The Bobcat Nation

I would like to start off by saying: In Vigen We Trust. Concerned isn't the correct word, I know we have a ton of starters and depth returning and have held on to a ton of guys who could have moved to FBS. But it is surprising to see zero incoming transfers from the portal. I don't think I have even heard of any offers. Is it just a resource allocation thing, and our staff is looking at our roster and saying we would rather pay to keep our studs than spend outside of the program?

No concern here

ADOKmt wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 16, 2026 10:05 pm

I would like to start off by saying: In Vigen We Trust. Concerned isn't the correct word, I know we have a ton of starters and depth returning and have held on to a ton of guys who could have moved to FBS. But it is surprising to see zero incoming transfers from the portal. I don't think I have even heard of any offers. Is it just a resource allocation thing, and our staff is looking at our roster and saying we would rather pay to keep our studs than spend outside of the program?

They can bring in transfers over the summer.

Not concerned. We only lost 5 contributors from a national championship team that was loaded with depth. I imagine we'll still find a way to pick up 1-3 transfers but we shouldn't need any more than that. Our 2026 schedule is super soft which allows plenty of time to work out any kinks and develop the new guys on the 2-deep into solid players. Our main competitors lost a lot of key pieces that will be much harder to replace.

We just won the NC. We lost a couple to graduation, we lost a couple to the portal. We have a great recruiting class coming in. Zero concern that we didn't sign anyone from the portal yet.

Definitely not concerned. Our needs are few and hundreds in the portal. Vigen knows what he’s doing.

By my count we have lost 10 to the portal and 9 to graduation, we have 20 incoming freshman. That math tells me we will be VERY selective about who we bring in from the portal.

Also there's time. The window closed today to enter but they can sign guys at any time. Obviously that's limited for spring participation but I would guess they're going to see what they have in spring.

Zero concern

I couldn't possibly be less concerned.

No.

/endthread

110010110 wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 16, 2026 10:23 pm

By my count we have lost 10 to the portal and 9 to graduation, we have 20 incoming freshman. That math tells me we will be VERY selective about who we bring in from the portal.

21 incoming freshmen now after today's commitment.

Okay, next question. Has there ever been a post with this much general consensus?

ADOKmt wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 16, 2026 10:05 pm

I would like to start off by saying: In Vigen We Trust. Concerned isn't the correct word, I know we have a ton of starters and depth returning and have held on to a ton of guys who could have moved to FBS. But it is surprising to see zero incoming transfers from the portal. I don't think I have even heard of any offers. Is it just a resource allocation thing, and our staff is looking at our roster and saying we would rather pay to keep our studs than spend outside of the program?

I think it's entirely possible we get 1-4 transfers still. It just won't be for a while. We have very few roster spots left on an already very talented and experienced roster. I do expect some departures after spring ball, which will free up some more depth spots. The only ones that will leave are the ones buried on the depth chart and concerned about playing time. If and when some of those guys move on, that will create a few more roster spots.

There is no portal in the spring anymore, but guys can still leave in the summer and sign for another school, much like Lamson did this year when he left Bowling Green for MSU. I expect to see this type of movement as the offseason goes along. MSU will be very selective with their portal targets. Vigen has done very well since he's been here...

Lamson, Meredith, Eckert, Chambers, McCullough, Long, Polidore, Julius Davis, Rohan Jones, Brendan Hall, Clevan Thomas...

He doesn't rely too hard on the portal, but his success rate has been extraordinary when he does dip into it. I trust he will find the right guy or guys again this year when the time comes. I'm so looking forward to next year!

ADOKmt wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 17, 2026 1:28 am

Okay, next question. Has there ever been a post with this much general consensus?

Not even close. Thanks for uniting us as a group.

Concerned?! That’s a hard no. Ha.

side note- but I like how there are kind of 2 opposite experiments going on in MT right now, in regard to navigating the current college football landscape.

1. MSU…. Maybe bring in 1 or 2 selective portal guys each year. But overall, dedicated to recruiting high school and player development.

2. UM…. About the exact opposite. Gonna just throw out an offer to all 6,000 players in the portal each off-season and hope for the best.

Which strategy works best??? Obviously the cats have had the edge recently. But both schools had great seasons. It’s interesting to watch develop.

AFCAT wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 16, 2026 10:15 pm

ADOKmt wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 16, 2026 10:05 pm

I would like to start off by saying: In Vigen We Trust. Concerned isn't the correct word, I know we have a ton of starters and depth returning and have held on to a ton of guys who could have moved to FBS. But it is surprising to see zero incoming transfers from the portal. I don't think I have even heard of any offers. Is it just a resource allocation thing, and our staff is looking at our roster and saying we would rather pay to keep our studs than spend outside of the program?

They can bring in transfers over the summer.

Without a desperate need anywhere it seems frugal to wait until after spring. This sends a good message to existing backups by giving them the opportunity to solidify a spot before searching the waiver wire.

I’ve been plenty critical of the coaching staff, but one area where no one can legitimately criticize them is how they’ve handled the portal this year, minimized losses, and held the team together.

Is the portal closed for kids to enter?

One of the great things about having such a stacked, talented, and deep roster with minimal portal losses (and such a small graduating class) is the Cats can mostly just look at 'best availible' talent.

Since there are only a few minor holes in the projected 2 deep (DB...maybe DL) then if a total stud pops up in the portal, great. Take a swing. But theres not a lot of need to do anything other than find any great football player that would be a good match for the culture.

Enjoy. Not too many teams at any level get to feel this good about their roster going into the next season.