than out of state players. Probably has something to do with wanting to play for these schools their whole lives![]()
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nanacat
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
My point was that he is a star now. Could he be a star elsewhere? Yes he could be. But with his play on the field thus far at MSU, combined with his camps, fundraising, etc, that would be harder to do in another state where you're not a household name and don't have the same connections/reputation. No underselling intended at all.tetoncat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:39 pmIf your points are that he would for sure be a star I agree. If your point nanacat is he can't do better than MT and a star here, by saying Who would he be other than a cool name, I think you are underselling him.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:20 pmYes, I got that, just felt the need to emphasizeRockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pmyep, that was the point I was trying to make.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pmRight! But he IS star at MSU!RockyBearCat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pmHe "might" be a star at another school.tetoncat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pmHe might be a star at another school.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pmI thought of these exact things too. One day we'll see a Montana kid transfer I'm sure, but state pride, family connections, and wanting to graduate from your chosen school matters to in state guys perhaps more than the ones who transfer in. That being said, I think there are out of state guys who feel at home here too, Carr, Gray, and others. But growing up in Montana, being a Cat or a Griz from a young age, matters. Also, who would Taco be at a school out of Montana? I mean really? Some little guy with a cool name. And that's somewhat how he described himself in one interview I saw. But here in Montana, he's a star, and will continue to be with all that he's doing to keep Bobcat football relevant and successful for the next generation.coloradocat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 amYeah, I would swap numbers 3 and 1. It's possible to be a high character guy and transfer to a higher level program. Growing up in MT and wanting to go to school at MSU is a big deal and if he wants to stay in MT after school/football there's very little reason besides money to transfer. Plus he's engaged so he's got more than just himself to think about.damnyoutuesday wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am3. He's from Montanarfischer94 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 am
I'm so impressed that Taco is staying. I'm sure he turned down an astonishing amount of money. The two biggest factors in my mind that led him to stay are 1. His character and 2. The quality of our program. Any other things I'm missing?
It's quite noticeable for both MSU and UM that Montana kids seem to stick around more often than out of state players. Probably has something to do with wanting to play for these schools their whole lives![]()
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Taco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:44 pm
My point was that he is a star now. Could he be a star elsewhere? Yes he could be. But with his play on the field thus far at MSU, combined with his camps, fundraising, etc, that would be harder to do in another state where you're not a household name and don't have the same connections/reputation. No underselling intended at all.
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rfischer94
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
We could do much worse!BelgradeBobcat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pmTaco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:44 pm
My point was that he is a star now. Could he be a star elsewhere? Yes he could be. But with his play on the field thus far at MSU, combined with his camps, fundraising, etc, that would be harder to do in another state where you're not a household name and don't have the same connections/reputation. No underselling intended at all.
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TomCat88
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
I wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
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Gorak
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
A taco on every plate and a touchdown in every end zone.rfischer94 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:49 pmWe could do much worse!BelgradeBobcat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pmTaco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:44 pm
My point was that he is a star now. Could he be a star elsewhere? Yes he could be. But with his play on the field thus far at MSU, combined with his camps, fundraising, etc, that would be harder to do in another state where you're not a household name and don't have the same connections/reputation. No underselling intended at all.
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rfischer94
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
That's a good sign idea!Gorak wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:45 amA taco on every plate and a touchdown in every end zone.rfischer94 wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:49 pmWe could do much worse!BelgradeBobcat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pmTaco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.nanacat wrote: ↑Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:44 pm
My point was that he is a star now. Could he be a star elsewhere? Yes he could be. But with his play on the field thus far at MSU, combined with his camps, fundraising, etc, that would be harder to do in another state where you're not a household name and don't have the same connections/reputation. No underselling intended at all.
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KIX
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Delay seems so odd but good take. Why the big gaps and cant this stuff be done quicker? Especially with Caden and Jones. Are they negotiating vs other offers? Jones IG post yesterday seemed very ambiguous, at best. Caden not staying with Taco at MSU seems weird. I would think Titan, Crews and Taylor would stay. I think Woods would be a big priority, as well.TomCat88 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 amI wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
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TomCat88
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Jones is interesting. I'd think he'd want to stay. Most people think that, too, I believe. With Ifanse's and Humphrey's results, it would be hard to go that route.KIX wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 amDelay seems so odd but good take. Why the big gaps and cant this stuff be done quicker? Especially with Caden and Jones. Are they negotiating vs other offers? Jones IG post yesterday seemed very ambiguous, at best. Caden not staying with Taco at MSU seems weird. I would think Titan, Crews and Taylor would stay. I think Woods would be a big priority, as well.TomCat88 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 amI wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
I think Caden is staying if Taco is staying. It's hard to imagine they'd be on different teams after sharing how much they love being together and with just one more year left.
I have no idea how this works.
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MSU01
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
It's hard to say how quickly things are happening behind the scenes when the only way we as fans know anything is if and when the players themselves choose to make public announcements on social media. And these guys finally had some time off last week after a long football season that began way back in July, so I don't begrudge them a few days of peace and quiet before Spring classes started up this week.KIX wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 amDelay seems so odd but good take. Why the big gaps and cant this stuff be done quicker? Especially with Caden and Jones. Are they negotiating vs other offers? Jones IG post yesterday seemed very ambiguous, at best. Caden not staying with Taco at MSU seems weird. I would think Titan, Crews and Taylor would stay. I think Woods would be a big priority, as well.TomCat88 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 amI wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Maybe Caden transfers to Portlands not a state to further develop under the tutelage of robbie.coloradocat wrote: ↑Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pmI don't think that would matter to the teams that want him but he's not going anywhere. With all he's been through he was probably even less likely that Taco to leave and Taco was never leaving.
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ilovethecats
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
TONS going on behind the scenes with NIL. We have players that rightfully so have been offered a lot of money. Lots of times more than we can match. So lots of negotiating going on.KIX wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 amDelay seems so odd but good take. Why the big gaps and cant this stuff be done quicker? Especially with Caden and Jones. Are they negotiating vs other offers? Jones IG post yesterday seemed very ambiguous, at best. Caden not staying with Taco at MSU seems weird. I would think Titan, Crews and Taylor would stay. I think Woods would be a big priority, as well.TomCat88 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 amI wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
A point and me and a person from the collective discussed though, some of these kids just don't feel a need to ANNOUNCE that they are staying. What's the point? They know they're going to be here next season.
I don't even stress this anymore with Vigen on board. We lost great players. We might lose some more. We have great players coming back, great players in the wings, and I imagine Vigen will add great players through the portal because he's proven he does that.
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iaafan
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
True, but announcing you’re returning is a good time to start promoting your camp. I know Adam Jones had one last year.ilovethecats wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pmTONS going on behind the scenes with NIL. We have players that rightfully so have been offered a lot of money. Lots of times more than we can match. So lots of negotiating going on.KIX wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 amDelay seems so odd but good take. Why the big gaps and cant this stuff be done quicker? Especially with Caden and Jones. Are they negotiating vs other offers? Jones IG post yesterday seemed very ambiguous, at best. Caden not staying with Taco at MSU seems weird. I would think Titan, Crews and Taylor would stay. I think Woods would be a big priority, as well.TomCat88 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 amI wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
A point and me and a person from the collective discussed though, some of these kids just don't feel a need to ANNOUNCE that they are staying. What's the point? They know they're going to be here next season.
I don't even stress this anymore with Vigen on board. We lost great players. We might lose some more. We have great players coming back, great players in the wings, and I imagine Vigen will add great players through the portal because he's proven he does that.
Like you, I’m not concerned because the players in the wings are very good. We’re going to be really, really good next year, regardless.
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KIX
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Agree. Thanks.ilovethecats wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pmTONS going on behind the scenes with NIL. We have players that rightfully so have been offered a lot of money. Lots of times more than we can match. So lots of negotiating going on.KIX wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 amDelay seems so odd but good take. Why the big gaps and cant this stuff be done quicker? Especially with Caden and Jones. Are they negotiating vs other offers? Jones IG post yesterday seemed very ambiguous, at best. Caden not staying with Taco at MSU seems weird. I would think Titan, Crews and Taylor would stay. I think Woods would be a big priority, as well.TomCat88 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 amI wonder if players are announcing their returns based on the Collective/coaching staff going through their list in a priority order? First, Taco, then Lamson, now ??? Jones...Caden...Titan...Crews...Taylor, etc......? UM seems similar with Ah Yat, then Gillman announcing in what seems like a logical order.
A point and me and a person from the collective discussed though, some of these kids just don't feel a need to ANNOUNCE that they are staying. What's the point? They know they're going to be here next season.
I don't even stress this anymore with Vigen on board. We lost great players. We might lose some more. We have great players coming back, great players in the wings, and I imagine Vigen will add great players through the portal because he's proven he does that.
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iaafan
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Re: Taco stays at MSU
Many of the players are still overwhelmed and who can blame them? I think Adam was just saying thanks after searching for the words.