Are we concerned?

[SparkCat]

If the grisLLies had been on the other side would they have been able to take down the Redbirds? I really doubt it.

Couple of their incoming transfers are bailing..... Delaware state and a hhb school.....

Do you mean the grisLLies have already lost two transfers? Maybe they found out about the “dumpster fire” over the hill (maybe I am exaggerating a bit)…

They're seriously getting decommitments?

Their prized possession portal transfer who was going to be the next Junior Wortham dropped his commitment.

[84CatGrad]

No. We are not concerned.

[nanacat]

If the grisLLies had been on the other side would they have been able to take down the Redbirds? I really doubt it.

Couple of their incoming transfers are bailing..... Delaware state and a hhb school.....

Do you mean the grisLLies have already lost two transfers? Maybe they found out about the “dumpster fire” over the hill (maybe I am exaggerating a bit)…

They're seriously getting decommitments?

Their prized possession portal transfer who was going to be the next Junior Wortham dropped his commitment.

Oh interesting. Hadn't seen that.

[Cataholic]

There are still 1,600+ FBS and another 1,700+ FCS players still in the portal with no commitment. Why would MSU want to rush into anything? The Gris has picked a couple FBS guys that have close to no snaps at that level. I am okay waiting to fill specific needs with guys that were seeking G5 offers that never materialized. MSU is looking like an ideal option when the dust settles. Lamson is a great example.

[MrGoodKat]

Not racing to the portal and winning the high school recruiting battle are linked.

High schoolers, especially from MT, are drawn to MSU in part because they know that they’re not going to get immediately replaced.

For counter-examples, see Clay Oven, Kash Goicoechea, and Isaac Keim, all of whom were highly regarded in state recruits and who, to this point, have been behind transfers.

[RangeCat]

If the grisLLies had been on the other side would they have been able to take down the Redbirds? I really doubt it.

Couple of their incoming transfers are bailing..... Delaware state and a hhb school.....

Do you mean the grisLLies have already lost two transfers? Maybe they found out about the “dumpster fire” over the hill (maybe I am exaggerating a bit)…

They're seriously getting decommitments?

Their prized possession portal transfer who was going to be the next Junior Wortham dropped his commitment.

Oh interesting. Hadn't seen that.

Well...this could mean that Michael Wortham is getting an extra year of eligibility.

[VimSince03]

We brought in 5 transfers up until the summer last year and won the National Championship. This year we have even less holes. Look for some support to be brought in at corner, along the DL, and at WR. That's about it.

[catatac]

We brought in 5 transfers up until the summer last year and won the National Championship. This year we have even less holes. Look for some support to be brought in at corner, along the DL, and at WR. That's about it.

As I look at all the position groups... I would love to see a total stud safety to back up Caden if Vigen can find one - or perhaps somebody on the roster is going to develop enough between now and the Fall to be a lot closer to the ability that Caden possesses. I'm not here to throw any specific players under the bus but I think it was clear there was a pretty big drop between Caden and everyone else.

[VimSince03]

We brought in 5 transfers up until the summer last year and won the National Championship. This year we have even less holes. Look for some support to be brought in at corner, along the DL, and at WR. That's about it.

As I look at all the position groups... I would love to see a total stud safety to back up Caden if Vigen can find one - or perhaps somebody on the roster is going to develop enough between now and the Fall to be a lot closer to the ability that Caden possesses. I'm not here to throw any specific players under the bus but I think it was clear there was a pretty big drop between Caden and everyone else.

I get what you're saying but you aren't getting a safety to transfer here when there is no shot to start over Caden. You best develop from within with high school talent. Currently the Cats have done just that. Colter Petre made incredible gains from his redshirt freshman to sophomore season. If he takes another step, we are in good hands. Here is the safety depth behind/around Caden:

SS - Colter Petre (junior in 2026)
FS - Taki Uluilakepa (junior in 2026)
FS/NB - Bryant Meredith (junior in 2026)
FS/SS/NB - JJ Dolan (junior in 2026)
FS/SS - Brendon Ross (sophomore in 2026)
SS - Hayden Gunlock (redshirt frosh in 2026)
FS/SS/NB - Tim Thomas II (redshirt frosh in 2026)
NB - Luke Oxarart (redshirt frosh in 2026)

Didn't list Tayden Gray because he's really only played NB but I think he could move back there in a pinch. The other player to watch this spring is Mason Dethman. There have been conversations about having him start to develop at SS or NB and at 6'4", 205 lbs. along with a great year on special teams, we might have the #1 competition for Colter Petre already on the roster. Brendon Ross will also be tough to keep off the field this spring/fall.

If there is a transfer out there who wants to sit behind Caden, bring him in but we have a lot of freshman, sophomores, and juniors chomping at the bit to take his spot in a year.

[onceacat]

We brought in 5 transfers up until the summer last year and won the National Championship. This year we have even less holes. Look for some support to be brought in at corner, along the DL, and at WR. That's about it.

As I look at all the position groups... I would love to see a total stud safety to back up Caden if Vigen can find one - or perhaps somebody on the roster is going to develop enough between now and the Fall to be a lot closer to the ability that Caden possesses. I'm not here to throw any specific players under the bus but I think it was clear there was a pretty big drop between Caden and everyone else.

Yeah, theres a drop off from your All American to his backup. Who, honestly I thought played like an all conf HM when Petre came in. Otherwise, I like Vims answer.

[PapaG]

There are still 1,600+ FBS and another 1,700+ FCS players still in the portal with no commitment. Why would MSU want to rush into anything? The Gris has picked a couple FBS guys that have close to no snaps at that level. I am okay waiting to fill specific needs with guys that were seeking G5 offers that never materialized. MSU is looking like an ideal option when the dust settles. Lamson is a great example.

The Gris literally need a roster and can’t be all that selective. Bobby has picked this to be how that program is run for the rest of his time as coach.

MSU will fill a few holes but the roster is mostly built and next years team won’t miss a beat. Easy choice as preseason #1 and a solid favorite to make Nashville again.

Hauck seems to be panicking to try and stack low-tier FBS talent into a championship FCS team, but I’m hardly an objective. There is a world where they aren’t a top-8 seed and it may be more likely than not. Love it!