That's a fair point about the portal accelerating roster construction, but calling Year 1 impact "everything" misses the bigger picture. For a program like California, the portal is about sustainable building, not just a quick fix. Look at our offensive line last season. We brought in several transfers who started immediately, and our sack rate dropped by over 30% from the previous year. That's immediate impact, sure, but the real value is integrating those players into a system that develops them for Year 2 and 3. Some programs chase the big names and end up with a disjointed locker room. Our approach has been to target specific needs with players who fit the culture. The data shows teams that rely too heavily on one-year rental transfers often see volatile results. Their win totals can swing wildly. We're building a foundation in the ACC, and that requires portal additions who are here to compete for multiple seasons, not just audition for the NFL. It's a different philosophy, but for long-term stability in a new conference, it's the right one. USC's high-profile approach gets headlines, but consistent development of portal talent is what creates lasting success.
