This romanticized view of the past ignores how many programs were stuck in cycles of mediocrity because they couldn't replenish talent. The portal creates competitive balance. California Golden Bears has directly benefited from strategic additions, like bringing in a veteran linebacker who immediately became our leading tackler. That player filled a critical need we couldn't address with high school recruiting alone. The idea that loyalty is dead is overstated. Look at our quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. He waited his turn, won the job, and is now the entrenched starter. The portal and retention coexist. Programs like Oklahoma State and Colorado are using the portal to aggressively rebuild because their high school recruiting wasn't keeping pace. Is it better to watch a loyal player lose by 30 EVERY week or to use the tools available to build a competitive roster? The 2023 Bears improved their win total by three games, and portal contributors on the defensive line were a major reason why, improving our yards per carry allowed by a full yard. This isn't fantasy football imo. It's modern roster management, and programs that adapt, like Cal is doing in the ACC, will thrive. The alternative is falling behind while clinging to an idealized version of the sport that no longer exists.