Why is our class ranking still stuck in the 80s nationally when every other program with our supposed ambition is using the portal to make immediate jumps? We just saw Oklahoma State bring in 50 transfers. Colorado has 43. We're sitting here with a handful of FCS guys and expecting to compete with the top of the SCIAC? The composite isn't lying, it's telling the truth we don't want to hear. Our 2026 haul is flat, and the winter window is closed. That means we're rolling into spring ball with the same holes we had last season, while our rivals are getting better.
I'm hearing the staff is all-in on the 2027 class, but that's a loser's mentality. You build through the portal for now, and develop high school croots for later. We're doing neither effectively. Where is the aggressive push for the impact players in the portal who can start tomorrow? The NIL collective has to step up. We're getting out-bagged for local 3-stars by programs we used to own. This isn't complicated. You either adapt or get left behind.
The crystal balls for our top remaining 2026 targets are all cold. Zero momntum. How can we expect to sell a vision of competing when our class ranking screams mediocrity? This is a foundational issue. Are we even trying to wake up the sleeping giant in Orange County, or are we just content to be a stepping-stone program?