Taco stays at MSU

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RockyBearCat
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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by RockyBearCat » Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pm

nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pm
RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pm
tetoncat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pm
coloradocat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 am
damnyoutuesday wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am
rfischer94 wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 am
coloradocat wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pm
wbtfg wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 5:22 pm
Common Cat wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 5:12 pm
Does Caden stay?
Considering he just had shoulder surgery, i would say yes.

I would imagine he’s not available for spring ball and would be limited for much of the summer.
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.
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?
3. He's from Montana

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
Yeah, 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.
I 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.
He might be a star at another school.
He "might" be a star at another school.
Right! But he IS star at MSU!
yep, that was the point I was trying to make. :-)



nanacat
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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by nanacat » Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:20 pm

RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pm
RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pm
tetoncat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pm
coloradocat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 am
damnyoutuesday wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am
rfischer94 wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 am
coloradocat wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pm
wbtfg wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 5:22 pm


Considering he just had shoulder surgery, i would say yes.

I would imagine he’s not available for spring ball and would be limited for much of the summer.
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.
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?
3. He's from Montana

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
Yeah, 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.
I 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.
He might be a star at another school.
He "might" be a star at another school.
Right! But he IS star at MSU!
yep, that was the point I was trying to make. :-)
Yes, I got that, just felt the need to emphasize :lol:



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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by tetoncat » Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:39 pm

nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:20 pm
RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pm
RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pm
tetoncat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pm
coloradocat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 am
damnyoutuesday wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am
rfischer94 wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:22 am
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.
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?
3. He's from Montana

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
Yeah, 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.
I 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.
He might be a star at another school.
He "might" be a star at another school.
Right! But he IS star at MSU!
yep, that was the point I was trying to make. :-)
Yes, I got that, just felt the need to emphasize :lol:
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.


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nanacat
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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by nanacat » Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:44 pm

tetoncat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:39 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:20 pm
RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:14 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 3:13 pm
RockyBearCat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:23 pm
tetoncat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 2:18 pm
nanacat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 1:27 pm
coloradocat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:40 am
damnyoutuesday wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 11:25 am
rfischer94 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?
3. He's from Montana

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
Yeah, 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.
I 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.
He might be a star at another school.
He "might" be a star at another school.
Right! But he IS star at MSU!
yep, that was the point I was trying to make. :-)
Yes, I got that, just felt the need to emphasize :lol:
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.
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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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by BelgradeBobcat » Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pm

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.
Taco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.



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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by rfischer94 » Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:49 pm

BelgradeBobcat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pm
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.
Taco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.
We could do much worse!



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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by TomCat88 » Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am

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

Post by Gorak » Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:45 am

rfischer94 wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:49 pm
BelgradeBobcat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pm
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.
Taco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.
We could do much worse!
A taco on every plate and a touchdown in every end zone.
(Hey these slogans write themselves)



rfischer94
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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by rfischer94 » Tue Jan 13, 2026 9:21 am

Gorak wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:45 am
rfischer94 wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 8:49 pm
BelgradeBobcat wrote:
Mon Jan 12, 2026 7:47 pm
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.
Taco could be governor of Montana if he wanted it.
We could do much worse!
A taco on every plate and a touchdown in every end zone.
(Hey these slogans write themselves)
That's a good sign idea!



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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by KIX » Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 am

TomCat88 wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am
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.
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.



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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by TomCat88 » Tue Jan 13, 2026 2:14 pm

KIX wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 am
TomCat88 wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am
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.
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.
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.

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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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by MSU01 » Tue Jan 13, 2026 2:24 pm

KIX wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 am
TomCat88 wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am
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.
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.
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.


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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by RickRund » Tue Jan 13, 2026 2:36 pm

coloradocat wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 6:16 pm
wbtfg wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 5:22 pm
Common Cat wrote:
Sun Jan 11, 2026 5:12 pm
Does Caden stay?
Considering he just had shoulder surgery, i would say yes.

I would imagine he’s not available for spring ball and would be limited for much of the summer.
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.
Maybe Caden transfers to Portlands not a state to further develop under the tutelage of robbie.


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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by ilovethecats » Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pm

KIX wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 am
TomCat88 wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am
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.
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.
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.

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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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by iaafan » Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:31 pm

ilovethecats wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pm
KIX wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 am
TomCat88 wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am
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.
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.
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.

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.
True, but announcing you’re returning is a good time to start promoting your camp. I know Adam Jones had one last year.

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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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by KIX » Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:37 pm

ilovethecats wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 5:21 pm
KIX wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 11:09 am
TomCat88 wrote:
Tue Jan 13, 2026 8:28 am
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.
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.
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.

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.
Agree. Thanks.



iaafan
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Re: Taco stays at MSU

Post by iaafan » Tue Jan 13, 2026 6:00 pm

Many of the players are still overwhelmed and who can blame them? I think Adam was just saying thanks after searching for the words.



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